Chara Airport

The Chara Airport is not just a runway in the heart of Siberia, but a true aerial gateway to the amazing world of Transbaikalia. Located in the Kalarsky District, it serves as a vital transport artery connecting this remote region with the rest of Russia. For travellers striving to see unique natural wonders, such as the Chara Sands or the Kodar Mountains, their unforgettable adventure begins right here. It is a compact regional hub playing a key role in the life of the entire district.

The main feature of Chara Airport is its strategic importance. For locals and tourists, it is the fastest and sometimes the only way to reach the "mainland" and major cities, especially during the off-season. The airport is a small but functional building equipped with the essentials for passengers: a waiting area and check-in counters. The service here is simple and straightforward, which perfectly suits the spirit of this rugged yet hospitable region.

Despite its modest size, the airport copes excellently with its main task — ensuring reliable air connections. It receives and dispatches regular flights linking the region with Chita, from where routes open up to other cities in the country. A key advantage of the airport is its convenient location. Its proximity to the village allows you to reach the centre in literally 5-10 minutes by taxi, which is very comfortable for travellers after a flight.

You can contact representatives of Chara Airport in several ways. Below are the main contact details for passengers.

• Official Website: The airport is part of the Federal State Enterprise "Airports of Transbaikalia", and current information is published on the general resource aerochita.ru. Chara Airport does not have a separate website.
• Information Desk Phone: +7 (30261) 2-25-83.
• Airport Address: Russia, Zabaykalsky Krai, Kalarsky Municipal District, Chara village, Airport.
• Email: For official inquiries, you can use the e-mail of the head organisation listed on their website.
• Social Media: The airport does not have its own pages on social networks.
• Lost Luggage Information: For issues related to lost or damaged luggage, you should first contact your airline's representative. You can also clarify information by calling the general airport phone number.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For consultations regarding schedules, services, and airport rules, please call the information desk.

Getting to Chara Airport (CZR) from the village of the same name in Russia is quite a simple task, as it is located in the immediate vicinity of the settlement. The distance from the centre of Chara to the terminal is only about 2-3 kilometres, so the trip will not take much time, whichever method you choose.

Taxi or Private Transfer is the most popular and reliable way to get to the airport. A car ride will take just 5–10 minutes. Given the small size of the village, the cost will be minimal. It is recommended to arrange a ride with local drivers in advance, especially if you have an early flight, to guarantee the availability of a car at the right time. Services of major taxi aggregator apps may be unavailable here.

As for public transport, regular bus routes to the airport are absent due to its close proximity. The village is so compact that if you wish and have a small amount of luggage, you can walk to the terminal. Such a walk will take about 20–30 minutes and will allow you to enjoy the views of the surrounding nature. The Novaya Chara railway station, located on the Baikal-Amur Mainline, is approximately 10 km from the village and the airport, and you will need to take a taxi from there.

Car rental in Chara is practically undeveloped, so you should not rely on this option. If you arrived in your own car or one rented in another city, the airport has a small parking area. As a rule, this is a simple lot in front of the terminal building where you can leave your car while waiting for a flight.

The Chara Airport (CZR) is a small regional air hub characterised by a simple and clear structure. The airport operates one passenger terminal, which serves all flights — both departures and arrivals. Thanks to its compactness, navigating the building causes no difficulties even for those here for the first time.

The terminal layout is extremely simple. All main zones are located in one building and within walking distance of each other. Immediately upon entering the terminal, passengers find themselves in a general hall where check-in counters and a waiting area are located. Here you can also find the main information boards with flight schedules. There are no transfers between terminals, as there is only one.

Departure and arrival zones are effectively parts of the same space. After checking in, passengers proceed to pre-flight security screening, followed by a small boarding waiting area. The arrival zone is equally compact and includes a baggage claim belt. Since the airport mainly serves domestic flights within Russia, complex border and customs procedures are absent.

Check-in and security screening at Chara Airport usually take a minimum amount of time due to low passenger traffic. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport in advance — approximately 1.5-2 hours before departure, especially if you are travelling with luggage. This will allow you to complete all formalities without rushing. Orienting yourself in the terminal is very easy: follow the few signs, and you will easily find the zone you need.

The history of Chara Airport (CZR) is inextricably linked with one of the most massive projects of the 20th century — the construction of the Baikal-Amur Mainline (BAM). The air harbour was founded in the late 1970s and early 1980s as a key transport hub for supplying this grand construction site. It was here that cargo, equipment, and, of course, people from all over the country arrived to lay the railway through the harsh taiga. For the remote Transbaikal region, part of Russia, the airport became a true "gateway to the sky" from the very beginning.

After the completion of the main construction works on the BAM, the airport did not lose its significance. It transformed from a cargo and technical airfield into a vital passenger hub, ensuring the region's connection with major cities. For decades, it has been and remains a vital artery for local residents, as reaching many settlements by land can be difficult, especially during the off-season. The main workhorses here for a long time were the robust and reliable An-24 and An-26 aircraft.

A new phase in the airport's history began in the 2020s with the launch of a large-scale reconstruction. This project aims to completely transform the air harbour. As part of the modernisation, a new runway and a modern terminal complex are being built, and advanced lighting and navigation equipment is being installed. The main goal is to improve flight safety, passenger comfort, and ensure the ability to accommodate more modern types of aircraft.

One of the interesting facts about Chara Airport is its unique location. It is situated in the immediate vicinity of the famous Chara Sands — a real desert in the middle of the Siberian taiga, making it the starting point for many photographers and lovers of unusual travel. Thus, the airport not only performs a transport function but also serves as a departure point for those wishing to discover the amazing and harsh nature of the Kodar-Chara district.

Chara Airport (CZR) is a small regional air hub ensuring transport accessibility for the Zabaykalsky Krai. Given its size and remoteness, the range of services here is basic and focused on meeting the essential needs of passengers waiting for their flight to unique corners of Russia.

The terminal building houses a general waiting hall with standard seating. A small buffet operates for passengers, where hot drinks, pastries, and light snacks can be purchased. More substantial restaurants or large shops are absent from the airport. Specialised VIP lounges are not provided.

Opportunities for charging electronic devices are limited, so it is recommended to carry a portable power bank. Stable wireless internet access (Wi-Fi) is generally unavailable. Banking services, ATMs, and currency exchange points are not provided in the terminal, so all financial matters should be settled in advance.

A medical point operates on the airport territory to provide urgent assistance. Passengers with children and travellers with reduced mobility are advised to notify their airline in advance regarding the need for special assistance or escort so that airport staff are ready to assist during boarding and disembarking.

There are no hotels directly at the airport. Accommodation can be found in the village of Chara, which is located not far from the terminal. Accommodation options include several guest houses and small hotels. Business centres and conference halls are not provided in the airport's infrastructure.

When planning a trip through Chara Airport (CZR), it is important to consider that this is a small regional air hub serving local destinations. The infrastructure here is quite modest, which is reflected in the dining options. Instead of the multitude of restaurants and cafes found in major airports, passengers here are offered basic services.

Typically, a small buffet or cafeteria operates in the terminal building. It is located in the general waiting hall, accessible to both departing and arriving passengers. Here you can purchase a simple snack before your flight: pastries (pies, buns), sandwiches, chocolate, as well as hot and cold drinks — tea, coffee, water, and juices. The assortment usually does not vary greatly but allows you to satisfy your hunger.

Specialised dishes, such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or halal options, are likely to be absent from the menu. Travellers with strict dietary requirements are recommended to bring food with them. You will also not find a full multi-course lunch here — the establishment is oriented towards quick and simple snacks.

Prices in the buffet are usually moderate, corresponding to the level of small regional airports. Opening hours depend directly on the flight schedule: the cafe opens shortly before departures and closes after the planes have left. Therefore, if you arrive at the airport during a period with no flights, be prepared that the establishment may be closed.

Travelling through Chara Airport, serving the village of the same name in the Zabaykalsky Krai of Russia, has its own specific features. Being a small regional air hub, it offers passengers a calmer atmosphere than major airports. To ensure your trip goes smoothly, use these tips.

Arrival at the Airport and Check-in. For domestic flights, which are the main ones for Chara, it is recommended to arrive at the airport 1.5–2 hours before departure. This time will be sufficient to check in for the flight and pass security screening without rushing. Given the small size of the terminal, queues here are rare. Nevertheless, it is always better to have a time buffer, especially in bad weather, which may affect the journey to the airport.

Passing Control and Seat Selection. The security screening procedure is standard. To speed up the process, remove metal objects from your pockets, take off outerwear, and prepare electronic devices in advance. When choosing a seat on the plane, consider that flights from Chara are often operated on small aircraft. If you want to enjoy views of the unique landscapes of the Kodar Range, choose a window seat. An aisle seat will provide more legroom and the ability to leave the cabin faster upon arrival.

Hand Luggage and Baggage. Rules for carrying hand luggage are standard: liquids in containers up to 100 ml (total volume not exceeding 1 litre per passenger), packed in a transparent bag. Sharp objects, weapons, and flammable substances are prohibited. Since the airport mainly serves domestic flights, there is no customs control here, only pre-flight security screening.

Connections and Savings. Chara Airport is rarely used as a transit hub for long-haul flights. Most routes involve a transfer in larger cities, such as Chita or Irkutsk. When planning connecting flights, allow sufficient time between them. To save money, buy tickets in advance, especially during the tourist season, and travel light if possible to avoid extra charges for excess baggage.

What to Do in Case of Flight Delay? In case of a flight delay, first contact your airline representative at the airport. According to the rules, during long delays, passengers should be provided with drinks, hot meals, and, if necessary, hotel accommodation. Keep in mind that infrastructure in a small airport may be limited, so be prepared to wait and charge your electronic devices in advance.