Chokurdakh Airport

In the very heart of the Yakutian Arctic, where winter lasts for most of the year and ground transportation can be difficult, Chokurdakh Airport serves as an indispensable thread connecting this remote corner with the rest of the world. It is not merely a transport hub, but a true "lifeline" for the residents of the Allaikhovsky District. For travellers striving to see the genuine, untouched northern nature, the air harbour of Chokurdakh becomes the starting point into a world of permafrost, the Northern Lights, and the unique culture of the indigenous peoples of the North.

The main feature of the airport is its strategic importance and ability to function in extreme climatic conditions. The airfield is capable of receiving aircraft such as the An-24, An-26, An-74 and lighter models, as well as helicopters of all types, making it a key link in the region's transport system. Passengers should note that this is a small regional airport with a minimal set of services. There are no luxurious lounges or numerous shops here, but its primary function — the reliable provision of air traffic — is performed at a high level. It is from here that flights to Yakutsk are operated, and mail, medicines, and vital cargo are delivered.

• Official website: Chokurdakh Airport is part of FKP "Airports of the North". Current information can be found on the branch page: sever.aero/chokurdah
• Inquiry service phone: +7 (41158) 2-13-91 (Airport Production and Dispatch Service)
• Airport address: 678800, Republic of Sakha (Yakutia), Chokurdakh settlement, 35 Novaya St.
• Email: chk@aerosever.ru
• Lost luggage information: regarding the search for lost or damaged luggage, it is recommended to first contact the representative office of the airline you flew with.
• Passenger support contacts: For general inquiries, you may use the main airport phone number.

Chokurdakh Airport (CKH) is located in the immediate vicinity of the settlement of the same name in Russia. Given the compact size of Chokurdakh and its remote Arctic location, transport accessibility has its own specific features. Standard urban methods of getting to the airport are replaced here by local, more pragmatic solutions.

The distance from the central part of the settlement to the terminal is so short that in good weather, it can easily be covered on foot in 15-25 minutes. This is the simplest and absolutely free method. Public transport in the usual sense (such as regular buses) is absent in the settlement. Occasionally, local residents may organise rides to flights, but this is not a guaranteed service.

The most reliable and popular way to get to the airport is by taxi or private transport. There are no official taxi fleets in Chokurdakh; transport is provided by local drivers using personal vehicles, often with high off-road capability. It is strongly recommended to arrange a ride in advance, for example, through your place of accommodation or upon the recommendation of locals. The car journey will take just 5-10 minutes. The cost is usually negotiable and quite reasonable.

The opportunity to rent a car in Chokurdakh is practically non-existent. There are no representative offices of international or Russian rental companies here. The only hypothetical option is to agree on a private rental with a local, but this is not a standard tourist service, and one should not rely on it when planning a trip.

Next to the terminal building, there is a small unguarded parking area. It is a simple open lot where a vehicle can be left. Given the small number of flights and generally low traffic, problems with available spaces usually do not arise. The parking service is typically free.

Chokurdakh Airport (CKH) is a compact regional air hub with a simple and functional structure, ensuring quick and easy navigation for all passengers.

The airport operates one terminal, which services all flights — both departures and arrivals. Due to its small size, the terminal building does not require a complex map: all main zones are within walking distance of each other. There is no need for transfers between terminals, as all operations are concentrated in a single space.

The departure and arrival zones are located in the same building. After entering the terminal, passengers immediately find themselves in the general hall where the check-in counters are located. After completing check-in and dropping off luggage, you move to a small security screening area, and then to the waiting hall. For arriving passengers, the procedure is also maximally simplified: disembarkation takes place onto the tarmac, from where passengers proceed to the building to collect their luggage.

Check-in and screening procedures usually take no more than 20–30 minutes thanks to the low passenger flow. However, considering possible schedule changes due to weather conditions characteristic of the Far North, it is recommended to arrive at the airport with sufficient time in reserve. Orienting oneself in the terminal is very easy: all signs are visible, and staff are always ready to assist.

The history of Chokurdakh Airport (CKH) is inextricably linked with one of the most significant episodes of the Second World War. The airfield was founded in 1942-1943 as one of the key points on the legendary "Alaska — Siberia" (ALSIB) air route. Along this route, Soviet pilots ferried American and British aircraft, supplied under the Lend-Lease programme, to the Eastern Front. Thus, from the moment of its creation, the airport played a strategic role, contributing to the common victory.

After the end of the war, Chokurdakh Airport did not lose its significance but, on the contrary, became a crucial hub of civil aviation in the Arctic zone of Yakutia, which is part of Russia. For numerous remote settlements and reindeer herding brigades, it turned into a true "lifeline". For decades, air transport was the only way to deliver mail, medicines, food, and, of course, to transport passengers in this harsh land of permafrost.

In the 21st century, despite all the difficulties associated with operations in extreme climatic conditions, the airport continues to fulfill its vital mission. In recent years, its large-scale modernisation has begun, including the reconstruction of the runway and the construction of a new terminal complex. These improvements are designed to increase flight safety and comfort for passengers, confirming Chokurdakh's status as an indispensable aerial outpost in the north of the country.

Chokurdakh Airport (CKH) is a small regional air hub serving remote settlements in Yakutia. It is important to understand that its infrastructure is oriented towards performing basic functions and does not imply the wide range of services characteristic of major airports. Passengers should prepare in advance for the fact that amenities here are minimal.

The terminal building houses a general waiting hall for all passengers. Specialised lounges of increased comfort or VIP zones are absent. Catering is represented by a small buffet where hot drinks and light snacks can be purchased. There are no restaurants, cafés, or shops here, so it is recommended to carry all necessary goods and food with you.

Stable wireless internet (Wi-Fi) at the airport is generally unavailable. The number of sockets for charging gadgets is severely limited, so it is recommended to bring a portable power bank. ATMs and currency exchange points are absent within the terminal territory. We strongly advise having a sufficient amount of cash with you for all expenses.

A medical point operates at the airport to provide emergency assistance. A mother and child room may be provided for passengers with small children, but its availability and equipment should be regarded as basic. Passengers with reduced mobility are provided with assistance when moving around the territory and boarding the aircraft; however, to receive this service, it is necessary to contact the airline in advance and inform them of your needs.

There are no hotels directly in the airport building or within walking distance of it. Accommodation options should be sought in the settlement of Chokurdakh itself. Business services, such as conference rooms or business centres, are not provided at the airport.

When planning a flight via Chokurdakh Airport (CKH), it is important to consider that this is a small regional airport serving a remote settlement. The infrastructure here is quite modest, and the choice of dining establishments is limited. Passengers should not expect a variety of restaurants or chain cafés as found in major aviation hubs.

As a rule, one buffet or a small café operates within the airport territory. It is located in the general waiting hall, accessible to both departing and arriving passengers. Here you can purchase basic products for a snack: hot drinks (tea, coffee), bottled water, pastries, chocolate, and sandwiches. Sometimes the menu may include simple hot dishes, for example, soup or sausages with a side dish, which allows for a substantial, albeit simple, lunch before departure.

Specialised menus, such as vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free, are usually not provided in such small airports. If you have strict dietary restrictions, it is strongly recommended to bring food with you. Prices in the buffet are generally moderate but higher than in the village shops. The establishment's opening hours depend directly on the flight schedule — usually, it opens a few hours before departure and closes after the aircraft has left.

Thus, Chokurdakh Airport offers basic opportunities to drink coffee and have a quick snack. For a more substantial meal, it is better to eat in the settlement of Chokurdakh itself before travelling to the airport.

To ensure your journey through the airport in Chokurdakh goes as smoothly as possible, take advantage of our tips. Despite the fact that this is a small regional airport, proper preparation will help avoid unnecessary stress. We recommend arriving at the airport approximately 1.5-2 hours before departure. This time is usually sufficient to complete all formalities without rushing, even taking into account possible queues on peak days.

Check-in and screening procedures here are standard but typically proceed faster than in major airports in Russia. To save time, prepare your passport and ticket in advance. If the airline offers online check-in, be sure to use this opportunity — this will allow you to proceed immediately to luggage drop-off or security screening if you are travelling only with hand luggage.

When choosing a seat on the plane, be guided by your preferences: window seats will gift you stunning views of the boundless tundra during take-off and landing, while aisle seats will ensure greater convenience if you need to stand up during the flight. It is forbidden to take liquids in containers larger than 100 ml, sharp objects, and other dangerous substances in hand luggage. It is better to check the exact rules on your airline's website in advance.

Chokurdakh Airport is rarely used as a transit hub; most flights are final destinations. Customs control is relevant only for international flights, which practically do not occur here, so for domestic flights, you will only have to pass through security control. If you do have a transfer planned, check with the airline whether you will need to collect and re-register your luggage.

To save money, buy tickets in advance — the closer the departure date, the higher the price. There may be a limited selection of cafés and shops in the airport itself, so it is sensible to bring a small snack with you. We recommend buying water at the buffet after passing through security, as drinking fountains are rarely found in small regional airports. This will help save both time and money.

Flight delays, especially in the winter period, are not uncommon for northern airports due to harsh weather conditions. Make sure to check the status of your flight before leaving for the airport. In case of a long delay, have a portable phone charger, a book, or another way to pass the time with you. Remember that during a long delay, the airline is obliged to provide you with drinks, hot meals, and, if necessary, hotel accommodation.