Balandino

The Chelyabinsk (Balandino) International Airport named after I. V. Kurchatov acts as the main air gateway to the South Urals and serves as a modern transport hub of federal significance. Located 18 kilometres from the centre of Chelyabinsk, it serves as a departure point for journeys across Russia and to foreign countries. The airport bears the name of a famous nuclear physicist, highlighting the region's importance in the country's scientific and industrial life. Thanks to recent modernisation and a new terminal, the airport offers passengers a high level of comfort and service.

Chelyabinsk Airport is rightfully considered one of the most dynamically developing airports in the region. Its runway is capable of accommodating aircraft of almost all types, including long-haul planes such as the Boeing 747. All conditions for a comfortable wait have been created for passengers: spacious halls, complimentary Wi-Fi, cafes, shops, as well as a VIP zone with a conference hall. Furthermore, the airport is one of the bases for Red Wings airlines, which expands the flight geography and offers travellers even more convenient routes.

For your convenience, we have compiled the main contact information for Chelyabinsk (Balandino) International Airport.

• Official Website: cek.aero
• Information Desk Phone: +7 (351) 778-38-88, +7 (351) 778-37-77
• Airport Address: Airport, Chelyabinsk, Chelyabinsk Region, Russia, 454133
• Email for General Inquiries: info@cekport.ru
• Social Media: The airport maintains an official page on VKontakte: vk.com/cekport
• Lost Luggage Information: To search for lost or damaged luggage, please contact: +7 (351) 778-33-90
• Passenger Support Contacts: For most questions, including schedules, check-in, and services, you can contact the airport's 24-hour information desk.

You can get to Balandino International Airport (CEK) from Chelyabinsk in several ways, each having its own advantages depending on your budget, time, and preferences. The airport is located approximately 22 kilometres northeast of the city centre, and the journey usually takes from 30 to 60 minutes.

The most economical option is public transport. Several express bus routes (No. 1, 41, 45) connect the airport with various districts of the city, including the bus station and the railway station. This is a convenient method if you are travelling light. The fare is low, but it is worth checking the schedule in advance, especially if you have an early departure or late arrival. The travel time by bus can be around an hour or more, depending on the route and traffic conditions.

For those who value comfort and speed, the optimal choice would be a taxi or transfer. Popular taxi booking services via mobile apps operate in Chelyabinsk, and you can also use the services of official airport carriers. A taxi ride from the city centre will take approximately 30-40 minutes, excluding traffic jams. Booking a transfer in advance guarantees a fixed price and a meeting with the driver, which is particularly convenient for travellers with bulky luggage or families with children.

If you prefer to move around on your own, you can use a private or rented car. The road to the airport is well-marked with signs. Various parking options are provided at Balandino Airport: from short-term, ideal for meeting or seeing off passengers, to long-term guarded car parks where you can leave your car for the duration of your trip. The cost depends on the duration of parking and the distance from the terminal.

When planning a route through the Ural region of Russia, it is also worth considering other nearby airports. For example, the major international hub Koltsovo is located in Yekaterinburg, approximately 166 km away. Other options include Magnitogorsk Airport, Kurgan Airport, as well as Kostanay Airport in neighbouring Kazakhstan, which may be convenient for further travel.

The Chelyabinsk (Balandino) Airport named after I. V. Kurchatov is a modern and convenient complex consisting of two main passenger terminals. Their division by flight direction makes navigation intuitive: one terminal serves domestic flights within Russia, and the second serves international ones.

The Domestic Airlines Terminal is a new, spacious, and bright building that has become the main centre of passenger flow. The arrival area with baggage claim belts is located on the ground floor. The second floor is entirely dedicated to the departure zone: here you will find check-in counters, security checkpoints, and boarding gates equipped with jet bridges. Thanks to the thoughtful layout, all procedures are completed quite quickly. On average, you should allow about 40-60 minutes for check-in and security, depending on the load.

The International Airlines Terminal is housed in the fully reconstructed historic airport building. It is smaller in size but equipped with everything necessary for travellers flying abroad. All control stages take place here: check-in, customs, and passport control. A Duty Free shop operates for departing passengers. Due to additional procedures for international flights, it is recommended to arrive in advance — approximately 2.5-3 hours before departure.

Both terminals are located in close proximity to each other and are connected by a convenient covered walkway. You will not need transport to move between them — it takes just a few minutes on foot. Navigation inside the buildings is simple: follow the signs, which are duplicated in Russian and English. If you are in doubt about which terminal your flight is served in, be guided by the final destination (domestic or international) or check the information on the airport's online board.

The history of Chelyabinsk (Balandino) Airport is a vivid example of evolution from a modest airfield to a large and modern aviation complex. The city took its first steps into the sky back in the 1930s from the Shagol military airfield, which also began serving civil flights. However, the history of the current airport truly began after its relocation to a new site — near the village of Balandino.

The official opening at the current location took place on August 15, 1953, when the first terminal building was put into operation. This event marked the beginning of regular air traffic. A significant stage in development was the construction of a new runway in 1962, which allowed for the reception of jet aircraft. The Tu-104 became the first such liner, taking air transportation from Chelyabinsk to a completely new level.

With the growth of passenger traffic, the old terminal ceased to cope with the load. In 1974, a new, more spacious terminal was built, which served as the main building for decades. The next important turn in history occurred in 1994, when the airport received international status. A separate international terminal was built to serve foreign flights, opening direct routes to many countries of the world for residents of the South Urals.

The most large-scale transformation took place ahead of the SCO and BRICS summits. In 2019, an absolutely new, modern, and high-tech terminal for domestic airlines was opened, which radically changed the appearance of the airport. The old building constructed in 1974 was reconstructed and repurposed for the international sector. Within the framework of the national project "Great Names of Russia", in 2019 the airport was named after the outstanding nuclear physicist Igor Vasilyevich Kurchatov, whose scientific activity was closely linked to the region.

Balandino Airport in Chelyabinsk offers passengers a modern and comfortable infrastructure designed to make waiting for a flight as pleasant as possible. In the terminal, you will find various dining outlets — from cosy coffee shops where you can have a quick snack, to restaurants offering full meals. Additionally, shops are at your service where you can purchase souvenirs, travel goods, and reading materials.

Spacious halls with ample seating are equipped for comfortable waiting at the airport. Passengers valuing enhanced comfort can use the services of the Business Lounge or VIP Lounge, where snacks, beverages, fresh press, and a more secluded atmosphere are offered. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, and numerous charging stations for gadgets will allow you to always stay connected.

The airport has taken care of passengers with special needs. A Mother and Child room (Baby Care facilities) operates around the clock for travellers with children, equipped with everything necessary: changing tables, cribs, and a play area. A barrier-free environment has been created for passengers with limited mobility, including ramps, lifts, and specially equipped restrooms. If necessary, you can book an assistance service in advance.

Among other amenities at Balandino Airport, ATMs and bank branches are available where you can withdraw cash or exchange currency. In case of necessity, passengers can contact the 24-hour medical centre for first aid. For those who need to rest between flights or before an early departure, several hotels are located in the immediate vicinity of the airport. Business travellers can also utilise conference halls for holding meetings and events.

At Chelyabinsk (Balandino) Airport, passengers can find several options for a snack or a full meal. Catering establishments are located both in the public zone and in the departure zone after passing security control, allowing you to refresh yourself at any time before and after flight check-in.

The majority of cafes and restaurants are located in the public zone (landside) on the ground and first floors of the terminal. Here you can find establishments with a more diverse menu offering dishes of Russian and European cuisine. This is the best choice for those who have time for a leisurely lunch or dinner. For example, you can order hot soups, main courses, or traditional Ural dumplings (pelmeni). Prices here, as in most airports, are slightly higher than in the city but remain within reason.

For those in a hurry, coffee shops and snack bars located in the sterile zone (airside), that is, after passport and pre-flight control, will be the ideal solution. Here you can quickly drink coffee with fresh pastries, grab a sandwich, or a dessert. Most establishments work around the clock or adjust their schedule to flight times, so even at night, you will not go hungry.

Regarding special dietary requests, there may be some difficulties. Finding vegetarian dishes, such as salads or vegetable side dishes, is quite possible in cafes with a general menu. However, specialised vegan, gluten-free, or halal options are limited or may be unavailable. Passengers with strict dietary requirements are advised to check the composition of dishes on-site or carry suitable snacks with them.

To ensure your journey from Balandino Airport, located in Chelyabinsk, is as comfortable as possible, we recommend familiarising yourself with a few useful tips. Try to arrive at the airport well in advance: 2 hours before departure within Russia and at least 3 hours before an international flight. This will give you a sufficient margin of time to calmly go through all pre-flight procedures.

To save time, use online check-in on your airline's website, which usually opens 24 hours before departure. This way, you can choose a convenient seat and receive a boarding pass in advance. While passing through security, have your documents ready, and remove laptops, tablets, and liquids from your hand luggage beforehand to speed up the process.

Pay special attention to hand luggage regulations. Liquids are permitted in containers with a volume of no more than 100 ml each, and all of them must be packed in one transparent resealable bag. Remember that portable chargers (power banks) and electronic cigarettes can be transported only in hand luggage. Carriage in checked baggage is prohibited.

When choosing a seat on the plane, be guided by personal preferences. Window seats are ideal for those who love to contemplate clouds and views of the earth, while aisle seats provide more legroom and allow you to stand up easily without disturbing neighbours. Seats in rows by the emergency exit offer increased space but often require an extra payment and impose certain obligations.

If you have a connecting flight, be sure to clarify at check-in whether you will need to collect your luggage at the intermediate airport or if it will be sent to the final destination. On international flights, you will have to pass through customs control. If you have no goods subject to declaration, follow through the "Green Channel". Otherwise, it will be necessary to fill out a declaration and pass through the "Red Channel".

In case of a flight delay, remain calm and contact your airline's representative counter. Depending on the duration of the wait, you are entitled to refreshments, hot meals, and, in case of a long delay, accommodation in a hotel at the carrier's expense. Keep receipts for forced expenses for possible compensation.

To save a little money, book a taxi to or from the airport via online apps, as prices there are often lower than those of private carriers on-site. You can also take an empty reusable bottle with you and fill it with water at drinking fountains after the security zone to avoid buying drinks at inflated prices.