Chersky

The Chersky Airport is not merely a runway at the edge of the world, but a true aerial gateway to the harsh yet beautiful world of the Yakut Arctic. Located beyond the Arctic Circle, on the banks of the Kolyma River, it plays a vital role for the entire Nizhnekolymsky District. For locals and intrepid travellers seeking to witness the unique nature of Russia, it is the main thread connecting this remote region with the "mainland".

The main feature of Chersky Airport is its strategic importance. It is a key transport hub providing regular connections with Yakutsk and other settlements in the republic. Given the long winter and the lack of year-round ground roads, aviation becomes the sole means of transportation and cargo delivery, including mail, medicines, and food supplies.

Do not expect developed infrastructure with numerous shops and restaurants from Chersky Airport. It is a small and functional terminal, the main task of which is the quick and safe service of passengers. Major flights are operated on aircraft adapted for operation in severe climatic conditions. Travelling through this airport becomes part of the adventure itself, allowing you to feel the scale and special atmosphere of the Far North.

Chersky Airport (CYX) is a small regional airport serving the Chersky settlement and the Nizhnekolymsky District of Yakutia. Due to its size and status, most information and service issues are resolved through the airlines operating the flights. Below is the basic contact information.

• Official airport website: At the moment, the airport does not have its own official website. To check the schedule and flight status, it is recommended to consult the airlines' websites (for example, "Yakutia" or "Polar Airlines"). The airport is part of the Federal State Enterprise "Airports of the North".
• Information desk phone: There is generally no single information hotline for passengers. For all questions related to tickets, schedules, and carriage rules, you should contact the airline whose services you are using directly.
• Airport address: Russia, Republic of Sakha (Yakutia), Nizhnekolymsky District, Chersky settlement.
• Email: A specialised email for passenger communication is not provided. For official inquiries, you can use the contacts of the head organisation, FSE "Airports of the North".
• Airport social media: The airport does not maintain official pages on social networks.
• Lost luggage information: In case of loss or damage to luggage, you must immediately contact your airline representative at the airport of arrival.
• Passenger support contacts: Passenger support, including assistance for people with disabilities and consultations on transporting children or animals, is provided by the carrier airline's services.

Chersky Airport is located in the immediate vicinity of the settlement of the same name in Russia, so the journey to it will not take much time. Due to the remoteness and small size of the settlement, transport choices are limited, so the trip should be planned in advance.

Taxi or private transfer is the most common and reliable way to get to the airport. The trip from the centre of Chersky settlement will take no more than 5-10 minutes. There are no large taxi companies in the settlement, so it is better to arrange a car in advance through your place of accommodation or with local drivers. The cost will be low due to the short distance.

Public transport in the form of regular bus routes to the airport is generally absent. Theoretically, one can walk to the terminal, but this option should only be considered during the summer period and in good weather. Given the harsh Arctic climate, especially in the winter months, walking can be uncomfortable and unsafe.

Car rental and parking. There are no official car rental services in Chersky. The only possibility is a private arrangement, but this is not a standard service. There is a small area near the terminal building where a car can be left. Typically, this is a simple unguarded and free parking lot.

Chersky Airport (CYX) is a small regional aviation hub, typical for the north of Russia. It consists of one passenger terminal, which serves all flights — both arrivals and departures. The terminal building is a compact structure where all functional zones are located in one common space, making navigation intuitively understandable even for those visiting for the first time.

The airport layout is extremely simple. Upon entering the building, you immediately find yourself in the main hall, which combines several functions. Here, the check-in counters, the waiting area for departing passengers, and the baggage claim point for arrivals are located. Departure and arrival zones are not separated into large complexes as in major airports; rather, they are different parts of the same hall. There are no transfers between terminals, as there is only one terminal.

Thanks to the small size and low passenger traffic, all pre-flight procedures, including check-in and security screening, proceed very quickly. Usually, this takes no more than 20-30 minutes. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport in advance, approximately 1.5–2 hours before departure. This is due to the region's severe weather conditions, which may cause flight schedules to change.

No special knowledge is required to navigate the airport. All signs and important facilities — check-in counters, the boarding gate, the baggage claim area — are within sight. The main recommendation for travellers is to be prepared for a basic level of comfort. The airport fulfils its primary transport function but does not offer a wide range of services, such as numerous cafes or shops. Its main feature is simplicity and functionality.

The history of Chersky Airport is inextricably linked with the exploration of the Far North and the development of aviation in Yakutia. Its foundation in the mid-20th century was a key event for the settlement of the same name and the entire Nizhnekolymsky District of Russia. The airport was built primarily for the needs of geological exploration actively conducted in the Kolyma River basin, and for supplying the new settlement, which was quickly becoming an important river port and logistics centre.

In the Soviet years, the airport experienced its heyday. It became a vital transport artery ensuring year-round connection with the "mainland". Mail, food, medicines, and industrial equipment were delivered here by air, along with passengers. The airfield received and dispatched aircraft that became legends of polar aviation — from the An-2 to the more spacious An-24 and An-26. Working in permafrost conditions and extremely low winter temperatures required special endurance and professionalism from the personnel and equipment.

After the dissolution of the USSR, like many regional airports, Chersky faced a reduction in traffic volumes, yet it did not lose its strategic significance. Today, it remains the main, and often the only, opportunity for the settlement's residents to quickly reach Yakutsk and other regional centres. In recent years, plans for modernising the airport infrastructure to meet modern safety and passenger comfort standards have been discussed, but even in its current state, it continues to perform a crucial social function.

One of the interesting facts about Chersky Airport is that its runway has an unpaved surface. This is a typical solution for many northern airfields built on permafrost. The airport's main achievement can be considered not passenger traffic records, but its decades of uninterrupted operation in one of the harshest climates on the planet, making it a true symbol of resilience and reliability in the Arctic.

Chersky Airport (CYX) is a small regional air terminal serving a remote northern region. The infrastructure here is quite modest and provides passengers with a basic set of amenities necessary for waiting for a flight in harsh climatic conditions.

A general waiting hall is equipped for all passengers. There are no specialised VIP zones or business lounges at the airport. You can have a snack before departure at a small snack bar, which offers hot drinks, sandwiches, and pastries. The choice of shops is limited to a kiosk where you can find essential items, press, or local souvenirs.

Please note that free Wi-Fi is not provided for passengers. The number of power outlets for charging gadgets is limited, so it is better to bring a portable power bank. There are no bank branches, ATMs, or currency exchange points in the terminal building, so it is recommended to handle all financial matters in advance.

To ensure passenger safety and comfort, a medical point is available at the airport, ready to provide first aid. Travellers with children can use the mother and child room. Passengers with disabilities are provided with assistance when moving around the terminal and boarding; for this, it is necessary to contact an airline representative in advance.

There are no hotels directly on the airport territory — accommodation options should be sought in the Chersky settlement itself. Services for renting conference rooms or business centres are also not provided.

When planning a trip through Chersky Airport (CYX), it is important to consider that this is a small regional aviation hub serving remote areas of Russia. Accordingly, the choice of dining establishments here is very limited and designed for the basic needs of passengers waiting for their flight.

In the airport's single terminal, a small snack bar or cafe usually operates. It is located in the general waiting hall, in the area before security control (landside). Here you can have a snack before departure or warm up with a hot drink upon arrival. Do not expect a wide variety of restaurants or bars — the infrastructure corresponds to the airport's compact size.

The menu in the local cafe usually offers simple and filling home-style dishes. You will be able to order hot drinks, such as tea or coffee, pastries (pies, buns), sandwiches, and sometimes a full lunch including soup and a main course, for example, meat patties with a side dish. This is a good option for those who want a quick and inexpensive meal. Prices are generally moderate but may be slightly higher than in the settlement itself due to supply logistics.

The snack bar's opening hours are directly tied to the flight schedule. Usually, it opens a few hours before departure and closes shortly after the plane leaves. Specialised food options, such as vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free dishes (or certified Halal meals), will likely not be available. Passengers with special dietary needs are strongly recommended to bring food with them.

When planning a trip through Chersky Airport, it is worth considering several features related to its location in the extreme north of Russia. To ensure your trip goes smoothly and without unnecessary worry, follow these simple tips.

Arrival time and check-in. We recommend arriving at the airport in advance, at least 2-3 hours before departure. Although the airport is small and procedures usually go quickly, extra time will be your insurance in case of unforeseen circumstances, especially in winter. Keep your passport and ticket ready to speed up check-in and security control.

Seat selection and hand luggage. If possible, choose a window seat. Flights in this region are often accompanied by stunning views of the tundra and the Kolyma River. In hand luggage, a standard set of items is allowed: liquids in containers up to 100 ml packed in a transparent bag; portable chargers (power banks) only in the cabin; no sharp or cutting objects.

Transfers and customs. Chersky Airport serves predominantly domestic flights, so customs control is not relevant for most passengers. If you have a connecting flight, check with the airline in advance whether you will need to collect and re-check your luggage. Usually, on domestic flights, luggage is checked through to the final destination.

Saving time and money. Book flight tickets in advance, as their quantity is limited, and prices can rise significantly closer to the departure date. To avoid paying for excess weight, try to travel light. It is also worth bringing a small snack and a water bottle (it can be filled after security screening), as the choice of cafes and shops in the airport may be limited.

In case of flight delay. Delays, especially due to weather conditions, are not uncommon for northern airports. In such a situation, contact your airline representative. They are obliged to provide information on the flight status and, depending on the length of the wait, provide passengers with drinks, meals, and, if necessary, accommodation. Have a book or a charged gadget with you to pass the waiting time.