Vityazevo

Vityazevo International Airport (AAQ) is the main air gateway to the famous resort city of Anapa and a key transport hub on the Black Sea coast of Russia. Located near the village of the same name, it welcomes travellers seeking the sun, the sea, and the region's unique health resorts. Following the opening of a new modern terminal in 2017, the airport significantly increased its capacity, offering passengers comfort and a high level of service on their way to a long-awaited holiday. The airport is named after the renowned test pilot Vladimir Kokkinaki.

Vityazevo Airport plays a vital role in the transport system of the country's south, serving not only Anapa—Russia's largest children's resort—but also cities such as Novorossiysk and Temryuk. The new terminal, covering nearly 12,000 square metres, is designed to handle domestic flights with a capacity of up to 600 passengers per hour, making the wait for departure as convenient as possible. The airport infrastructure includes everything a traveller might need: cafes and shops, a nursery and family room, ATMs, and comfortable waiting lounges.

You can reach the centre of Anapa or neighbouring resort villages from the airport by taxi or public transport. There is a minibus stop near the terminal connecting the airport to the city's bus station. Thanks to its strategic location and modern infrastructure, Vityazevo Airport is rightfully considered one of the most dynamically developing aviation hubs in the region.

For your convenience, we have compiled all necessary contact information for Vityazevo Airport (AAQ).

• Official Website: aaq.aero — here you will find the most up-to-date information on flights, services, and airport regulations.
• Information Desk Phone: 8 (800) 301-19-91 (calls within Russia are free).
• Address: Russia, Krasnodar Krai, Anapa, Anapa (Vityazevo) Airport named after V.K. Kokkinaki.
• Email: For general enquiries, it is recommended to use the feedback form on the official website. Contacts for press or business partners are listed in the relevant sections of the site.
• Social Media: Current news and important announcements are published in the airport's official groups on VKontakte and Telegram.
• Lost & Found: If your luggage has been lost or damaged, please contact the Lost & Found counter in the arrivals hall or call: +7 (86133) 9-85-80.
• Passenger Support Service: For any arising questions, you can contact the airport's unified information service at the number listed above.

Important Information: Currently, Vityazevo Airport, like several other air harbours in southern Russia, is temporarily not serving civil flights. Travellers planning a trip to Anapa should consider alternative routes using ground transport in advance.

The main way to reach the resort at the moment is by rail transport. Anapa has its own railway station, which receives long-distance trains from many major cities. This is the most reliable option, allowing you to arrive directly in the city. Bus connections with neighbouring regions are also well developed.

For those preferring combined routes, the nearest major operating aviation hub is Sochi Airport (Adler). From there, you can reach Anapa in several ways: by the "Lastochka" high-speed train, which is considered the most comfortable option (travel time approx. 5-6 hours), by intercity bus, or by booking a transfer.

Previously, when Vityazevo Airport was operating normally, it offered convenient connections to the city. One could reach the centre by minibus No. 113, taxi (the trip took about 20-25 minutes), or by rented car, with rental counters located within the terminal. This information will be relevant once flights resume.

It is also worth noting that airports in Gelendzhik and Krasnodar (Pashkovsky), as well as in Taganrog, Simferopol, and Kerch, currently also have restrictions on receiving and dispatching flights. Always check current information regarding the operation of transport hubs before planning your journey.

Vityazevo Airport (AAQ) in Anapa features one modern passenger terminal, which was opened in 2017 and today serves all domestic and international flights. The old terminal building is no longer used for passenger service, so all navigation is concentrated within the new complex.

The terminal layout is simple and intuitive. It is a two-storey building with logical zoning:

• Ground Floor is dedicated to the arrival and registration zone. Here you will find check-in counters, the baggage claim area, airline offices, cafes, and souvenir shops.
• First Floor is the departure zone. After check-in, passengers proceed here for pre-flight security screening and enter the "clean zone" featuring waiting lounges, boarding gates, Duty Free shops (for international flights), and food and beverage outlets.

Since all operations are concentrated in one building, transfers between terminals are not required, which significantly simplifies navigation and saves time. Information boards and signs will help you orient yourself easily. Arrival and departure zones are clearly separated by floors, eliminating confusion.

The time for completing formalities at Vityazevo Airport is standard for regional airports. It is recommended to arrive 1.5-2 hours before departure for domestic flights. During the peak tourist season, from June to September, passenger traffic increases significantly, so it is worth allowing extra time to pass through check-in and security without rushing.

The history of Anapa "Vityazevo" Airport is inextricably linked with the development of the city as one of the country's main children's resorts. The first airfield appeared here back in 1934, but the modern history of the air harbour began significantly later. In 1976, the airport was moved to its current location near the village of Vityazevo, which allowed it to receive larger aircraft and serve the growing flow of holidaymakers arriving in Russia.

During the Soviet years, the airport played a key role in the transport system of the Black Sea coast. It received regular flights from many major cities of the USSR, mainly on Yak-40, Tu-134, and An-24 aircraft. This was a period of stable growth, although after the dissolution of the Soviet Union, like many other regional airports, "Vityazevo" faced a serious decline in passenger traffic.

A new phase of development began in the 2000s, and a large-scale modernisation became a real breakthrough. In 2014, the runway was reconstructed, allowing modern medium-haul liners to be received without restrictions. The culmination was the opening of a new terminal with an area of nearly 12,000 square metres in July 2017. This modern and high-tech building allowed the airport's capacity to increase to 3 million passengers per year and brought the quality of service to a completely new level.

Interesting fact: the airport, like the village of the same name, was named in honour of Major Dmitry Vityaz, a hero of the Russo-Turkish War. Today, "Vityazevo" (AAQ) is a modern international airport serving as an important air gateway not only for Anapa but also for other nearby resorts, welcoming and seeing off hundreds of thousands of tourists annually.

The infrastructure of Vityazevo Airport in Anapa was designed to provide passengers with all necessary services. The modern terminal features areas for various cafes, lounges, and restaurants, as well as shops offering souvenirs, holiday goods, and products from local manufacturers. Prior to the suspension of flights, a Duty Free shop also operated in the international departure zone.

Comfortable seating is provided in the general hall for waiting. Passengers preferring enhanced comfort had access to a Business Lounge and a VIP Lounge offering beverages, snacks, fresh press, and a secluded atmosphere. Upon the resumption of operations, guests will be able to use free Wi-Fi throughout the airport territory and stands for charging mobile devices to stay connected.

ATMs from several major banks and currency exchange points were installed in the terminal building for traveller convenience. In case of need, medical personnel were on duty around the clock at the health post, ready to provide first aid.

Particular attention in the airport project was paid to passengers with children—a nursery and family room was equipped for them, where one could feed and change a baby in a quiet environment. The infrastructure is also fully adapted for passengers with reduced mobility: assistance services were available, and the terminal is equipped with ramps and special washrooms.

For travellers with long layovers or early departures, several hotels are located in the immediate vicinity of the airport. Business tourists utilizing VIP services had access to conference rooms and other business facilities for holding meetings or working while waiting for a flight.

When Vityazevo Airport (Anapa) was functioning normally, passengers could find several options for a snack or a full meal while waiting for their flight. The dining infrastructure was concentrated mainly in the new terminal and catered to various tastes and budgets, although prices, as in most airports, were somewhat higher than in the city.

The main establishments were located both in the public zone and in the departure zone after security control. Before passport control (landside), one could find several cafes where it was convenient for well-wishers or passengers arriving early to pass the time. Coffee with fresh pastries and sandwiches was offered here—a good option for those who did not want to rush.

After passing through screening, in the "clean" departure zone (airside), the choice became wider. Cafes and lounges operated here, where one could have a more substantial lunch. The menu typically featured dishes of European and Russian cuisine: salads, soups, hot meat and fish dishes, as well as a variety of beverages. Sometimes one could also find specialities of southern Russia—for example, lemonades made from local fruits or traditional pastries.

For a quick snack, coffee shops offering coffee, tea, desserts, and sandwiches were ideal. If there was time for a full meal, one could look at cafes with set menu offers. Regarding special dietary needs (such as Halal, vegetarian, or gluten-free), the selection might be limited. However, vegetable salads, side dishes, or fruit platters could almost always be found on the menus of most establishments.

Most dining outlets operated according to the flight schedule, opening a few hours before the first departure and closing after the last one. During the peak tourist season, some of them could work around the clock, ensuring comfort for passengers on night flights.

Although Vityazevo Airport is currently temporarily not accepting flights, these tips will certainly be useful to you in the future when air connections with Anapa resume. To ensure your journey begins without unnecessary haste, plan your arrival at the airport well in advance. As a rule, for domestic flights within Russia, it is recommended to allow 2 hours before departure, and for international flights—at least 3 hours. This time will be sufficient to calmly complete all formalities: from baggage drop to security control.

You can save time at check-in counters by using online check-in on your airline's website, especially if you are travelling light with only hand luggage. When choosing a seat in the cabin, consider your preferences: a window seat offers beautiful views, while an aisle seat offers freedom of movement. Families with children often find it more convenient to sit in the front part of the aircraft. Be sure to check your carrier's hand luggage rules in advance. Standard requirements include liquids in containers up to 100 ml, packed in a transparent bag, and no sharp objects.

Vityazevo Airport primarily serves domestic flights, so most passengers do not need to go through customs control. If your flight is international, look for the "Green" (if you have nothing to declare) or "Red" channel signs. Passengers with transfers should study the terminal map in advance and follow the "Transit/Transfer" signs to quickly find their next boarding gate.

To avoid overpaying, take an empty water bottle with you—after security screening, it can be filled at a drinking fountain. Prices for food and beverages in the departure zone are traditionally high, so a light snack brought from home won't hurt. In case of a flight delay, do not panic. Contact an airline representative for clarification. Remember that for long delays, you are entitled to beverages, hot meals, and, if necessary, hotel accommodation. All current information on flight status is always displayed on the information boards in the departure hall.