Abakan Airport

Abakan International Airport, named after V.G. Tikhonov, is not just an airport, but the main aerial gateway to the amazing world of Khakassia. Located in the republic's capital, it welcomes and sees off travelers, opening the way to ancient burial mounds, the Siberian taiga, and endless steppes. Despite its relatively small size, the airport plays a key role in the region's transport system, connecting it with the largest cities of Russia and other countries.

Despite its compactness, Abakan Airport offers passengers all the necessary amenities for a comfortable wait for their flight. The terminal building houses two sectors — for domestic and international lines — featuring cafes, shops, luggage storage, and a mother-and-child room. Passengers can enjoy free Wi-Fi, and for those arriving by private car, parking is provided on the station square. The convenient location, just 5 kilometers from the center of Abakan, allows for quick and hassle-free access to the city via public transport or taxi.

• Official Website: abakan.aero
• Information Desk Phone: +7 (3902) 29-63-33
• Address: Republic of Khakassia, Abakan city, Airport
• Email: info@abakan.aero
• Social Media: vk.com/abakan_airport (VKontakte)
• Lost and Found: Phone: +7 (3902) 28-28-59, Email: lost-found@abakan.aero
• Passenger Support Service: For assistance and consultations, please contact the airport information desk.

Getting to Abakan International Airport (ABA) from the city is quite simple, as it is located just a few kilometers from the center of Abakan. Travelers can choose the most convenient method depending on their budget, time, and amount of luggage. The trip usually does not take much time, but it is worth allowing extra minutes during peak hours.

The most economical way to get to the airport is by public transport. Several city bus routes (for example, No. 3, No. 11, No. 12) and trolleybuses pass through the "Airport" stop. The fare is very affordable and usually costs around 30–40 rubles. This is an excellent option for light travelers looking to save money. However, please note that buses can be crowded, especially with bulky luggage. Travel time from the city center is approximately 20–30 minutes, depending on the route and traffic conditions.

For those who value comfort and speed, the optimal choice is a taxi or transfer. Both local taxi services and popular online aggregators operate in the city. A car ride from the center to the terminal takes only 10–15 minutes in the absence of traffic jams. The estimated cost is 200–400 rubles, but this may vary depending on demand and time of day. This option is more expensive than the bus but provides "door-to-door" convenience, which is especially relevant when traveling with children or multiple suitcases. It is recommended to book a car in advance to avoid unnecessary waiting.

If you prefer complete freedom of movement around Russia, you can use a car rental service. Many rental companies offer the option to pick up a car in the city and leave it at a special parking lot at the airport before departure. For those arriving in their own vehicle, the airport territory provides both short-term and long-term parking with different rates. This is a convenient, albeit more costly option, ideally suited for road travelers.

Abakan Airport (ABA) is a compact and modern aviation hub with a structure that is intuitively understandable even for first-time visitors. The airport complex consists of one passenger terminal, which serves both domestic and international flights, significantly simplifying navigation for passengers.

The terminal is designed logically and simply. The ground floor traditionally houses check-in counters, the arrival area with baggage claim belts, and a waiting hall for greeters. Key infrastructure facilities are also located here: cafes, souvenir shops, and airline offices. The departure zone for domestic flight passengers is located on the second floor, accessible by stairs or elevator after checking in. The international sector has a separate security and passport control zone.

Thanks to the small size of the airport, transitions between different zones take minimal time. Since there is only one terminal, passengers do not need to worry about moving between buildings. All procedures — from entering the airport to boarding the plane — take place within a single complex. This is particularly convenient for travelers with children and large amounts of luggage.

Passing through check-in and pre-flight security usually does not take much time. On average, all formalities take from 20 to 40 minutes, depending on the flight load. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport according to standard practice: 1.5–2 hours before departure for domestic lines and 2.5–3 hours before international flights, to check in luggage and pass through security without haste.

The history of Abakan International Airport (ABA) is a chronicle of aviation development in the very heart of Siberia. The official founding date of the aviation enterprise is considered to be 1938, when the first aircraft landed here, marking the beginning of regular air service. In the early years, it was a small airfield with a dirt strip, serving mainly postal and medical flights on small aircraft like the Po-2.

The airport received a significant boost in development in the post-war years. In the 1960s, the first terminal was built, and infrastructure gradually improved. A truly turning point in the history of the air harbor was the completion of the concrete runway construction in 1979. This allowed the airport to receive modern jet liners of that time, such as the Tu-154, which radically changed the geography of flights and connected Khakassia with the largest cities of the USSR.

In 1993, Abakan Airport received international status, opening a new page in its history. This allowed for the launch of charter and regular flights abroad, making travel more accessible for the region's residents. In subsequent years, the airport underwent modernization multiple times: the runway was reconstructed, the terminal complex was renovated, and modern lighting and navigation equipment was installed. These improvements allowed it to accept almost all types of modern aircraft.

An interesting fact: throughout its history, Abakan Airport has played a key role not only for the Republic of Khakassia but also for the neighboring Republic of Tuva, remaining its most important air gateway. Today, it is a modern aviation hub, rightfully considered one of the most important transport centers of Southern Siberia and included in the list of airports of federal significance in Russia. It continues to develop, ensuring reliable and safe air travel for thousands of passengers.

Abakan Airport (ABA) offers passengers all necessary services for a comfortable wait before departure. In the terminal building, you will find cafes and snack bars where you can have a bite to eat or drink a cup of coffee. For those looking for gifts, souvenir shops are open, featuring products reflecting the local color of Khakassia and traditional Siberian goods.

For the convenience of travelers, the airport is equipped with a general waiting hall. Passengers who value enhanced comfort can use the services of the VIP lounge. This is a quiet and cozy space where you can relax or work in a calm atmosphere. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, and special stands with sockets are provided for charging electronic devices.

ATMs are available in the terminal for cash withdrawals. In case of need, a medical point is located in the building, ready to provide first aid. For passengers with children, a mother-and-child room is equipped with all conditions for caring for little ones. Travelers with disabilities are provided with comprehensive assistance and accompaniment at all stages of pre-flight service; it is recommended to contact the airline in advance to request this.

Although there is no hotel directly on the airport grounds, several hotels offering comfortable accommodation are located in the immediate vicinity. There are no specialized conference halls in the airport, but the VIP lounge can serve as a convenient venue for holding small business meetings.

Abakan Airport (ABA) is a small regional aviation hub, so the choice of dining establishments here is modest but sufficient to have a snack before departure or wait for your flight. Dining options are concentrated in the main terminal building.

The main cafe is located in the general hall on the ground floor, in the area before security control (landside). Here, passengers are offered dishes of home-style Russian and Siberian cuisine. The menu usually includes soups (such as borsch or solyanka), hot main courses, salads, as well as various pastries — pies and buns. This is the best option for a full lunch or dinner. Prices here are generally quite moderate and affordable for most travelers.

After passing through security, in the departure zone (airside), the choice is more limited. Usually, a small buffet or coffee shop operates here, where you can buy beverages (tea, coffee, water), sandwiches, chocolate, and other packaged snacks. This is an ideal place for a quick snack immediately before boarding the flight.

Regarding specialized diets (vegetarian, gluten-free, or Halal), finding suitable ready-made meals in local cafes might be difficult due to the limited assortment. Passengers with strict dietary requirements are recommended to bring food with them.

The operating hours of dining establishments at Abakan Airport are directly linked to the flight schedule. They open a few hours before departure and close after the last planes have left, so you will always be able to find an open cafe if you have a scheduled flight.

To ensure your journey through Abakan Airport is as comfortable and stress-free as possible, take advantage of these useful tips. Knowing some nuances will help save time and nerves at this key transport hub of Khakassia.

We recommend arriving at the airport at least 2 hours before the departure of a domestic flight. Although the terminal is not very large and queues are rare here, this time will be enough to calmly check in luggage, pass through security, and find your boarding gate. To speed up the process, check in for your flight online on your airline's website.

The security screening procedure at the airport is standard for all air harbors in Russia. Be prepared to present your passport and boarding pass, as well as remove your laptop and liquid containers from your carry-on luggage. Remember that liquids in containers not exceeding 100 ml each, packed in a transparent bag, are allowed in the cabin.

When choosing a seat on the plane, be guided by your preferences. Window seats offer beautiful views, while aisle seats provide the ability to stand up freely without disturbing neighbors. If extra legroom is important to you, consider seats at emergency exits, but note that certain restrictions apply to them.

Abakan Airport mainly serves direct flights and is rarely used as a transit hub. If you have a self-transfer, allow at least 3-4 hours for the connection. You will need to collect your luggage, check in again, and pass through security before the next flight.

Customs control is only required for passengers on international charter flights. This procedure is not required for any domestic flights. To save a little, take an empty water bottle with you, which can be filled at a drinking fountain after the security zone, along with a light snack.

If your flight is delayed, the first thing to do is contact the airline representative at the information desk. Depending on the length of the wait, you are entitled to beverages, hot meals, and in case of a long delay, hotel accommodation. Be sure to keep all receipts for expenses incurred due to the delay — they may be useful for obtaining compensation.