Gelendzhik

The air gateway of the famous resort, Gelendzhik Airport, welcomes travellers on the picturesque shore of Gelendzhik Bay, in the Tonky Mys area. It is one of the most beautiful airports in the south of Russia, where take-offs and landings turn into a spectacular sight with views of the Black Sea. After a large-scale reconstruction and the opening of a new terminal, the airport has become a modern and comfortable transport hub, ideally located to start an unforgettable holiday on the coast.

Below is the main information about the airport for planning your journey.

One of the main features of the airport is its new terminal. Its architectural concept, developed by the Italian bureau Fuksas, resembles a bird soaring over the sea. Its futuristic design with a fully glass facade and a unique roof is complemented by thoughtful internal infrastructure. Spacious waiting halls, an open terrace with a view of the runway, cafes, shops, and all necessary services, including a mother and child room and facilities for passengers with reduced mobility, make the stay here as convenient as possible. Thanks to its convenient location, you can get from the airport to the city centre or your hotel in just 15-20 minutes.

• Official website: gdz.aero
• Help desk phone: +7 (86141) 9-90-09
• Airport address: Gelendzhik, Solntsedarskaya St., 10
• Email: For general questions and feedback, it is recommended to use the form on the airport's official website.
• Social media: Official pages can be found on popular social networks, such as VKontakte (vk.com/gelendzhik.airport) and Telegram (t.me/gdz_aero).
• Lost & Found information: +7 (989) 774-45-53 (24 hours).
• Passenger support contacts: The main contact centre for passengers is the airport help desk.

Gelendzhik Airport is conveniently located just a few kilometres from the city centre, making the journey there quick and simple. You can reach the terminal in several ways, depending on your budget, time, and preferences. Regardless of whether you are travelling light or with heavy luggage, you will easily find the optimal option for yourself in this resort city of Russia.

Public transport is the most budget-friendly way to get to the airport. The main route is bus No. 5, which travels through the whole of Gelendzhik and stops right at the passenger terminal. The fare is the lowest of all options and costs about 30-40 rubles. The trip from the city centre will take approximately 25–40 minutes taking stops into account, and the service interval is usually 15–30 minutes. This is an excellent choice for economical tourists without bulky luggage. Please note that there is no metro or railway service in the city.

Taxi or transfer is the most comfortable and fastest option. A car ride from the city centre to the airport will take just 10–15 minutes. The average cost of the trip will be approximately 400–700 rubles, but this may change depending on the season and demand. You can call a car via popular mobile apps, which often guarantees a fixed price, or book a private transfer in advance if you value predictability. This method is especially recommended if you are travelling with children, a large number of suitcases, or simply do not want to depend on a schedule.

For those who prefer maximum freedom of movement, the ideal solution would be car rental. Rental points operate both in the city itself and directly at the airport. In a rented car, you can not only get to your flight on time but also comfortably explore the picturesque surroundings of Gelendzhik. If you arrive at the airport in your own vehicle, a parking lot is at your service, where you can leave the car for both short and long terms. The cost of parking depends on the duration of the stay.

The Gelendzhik Airport (GDZ) was designed to serve passengers in one modern terminal, which was opened in 2022. This new building replaced the old air terminal and was designed to receive all domestic and international flights. Thanks to its novelty and thoughtful architecture, the terminal offered a high level of comfort and convenience for travellers.

The structure of the airport was very simple and intuitive. The terminal had two main levels. On the ground floor, check-in counters, the arrivals area with baggage claim belts, and exits to city transport were located. On the first floor, there was the departure area with a secure zone, waiting lounges, and boarding gates. Thanks to the compact size and clear signage system, getting lost here would be practically impossible. Transitions between terminals were not required, as there was only one.

Passing through all pre-flight formalities in normal mode, as a rule, did not take much time. It was standardly recommended to arrive at the airport 1.5-2 hours before the departure of a domestic flight. During the peak tourist season, especially in summer, passenger traffic could increase significantly, so it was worth allocating extra time for check-in and security screening. Departure and arrival zones were designed to minimise queues and ensure fast service.

For convenient navigation through the terminal, it was sufficient to follow the signs, which were clearly visible from any point in the building. Electronic boards with flight information were installed throughout the terminal complex. Overall, the Gelendzhik airport gave the impression of a modern, clean, and logically planned facility. Important: before planning a trip, be sure to check the current operational status of the airport, as temporary changes in its activities are possible.

The history of Gelendzhik Airport is a vivid example of how a small regional airfield can turn into a modern and high-tech air gateway for one of the most popular resorts in Russia. It traces its history back to 1943, when a military seaplane base was deployed here. After the war, the need for passenger transport to the growing resort became obvious, and in 1957, the airport began serving its first civil flights.

For decades, Gelendzhik Airport remained a typical air harbour for local lines. It received small aircraft like the An-2 and Yak-40, connecting the resort with nearby major cities. The runway was short, and the infrastructure was modest, which limited the city's potential development as a year-round tourist centre.

Radical changes began in the 2000s. A decision was made for a complete reconstruction of the airport. The most large-scale and unique stage was the construction of a new runway 3,100 metres long. Its uniqueness lies in the fact that it was partially created artificially, "pushing" the coastline into the sea. The work was completed, and the new runway was put into operation in May 2010. This allowed the airport to receive modern medium-haul liners, such as the Airbus A320 and Boeing 737.

After the opening of the new runway, a temporary terminal complex functioned for more than ten years, coping with the growing flow of tourists. The final chord of modernisation was the opening of a new terminal in December 2021. Its futuristic design, resembling a bird soaring over the sea, immediately became a calling card of the city. The new terminal project received prestigious architectural awards, and the airport itself became one of the most beautiful and comfortable in the south of the country, setting a new quality standard for regional aviation hubs.

The modern terminal of Gelendzhik Airport (GDZ) is designed to provide passengers with all necessary amenities. Upon the resumption of the air harbour's operations, cafes and restaurants will be available here, where you can have a snack before departure, as well as shops with souvenirs, local products, and travel goods — an excellent opportunity to buy gifts for loved ones as a memory of the sunny resort.

The terminal project provides for spacious waiting halls with comfortable seats for a pleasant stay. Travellers who value enhanced comfort will be able to use the services of the business lounge, which will offer a secluded atmosphere, snacks, and beverages. When the airport opens, free Wi-Fi will be active throughout its territory, and numerous power outlets and USB ports will allow you to charge electronic devices. ATMs are planned to be installed in the terminal building for financial operations.

The airport infrastructure was created with care for all categories of travellers. For passengers with children, a mother and child room is provided, equipped with everything necessary for caring for little ones. In case of necessity, one can turn to the medical point for first aid. Passengers with reduced mobility will be provided with special escort and assistance at all stages of pre-flight control, and the terminal itself is fully adapted to their needs.

Although hotels are not located directly on the airport territory, there are many accommodation options in the city itself and its surroundings. Specialised conference halls are not provided in the terminal; however, basic business services will likely be available in the VIP lounge. For holding business events, one can use the venues in the hotels of Gelendzhik.

The project of the new terminal of Gelendzhik Airport (GDZ) was developed taking into account all the needs of modern travellers, including comfortable dining zones. When the airport resumes its work, various cafes and restaurants will become available to passengers to have a snack or a full lunch while waiting for a flight.

It is assumed that catering establishments will be located both in the public zone (landside) and in the secure departure zone (airside). In the public part of the terminal, before passing security, coffee shops will likely be located where you can drink coffee with fresh pastries or meet with those seeing you off. In the departure zone, after all formalities, travellers will likely find lounges and cafes for a light snack immediately before boarding.

It is expected that the menu will include popular dishes of European and Russian cuisine. For a quick snack, sandwiches, salads, and desserts will likely be offered. If time permits, one can count on establishments with a more substantial menu, including hot dishes, soups, and pasta. Given the location on the Black Sea coast, it is possible that some cafes will feature dishes made from local fish and offer famous local beverages.

As for special dietary requirements, travellers will likely be able to find basic vegetarian dishes, for example, vegetable salads. However, the availability of certified vegan, gluten-free, or Halal options should be verified on-site. Prices in airport establishments are generally higher than the average in the city. After the resumption of flights, the opening hours of cafes and restaurants will likely be adapted to the flight schedule.

Important Note: Currently, Gelendzhik Airport is temporarily not serving passenger flights. The tips below will be useful as soon as the air harbour resumes its work. We recommend checking the current status of the airport on official resources before planning a trip.

Arrival Time and Check-in. When the airport begins accepting passengers again, it is recommended to arrive there at least 2 hours before the departure of a domestic flight. In the peak season, in summer, it is better to arrive 2.5–3 hours early due to increased passenger traffic. To avoid queues, complete online check-in on the airline's website, which usually opens 24 hours before departure. This will allow you to proceed immediately to baggage drop-off or pre-flight security if you are travelling light.

Passing Control and Seat Selection. The security screening procedure is standard. To speed up the process, remove metal objects from your pockets, and take off outerwear and belts in advance. When choosing a seat on the plane, consider that picturesque views of the coast and mountains open up from the board. Window seats (especially on the left during take-off and on the right during landing) will gift you unforgettable shots.

Hand Luggage. Pay close attention to the rules for carrying hand luggage. Liquids are allowed in containers with a volume of no more than 100 ml each, packed in one transparent resealable bag. Sharp, piercing, and cutting objects are prohibited for carriage. Always check your airline's rules regarding weight and dimensions, as they may differ.

Transfers and Customs. Gelendzhik Airport is mainly oriented towards direct flights and is rarely used as a transit hub. If you have a self-transfer planned, be sure to allocate extra time for baggage claim and re-check-in. Since most flights are domestic within Russia, there is no need to pass customs control, which significantly simplifies pre-flight formalities.

Saving Time and Money. Besides online check-in, ordering a taxi via mobile apps will help save time — this is often cheaper than the services of private drivers at the terminal exit. To avoid spending extra on water, you can take an empty bottle with you and fill it at a drinking fountain after the security zone.

In Case of Flight Delay. If your flight is delayed, first of all, contact a representative of your airline to receive current information. Depending on the duration of the delay, the air carrier is obliged to provide passengers with beverages, hot meals, and if necessary, accommodation in a hotel. There are cafes and a waiting area in the terminal where you can pass the time.