Mineralnye Vody

Mineralnye Vody International Airport named after M. Y. Lermontov (IATA: MRV) is not just an airport, but the main aerial gateway to the entire North Caucasus region. It is from here that journeys begin to the famous balneological resorts of the Caucasian Mineral Waters, the ski slopes of the Elbrus region, and the picturesque valleys of cities such as Cherkessk. As the largest aviation hub in this part of Russia, the airport serves as the starting point for thousands of tourists seeking relaxation and new discoveries.

Mineralnye Vody Airport is distinguished by its modern infrastructure and high level of service. Thanks to one of the longest runways in Russia, it is capable of receiving aircraft of almost all types. The terminal complex includes separate terminals for domestic and international flights, making the control process fast and convenient. Passengers have access to premium comfort lounges, shops including Duty Free, cafes, as well as a complimentary mother and child room. Excellent transport connections make it easy to reach nearby resort cities: Pyatigorsk, Kislovodsk, Yessentuki, and other tourist centers of the region.

Below is the contact information for the M. Y. Lermontov International Airport Mineralnye Vody (MRV).

• Official Website: mvairport.ru
• Information Desk Phone: 8 (800) 333-03-21 (toll-free within Russia), +7 (87922) 2-07-77
• Airport Address: Russia, Stavropol Krai, Mineralnye Vody city, Airport territory
• Email: For general and official inquiries, you can use the feedback form on the website or the address office@mvairport.ru.
• Social Media: Current information can be found on the airport's official accounts on Telegram (t.me/mvairport) and VKontakte (vk.com/mvairport).
• Lost & Found Information: For baggage tracing inquiries, please contact +7 (87922) 2-07-77 (extension 2-53).
• Passenger Support Contacts: For consultations and support on general issues, it is recommended to use the airport information desk phones.

When planning a trip to Cherkessk, it is important to remember that the nearest major air hub to the city is Mineralnye Vody International Airport (MRV). It is located in a different city, approximately 90 kilometers from the capital of Karachay-Cherkessia. The journey between them usually takes from 1.5 to 2 hours, and there are several transport options varying in cost and comfort level.

The fastest and most convenient method is a taxi or pre-booked transfer. This option is ideal if you are traveling with heavy luggage, children, or simply value comfort. The car will pick you up directly from your address in Cherkessk and deliver you to the airport terminal. You can use services from local taxi companies or popular online aggregators. We recommend booking a car in advance to avoid inflated prices and long waiting times, especially during the high tourist season.

A more budget-friendly option is traveling by intercity bus or shuttle taxi (marshrutka). Flights regularly depart from the Cherkessk bus station to Mineralnye Vody. It is important to note that the bus arrives at the bus station, not the airport. From there, you will need to travel additionally to the terminal—by local bus or taxi, which will take another 10-15 minutes. This route requires more time and planning but allows for significant savings.

For those who prefer freedom of movement and plan to explore the picturesque surroundings, the optimal choice would be car rental. Rental points operate both in Cherkessk itself and directly at Mineralnye Vody Airport. Having your own transport will allow you to travel at your own pace. Both short-term and long-term parking lots are available at the airport where you can safely leave the car.

Although Mineralnye Vody is the main hub for travel to this region of Russia, there are other airports nearby. For example, the airport in Nalchik (about 90 km) or Stavropol Airport (about 125 km). Nevertheless, Mineralnye Vody offers the most convenient transport connection with Cherkessk and the widest selection of flights.

Mineralnye Vody (MRV) Airport represents a modern and convenient complex that is easy to navigate even for an inexperienced traveler. In fact, it consists of one large passenger terminal, which is functionally divided into two main sectors: for domestic and for international flights. This structure makes navigation intuitive and fast.

The Domestic Airlines Sector is the main and most modern part of the airport. It serves the vast majority of flights across Russia. Spacious check-in areas, modern waiting lounges, shops, cafes, and a business lounge are located here. The International Airlines Sector is slightly smaller in size but fully equipped for border and customs control. It serves flights to other countries.

Moving between sectors does not require transport—they are in the same building and connected by internal walkways. The airport layout is simple: arrival zones are generally located on the ground floor, while departure and security screening zones are on the second floor. Signs in Russian and English will help you easily orient yourself and find the necessary boarding gate, check-in counter, or baggage claim area.

Check-in and security procedures at Mineralnye Vody Airport are organized quite efficiently. On average, it takes from 40 minutes to 1 hour to complete all formalities for a domestic flight. For international flights, it is worth allocating more time—about 1.5-2 hours, especially during the peak tourist season. To avoid rushing, we recommend arriving at the airport 2 hours before the departure of a domestic flight and 3 hours before an international one. This time will be quite sufficient for a calm passage through control, baggage drop-off, and a brief rest before the flight.

The history of Mineralnye Vody Airport (MRV) began in 1925, when a small air station was established on its site. Initially, it served postal and passenger lines connecting the region with Rostov-on-Don and Kharkiv. Located in the city of the same name, the airport became a key transport hub for the entire Caucasian Mineral Waters region from its very first days, providing access to famous resorts and neighboring republics, including the city of Cherkessk.

A significant stage of development occurred in the post-war years. In the 1960s, a new terminal was built, and the runway was reconstructed to accommodate more modern aircraft. During the Soviet era, Mineralnye Vody Airport was one of the busiest in the country, serving as the main gateway for millions of tourists arriving annually for treatment and recreation in Pyatigorsk, Kislovodsk, Yessentuki, and Zheleznovodsk.

The recent history of the airport has been marked by cardinal changes. In 1995, it received international status. The most large-scale modernization took place in the 2000s: the runway was completely reconstructed, allowing for the reception of wide-body airliners. The culmination of this process was the opening in 2011 of a new, modern passenger terminal, which significantly increased capacity and the level of comfort for passengers.

Among interesting facts, it can be noted that for decades the airport was a kind of "testing ground" for new types of Soviet passenger aircraft on southern routes. Today, it is one of the largest aviation hubs of the North Caucasian Federal District, continuing to play a strategically important role in the transport infrastructure of southern Russia, connecting the picturesque Caucasus with dozens of cities.

Mineralnye Vody (MRV) Airport offers passengers a full range of services for a comfortable wait for their flight. Cafes, coffee shops, and restaurants operate in the terminal, where you can have a quick snack or a full meal. For travelers departing on international flights, a Duty Free shop is open, and souvenirs, press, and travel goods can be purchased in the general area.

For comfortable rest before departure, passengers can use the services of the business lounge and VIP terminal, which offer an enhanced level of service, including beverages, snacks, and fresh press. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal complex, and charging stations for electronic devices are located in the waiting halls.

ATMs of several major banks, as well as currency exchange points, are located in the airport building. If necessary, passengers can contact the 24-hour medical post, where qualified assistance will be provided.

A mother and child room equipped with everything necessary for baby care is available for passengers with children. Travelers with limited mobility can count on special assistance: for this, it is necessary to notify the airline in advance or contact the airport support service upon arrival. Also, conference rooms for meetings and negotiations are available for business travelers. Although there is no hotel directly in the terminal building, several hotels are located within walking distance and a few minutes' drive away.

At Mineralnye Vody Airport (MRV), passengers will find various options for a snack or a full meal. There are establishments for those rushing to a flight, as well as restaurants for a leisurely wait for departure. Most cafes and restaurants are located in the main terminal serving domestic flights, but there are also places to refresh yourself in the international sector.

In the public zone (before security control) on the ground floor, several cafes are operating. This is a convenient option for those seeing someone off and those who have just arrived at the airport. Here you can drink coffee with fresh pastries, order sandwiches, or desserts. Prices generally correspond to standard airport rates and are slightly higher than in the city.

The main part of the establishments is concentrated in the "clean" zone, after security screening. In the domestic departures waiting hall, the choice is the widest: from chain coffee shops to restaurants offering dishes of European and local cuisine. Here you can have a quick snack or a full lunch. There are bars with a wide selection of beverages. Most establishments operate around the clock or according to a schedule coordinated with flight times.

Once in Mineralnye Vody, be sure to try dishes of Caucasian cuisine. In some airport establishments, you will be offered khychins (thin flatbreads with filling), succulent shashlik (skewers), or hearty pies. This is a wonderful opportunity to get acquainted with local gastronomy without leaving the terminal building. For those looking for special dietary options, fresh salads and vegetable dishes suitable for vegetarians can be found on the menus of most cafes. Specific gluten-free or vegan items are less common, so it is better to clarify the ingredients with the staff.

To ensure your journey through Mineralnye Vody Airport, which is the main hub for travelers heading to Cherkessk and other resorts in the region, goes smoothly and without unnecessary hassle, use these practical tips. Simple planning will help you save time, money, and nerves.

Arrival time at the airport: We recommend arriving at the airport at least 2-2.5 hours before departure for domestic destinations and 3 hours for international flights. During the tourist season and holidays, passenger traffic increases significantly, so an extra margin of time will allow you to go through all pre-flight formalities without haste.

Check-in and security: The easiest way to save time is to complete online check-in on the airline's website. With an electronic boarding pass, you can go straight to the baggage drop-off counter or, if you are traveling light, directly to security. When passing through security control, remove laptops, tablets, and liquids (in containers up to 100 ml, packed in one transparent bag) from your hand luggage in advance.

Seat selection on the plane: If the airline provides seat selection, consider your preferences. Window seats are especially valued on flights to and from Mineralnye Vody, as they offer breathtaking views of the Caucasus Mountain Range. Aisle seats are convenient for those who want to move freely, and seats in the front of the cabin allow for a quicker exit from the aircraft upon arrival.

Hand luggage: Standard security rules prohibit carrying sharp objects and liquids in containers larger than 100 ml in the cabin. If you plan to buy famous mineral water or local beverages as a gift, they must be checked in as luggage. Always check the current weight and size limits for hand luggage on your airline's website to avoid extra charges at the airport.

For passengers with transfers: If you have a connecting flight, clarify at check-in at the first airport whether your luggage will be transferred automatically to the final destination. At Mineralnye Vody Airport, follow the "Transit"/"Transfer" signs to quickly get to the necessary departure zone, bypassing baggage claim and re-registration.

Customs control: This point is important for passengers arriving from abroad. In Russia, a system of "green" and "red" channels operates. If you do not have goods subject to declaration, feel free to choose the "green" one. Cash amounts exceeding 10,000 US dollars (in equivalent) and certain categories of goods must be declared in the "red" channel.

Saving time and money: Book a transfer or taxi to Cherkessk in advance through official services—this is often more profitable and safer than using the services of private drivers. To avoid buying expensive water in the "clean zone", take an empty bottle with you and fill it at drinking fountains after passing security.

If the flight is delayed: In case of a flight delay or cancellation, first contact your airline representative—their counter is usually located in the departure zone. Depending on the duration of the wait, the airline is obliged to provide you with drinks, hot meals, and for long delays—hotel accommodation. Stay calm and follow updates on the information boards.