Talagi

Arkhangelsk International Airport (Talagi) is not merely a transport hub, but a true gateway to the Russian North, welcoming travellers with rugged beauty and modern comfort. Following a large-scale reconstruction in 2023, the air harbour has been transformed, offering guests renovated infrastructure and a high level of safety. It is the starting point for exciting expeditions to the Arctic and tours to the legendary Solovki, while its proximity to the city makes the beginning of your journey as convenient as possible.

The airport is named after the writer Fyodor Abramov and plays a key role in the life of the region, connecting Pomorye with the largest cities in Russia. Thanks to a new runway, Talagi is now capable of receiving modern aircraft without take-off weight restrictions. It is a place where northern hospitality meets advanced aviation technologies.

Features and advantages of Talagi Airport:

The main pride of the airport is the recently completed reconstruction of the airfield complex. In 2023, the runway was completely renovated, modern lighting equipment was installed, and taxiways were upgraded, which significantly increased the reliability and regularity of flights even in the difficult weather conditions of the North.

For the comfort of passengers, the Museum of Northern Aviation operates within the airport territory, where you can pass the time before departure by studying the history of polar aviation and the exploration of the Arctic. The exhibition includes real examples of aviation equipment located in the open air, which is especially popular with young travellers.

The infrastructure of the complex is thought out to the smallest detail: a hotel is located within walking distance, and the terminals are equipped with comfortable waiting halls, a business lounge, and a mother and child room. Convenient transport accessibility allows you to reach the centre of Arkhangelsk by bus or taxi in just 20–30 minutes.

You can contact representatives of Talagi Airport (ARH) in several ways. Below you will find the main contact details for passengers.

• Official website: arhaero.ru — here you can find flight schedules, the online scoreboard, and other useful information.
• Information desk phone: +7 (8182) 63-13-21 (24 hours).
• Airport address: Arkhangelsk Region, Arkhangelsk city, Arkhangelsk Airport (Talagi).
• Email: For general inquiries, you can use the address airport@arhaero.ru.
• Social networks: The airport maintains an official page on VKontakte: vk.com/arhairport.
• Lost and Found: If your luggage has been lost or damaged, contact the transportation service by phone: +7 (8182) 63-16-01.
• Passenger Support Service: For all questions related to your journey, please contact the airport's 24-hour information desk.

You can get to Talagi Airport (ARH) from the centre of Arkhangelsk in several ways, each of which has its own advantages. The distance from the city centre to the airport is about 11 kilometres, so the trip will not take much time.

Public Transport. The most budget-friendly way to get to the airport is to use the city bus. Route No. 12 runs regularly between the Sea-River Station and Talagi Airport, passing through the central streets of the city. The fare is about 40-50 rubles. Travel time is approximately 40–60 minutes depending on traffic conditions. This is an excellent choice for economical travellers and those travelling light.

Taxi and Transfer. For those who value comfort and speed, a taxi is the optimal option. The trip from the city centre to the airport will take only 20–30 minutes. The cost typically varies from 400 to 600 rubles depending on demand and the time of day. Popular taxi booking services via mobile apps operate in Arkhangelsk, allowing you to check the price in advance and book a car. This is especially convenient for passengers with bulky luggage or families with children.

Car Rental. If you plan to move actively around the Arkhangelsk region, renting a car can be a good solution. You can rent a car both in the city and directly at the airport upon arrival. This gives complete freedom of movement and allows you not to depend on the public transport schedule while exploring the beauties of northern Russia.

Parking at the Airport. For those arriving at the airport in their own vehicle, parking zones are provided. There are both short-term parking lots for quick drop-off or pick-up of passengers, and long-term ones where you can leave the car for the duration of the entire trip. It is recommended to check the rates on the official airport website in advance.

Talagi Airport (ARH) in Arkhangelsk is a compact and convenient aviation hub, where navigation will not cause difficulties even for inexperienced travellers. Its infrastructure is simple and logical, allowing for the quick completion of all pre-flight formalities.

Structure and Layout of the Airport

The airport consists of one passenger terminal, which serves both domestic and international flights. The terminal building has two floors, and all key zones are located within walking distance of each other. Thanks to the single building, transfers between terminals are not required — everything is under one roof.

Located on the ground floor are:

• Arrivals area with baggage claim belts.
• Check-in counters and baggage drop-off points.
• General waiting area where you can meet arriving passengers.
• Cafes, ATMs, and souvenir shops.

Located on the first floor are:

• Pre-flight security screening area.
• The so-called "airside" — the departure lounge after passing security control.
• Boarding gates.

Procedures and Time

Passing through check-in and security at Talagi Airport usually takes less time than in major hubs. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport in advance: at least 1.5-2 hours before the departure of a domestic flight and 2.5-3 hours before an international one. During peak hours and the tourist season, waiting times may increase.

Navigation Tips

Orienting yourself in the terminal is very easy. Clear signs in Russian and English are installed everywhere. The information desk, where you can get any necessary assistance, is usually located in the central part of the hall on the ground floor. Due to the compactness of the airport, you will quickly find your boarding gate or check-in counter simply by following the signs.

The history of Talagi Airport (ARH) begins in the 1960s. The decision to build it was made to replace the outdated Kegostrov airfield. The first technical flight on an Il-18 aircraft took place in February 1963, and already in 1964, the airport was officially put into operation, opening a new page in the aviation connection of Arkhangelsk with the rest of the country.

In the Soviet years, the airport developed actively. Initially, An-24 aircraft were based here, and soon the air harbour began to receive larger Il-18s and became one of the first in the region to master the operation of Tu-134 jet liners. Talagi quickly turned into a key transport hub of the Russian North, providing communication with remote areas and supporting Arctic expeditions. In the 1980s, a new, more spacious air terminal was built to cope with the growing passenger flow.

In the post-Soviet era, the airport received international status, which expanded its flight geography. The history of Talagi is marked by several major modernisations. In the late 1990s and early 2000s, a large-scale reconstruction of the runway was carried out. The most recent and significant update occurred in 2023, when the airport was temporarily closed for a complete reconstruction of the runway, which significantly improved safety levels and allowed for the reception of modern types of aircraft without restrictions.

Among the interesting facts is the dual purpose of the airport: it is used for both civil and military needs. But perhaps the most notable moment in modern history occurred in 2019. Within the framework of the "Great Names of Russia" project, Talagi Airport was named after the prominent writer Fyodor Abramov, a native of the Arkhangelsk land. This event emphasised the cultural significance of the region's air gates and their inextricable connection with the history and heritage of Pomorye.

Talagi Airport in Arkhangelsk offers passengers all the necessary services for a comfortable wait for their flight. Conditions have been created in the terminal for both short stays before departure and long waits for transit passengers.

Cafes and coffee shops operate within the terminal, where you can have a snack, drink hot beverages, and purchase food for the journey. Shops are also open where you can buy souvenirs with symbols of the Russian North, reading materials, and essential goods. For a more comfortable wait, you can use the services of the VIP lounge, which offers an enhanced level of service, including drinks, snacks, and fresh press in a quiet atmosphere.

Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport building, and stands and sockets for charging mobile devices are installed in the waiting halls. To resolve financial issues, there are ATMs of several major banks in the terminal. In case of necessity, passengers can contact the 24-hour medical centre for first aid.

For travellers with small children, a mother and child room is equipped where you can feed and change your baby in a quiet environment, as well as rest before the flight. Passengers with reduced mobility are provided with special assistance: escorting through the airport territory, assistance with check-in and boarding. It is recommended to notify the airline in advance about the need for such services.

If you have an early departure or a long connection, a hotel is located in the immediate vicinity of the terminal. This is a convenient option for resting between flights. For business travellers, basic business services, such as sending a fax or copying documents, may be available in the VIP lounge.

At Arkhangelsk "Talagi" Airport (ARH), passengers can find several options to have a snack or a full lunch while waiting for their flight. The main food outlets are concentrated in the terminal building and are available both in the public area and in the departure area after passing control.

Most establishments are located in the public area (before security), where the choice is usually wider. Cafes operate here offering hot dishes, salads, soups, and pastries. After passing security control, in the "airside" departure zone, there are also coffee shops and small buffets where you can get coffee, tea, sandwiches, or desserts directly before boarding the plane.

The menu is generally standard for airports: sandwiches, pastries, salads, and hot dishes of Russian and European cuisine. We recommend paying attention to specialities reflecting the flavour of the North. Sometimes you can find pastries with local berries (cranberries, cloudberries) or traditional fish pies (rybniki) on sale — this is a great way to get acquainted with Pomor cuisine. As for drinks, be sure to try the berry juice (mors).

For passengers with special dietary needs, such as vegetarianism or a gluten-free diet, the choice may be limited. It is easiest to find vegetable salads, side dishes (potatoes, buckwheat), or fruits. It is best to check with the cafe staff regarding the availability of specific dishes. The price range at the airport is typically higher than the city average, which is common practice for aviation hubs.

If you are short on time, a quick snack — coffee with fresh pastries or a sandwich in one of the coffee shops — will be the ideal choice. For a more substantial lunch, cafes in the public zone are suitable, where set meals or hot dishes from the menu are often offered. The opening hours of establishments are usually tied to the flight schedule: they open early in the morning and work until the departure of the last plane, so you will always be able to find an open cafe.

Planning a trip to Arkhangelsk is the anticipation of meeting the Russian North. To ensure your journey begins and ends smoothly, take advantage of our tips for Talagi Airport (ARH).

Arrival time at the airport. Talagi is a small and fairly quiet airport, but we still recommend not taking risks. Arrive 2 hours before the departure of a domestic flight and 3 hours before an international one. This time will be enough to check in luggage without haste, pass control, and have a coffee. Always check the recommendations of your airline, as they may sometimes differ.

Check-in and security control. The easiest way to save time is to complete online check-in for the flight, which usually opens 24 hours before departure. At the airport itself, the control procedure is standard, but in peak seasons (for example, in summer), there may be queues. Prepare your documents in advance and remove all electronic devices and liquids from your hand luggage.

Choosing a seat on the plane. Want to enjoy views of northern nature from a height? Choose a window seat. When approaching Arkhangelsk or taking off from it, you can often see the picturesque curves of the Northern Dvina. If comfort and the ability to quickly leave the cabin after landing are more important to you, your choice is an aisle seat.

Hand luggage. The rules are standard: liquids with a volume of no more than 100 ml each must be packed in a transparent bag. The total volume is no more than 1 litre per passenger. Laptops, power banks, and other gadgets are carried in hand luggage. Local souvenirs, such as the famous Arkhangelsk gingerbread (kozuli), can be safely taken into the cabin. However, liquid gastronomic gifts will have to be checked in as luggage.

Transfers and Customs. Talagi Airport is rarely used as a transit hub. If you do have a connecting flight, check with the airline whether you need to collect and re-check your luggage. Only passengers on international flights pass through customs control. On flights within Russia, only security screening awaits you.

Saving time and money. In addition to online check-in, booking a transfer or taxi via an app in advance will help save money — this is often cheaper than taking a car upon arrival. There are several cafes at the airport, but prices there are higher than in the city, so to save money, you can bring a light snack (non-liquid) with you.

If the flight is delayed. Northern weather can be unpredictable, especially in winter, so delays happen. In case of a schedule change, contact your airline representative. Remember your rights: in the event of a long delay, you are entitled to drinks, hot meals, and if necessary, accommodation in a hotel. The airport has Wi-Fi and sockets for charging devices, so a book or a downloaded film will help pass the time.