Pashkovsky

Pashkovsky International Airport is not just a transport hub, but the true "aerial gateway" to the South of Russia, welcoming travellers with the warmth and character of the Kuban region. Located on the eastern outskirts of the city, it serves as a key starting point for trips to the Black Sea coast and the picturesque mountain areas of the region. The terminal is distinguished by its cosy atmosphere and compactness, allowing guests to feel the southern hospitality from the very first minutes after landing.

Krasnodar Airport boasts several unique features that make a stay here comfortable and memorable. One of the main highlights is the open-air patio (courtyard) in the waiting area — a rare architectural solution allowing passengers to enjoy fresh air and the southern sun before their flight. This creates a special, almost resort-like atmosphere inside the terminal.

The airport infrastructure is designed for the convenience of various categories of passengers. Modern business lounges with a high level of service and a separate VIP terminal operate here for those who value privacy and speed of service. Thanks to its convenient location, getting from the airport to the city centre is quick and affordable using the city trolleybus or taxi, making it one of the most accessible airports in the region.

For your convenience and the prompt resolution of questions related to flights and terminal services, we have compiled the current contact details for Krasnodar Airport. You can use the following official communication channels:

• Official Website: krr.aero
• Unified Information Service: 8 (800) 301-19-91 (toll-free within Russia)
• Airport Address: 350912, Russia, Krasnodar, ul. im. Evdokii Bershanskoy, 355
• Email: info@krr.aero (for general inquiries), claim@krr.aero (claims department)
• Social Media: Official "Krasnodar Airport" communities are available on VKontakte and Telegram
• Lost & Found: +7 (861) 219-15-65
• Assistance for Passengers with Reduced Mobility: +7 (861) 219-10-18

Getting to Krasnodar's air harbour is quite simple, as the airport is integrated into the city limits. It is located approximately 12 kilometres east of the city centre. Travel time depends heavily on the traffic situation: the capital of Kuban is known for its heavy traffic, so when planning your trip (especially during peak hours), we strongly recommend allowing a buffer time of at least 30–40 minutes.

The transport infrastructure offers several convenient options for tourists with different budgets and preferences.

Public Transport

This is the most budget-friendly way to get to the terminal. Public transport stops are located in the immediate vicinity of the arrival hall exit. There is no metro in Krasnodar, so the main load falls on ground transport.

• Trolleybus No. 7. One of the most popular routes. It connects the airport with the "Krasnodar-1" railway station and passes through the historic city centre (Krasnaya Street). This is a great way to leisurely see the city along the way. Travel time from the station is about 1 hour.
• Route Taxi (Minibus) No. 7. Duplicates the trolleybus route but moves faster. Connects the airport with the centre and the railway station.
• Bus No. 108. Runs to Stasova Street (eastern part of the city, near "SBS Megamall").
• Route Taxi (Minibus) No. 30. A convenient option if you need to get to the Cooperative Market and the old centre.

The cost of travel in Krasnodar public transport is quite affordable, averaging 35–45 rubles. You can pay by cash or bank card.

Taxi, Transfer, and Car Rental

For those who value comfort or are travelling with bulky luggage, a taxi is the optimal choice. All popular aggregators operate in the city (Yandex Go, Uber, and others). A trip from the city centre to Pashkovsky Airport will cost on average 400–700 rubles, depending on the time of day and demand (prices may be higher during peak hours). Travel time without traffic is about 30–40 minutes, and up to 1.5 hours with traffic.

You can also rent a car directly in the arrival hall. This is a convenient solution if you plan to travel around the Krasnodar Territory on your own. Rental desks are located on the ground floor of the terminal.

Airport Parking

For private vehicle owners, a modern parking system is provided on the station square. It is divided into several zones:

• Hourly Parking: Located closest to the terminal, convenient for short-term parking. The first 15 minutes are free (for dropping off and picking up passengers).
• Daily Parking: Located slightly further away, intended for those leaving their car for the duration of a vacation or business trip. Tariffs here are more favourable for long-term storage.

Alternative Airports Nearby

If for any reason you need to consider other flight options to this region, it is worth paying attention to neighbouring airports. The South of Russia has a developed network of airports from where you can reach Krasnodar by train, bus, or taxi.

Nearest alternatives:

• Gelendzhik (approx. 102 km) — a picturesque resort town on the coast; the road to Krasnodar takes about 2.5–3 hours by car.
• Vityazevo (Anapa, approx. 141 km) — a popular children's resort; you can reach the regional capital by the comfortable "Lastochka" train or bus.
• Adler (Sochi, approx. 188 km) — the largest aviation hub in the region. High-speed "Lastochka" trains run from here to Krasnodar (travel time about 4–5 hours).
• Stavropol Airport (approx. 234 km) — located in the neighbouring region, accessible by intercity bus.
• Platov Airport (Rostov-on-Don, approx. 280 km) — a modern airport connected to Krasnodar by the M-4 "Don" high-speed motorway and railway links.

Terminal Structure and Navigation

Pashkovsky Airport compares favourably with giant metropolitan hubs due to its compactness and intuitive layout. It is difficult to get lost here: all infrastructure is concentrated in a relatively small area, allowing passengers to quickly complete all necessary formalities. The terminal complex consists of three main parts.

Terminals and Their Purpose

• Terminal 1 (Domestic Airlines). The main airport building serving flights within Russia. This is where the majority of tourists heading to the resorts of the Krasnodar Territory arrive. Check-in counters, baggage claim, and main waiting areas are located here.
• Terminal 2 (International Airlines). Located in the same architectural complex, adjacent to the first terminal. It serves flights abroad. It is equipped with its own customs and passport control zone.
• VIP Terminal. This is a separate building with its own parking and fenced territory. It is designed to serve official delegations and passengers who prefer exceptional comfort and privacy. Here, all procedures, from check-in to security screening, are handled individually.

Movement Scheme and Transitions

Navigation at Pashkovsky Airport is simplified to the maximum. There is no need to travel by bus or train between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 — they are within walking distance of each other. The walk takes just a couple of minutes. Signs in Russian and English will help you orient yourself quickly.

The terminal building has two floors:

• Ground Floor (First Floor): Located here are flight check-in zones, arrival and baggage claim areas, as well as luggage wrapping stands, airline ticket offices, and the information desk.
• First Floor (Second Floor): Passengers ascend here after check-in to undergo pre-flight security screening. This level houses the "airside" (secure area), boarding gates, business lounges, Duty Free shops (in the international sector), and souvenir shops.

Departure and Arrival Zones

The Departure Zone is organised in a classic manner. Upon entering the terminal, you immediately reach the check-in counters. After dropping off luggage, you need to go up to the second floor for security control. Departure waiting halls are quite spacious, equipped with cafes and charging points for gadgets.

The Arrival Zone is located on the ground floor. The path from the aircraft steps to the city exit is minimal. Passengers are usually transported to the terminal by apron buses, after which they immediately enter the baggage claim hall. Conveyor belts are located compactly, eliminating long searches for your suitcase.

Procedure Times

Despite the airport being small, it can be crowded during the high tourist season. We recommend adhering to standard rules:

• For domestic flights: arrive at the airport 2 hours before departure. This time is sufficient to pass check-in and security without rushing.
• For international flights: it is better to arrive 3 hours in advance, as additional time will be required for customs and passport control.

Check-in usually closes 40 minutes before departure, and boarding ends 20 minutes before. Please note that in the summer period, queues at the terminal entrance (initial security check) may be longer, so a little extra time won't hurt.

The history of the Krasnodar aviation hub is a journey from a modest field stop to one of the largest air harbours in the south of the country. The official starting point is considered to be 1932, when the first seven Po-2 aircraft landed on the lands of the "Pashkovsky" state farm. Initially, the air detachment was engaged in aerial chemical works and pest control on the fields of Kuban, but by 1933 the base was reorganised into a full-fledged airport, beginning to accept passenger and postal flights.

A crucial stage of development was the mid-20th century. In 1960, the construction of a concrete runway was completed, allowing Krasnodar to receive large turboprop liners like the Il-18 and An-10. At the same time, a two-story terminal was built, becoming the architectural landmark of the district. Regular flights connected Kuban with Moscow, Leningrad, and resorts of the USSR, turning the city into an important transit point.

A new era in the life of the enterprise began in 1993, when Pashkovsky received the status of an international airport. This event opened direct routes to Europe and Asia for the region's residents: flights to Vienna, Istanbul, Dubai, and other world cities began. In subsequent decades, the airport underwent several large-scale reconstructions, including capital repairs of runways in the 2010s, allowing it to accept almost all types of modern aircraft, including heavy Boeings and Airbuses.

A significant event in recent history was 2019. As part of the all-Russian contest "Great Names of Russia", the airport was named after Empress Catherine II by popular vote. This decision highlighted the city's historical connection with its foundress. Today, themes of the Catherine era are reflected in the terminal design elements and souvenir products.

Approaching its 89th anniversary in 2021, the airport achieved an impressive record, serving 5 million passengers in a year. This figure cemented Pashkovsky's status as one of the fastest-growing and most in-demand aviation hubs in the country. Interestingly, throughout its history, the airport has repeatedly been recognised as the best regional airport in Russia and the CIS countries, confirming the high level of professionalism of its staff.

Services in Terminals

Pashkovsky Airport offers passengers a full range of services necessary for a comfortable wait for their flight. The terminal infrastructure is compact but functional, allowing travellers to easily find the necessary services without long walks.

Restaurants and Shops
Cozy coffee shops and diners operate within the terminal, where you can have a snack before your journey or grab a coffee to go. The menu features both light snacks and full hot meals. Particular attention should be paid to the shops: here you can purchase not only fresh press and travel goods but also famous Kuban souvenirs, local delicacies, and sweets, which will make an excellent gift for friends and family. A Duty Free shop is located in the international departure sector (after passing customs control).

Business Lounges and VIP Service
For those who prefer privacy and a high level of service, premium comfort lounges are open around the clock:

• Business Lounge (Domestic Lines): Located in the "airside" zone on the second floor. Guests are offered a buffet, soft drinks, fresh press, TV, and Wi-Fi.
• International Business Lounge: Located in the sterile zone of Terminal 2.
• VIP Terminal: A separate building with its own parking, bar, and conference room for negotiations. Here you can complete all pre-flight formalities individually.

Communication and Finance
Free unlimited Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport. To connect, simply pass a quick authorisation via mobile phone. If your gadgets need charging, you can use power outlets and USB ports located in the waiting halls (their number is limited, so we recommend having a power bank with you during peak hours).
ATMs of major Russian banks and currency exchange points are installed in the common areas of the terminals, allowing you to settle financial matters immediately upon arrival or before departure.

Passengers with Children
For travellers with little ones, a 24-hour Mother and Child Room is equipped on the second floor of the terminal. Services are provided free of charge for passengers with preschool children (and children with disabilities up to 14 years old). The room has a kitchen for heating food, a bedroom with cots, and a play area. Before visiting, you must obtain a certificate from the airport medical centre. Fold-down changing tables are also available in most restrooms.

Medical Services and Accessibility
A 24-hour health post is located on the ground floor of the public zone, where you can go if you feel unwell. The airport is fully adapted for passengers with reduced mobility (PRM):

• Entrances and exits are equipped with ramps and staff call buttons.
• Specially equipped restrooms are available.
• Special vehicles — ambulifts — are used for boarding the aircraft.
• Assistance service staff help with check-in and security screening free of charge (it is recommended to book the service 48 hours before departure).

Hotels and Accommodation
If you have a long layover or an early flight, you can stay at the "Aerohotel Krasnodar", which is located literally 200 metres from the terminal on the Station Square. This allows you to walk to the check-in counter in a couple of minutes without spending time and money on a taxi. The hotel offers rooms of various categories, from "Standard" to "Suite", as well as a 24-hour restaurant.

The gastronomic component of Pashkovsky Airport will pleasantly surprise guests with its variety and quality. Despite the relatively small size of the terminal, a balanced dining ecosystem has been created here, with space for both those wishing to grab a quick snack on the run and those wanting to enjoy a full lunch before their flight.

Where to Eat: Overview by Zones

Food outlets are located both in the public zone (before security) and in the "sterile" departure zones. The main concentration of establishments is in Terminal 1 (domestic lines).

• Public Zone (Ground Floor): An ideal place to meet arrivals or wait for check-in to open. Small coffee shops and vending machines are located here. This is a zone for a "quick start" — coffee to go and a sandwich.
• Domestic Departure Zone (First Floor, after security): The main food court is located here. Passengers have access to popular chain coffee shops (for example, "Shokoladnitsa") and fast food outlets. The atmosphere here is more relaxed, conducive to resting before boarding.
• International Sector (Terminal 2): The infrastructure here is more modest. Usually, a cafe-bar with drinks and snacks operates, as well as a Duty Free shop.

Local Flavours and Specialties

The Krasnodar Territory is the agricultural heartland of Russia and a major fruit-growing region, which is reflected in the airport's assortment. If you have some time, we recommend checking out the local features:

• Regional Produce: Specialised shops operate in the secure area. Here you can sample and purchase products from local producers. Tasting local delicacies can be a great start to your vacation.
• Southern Cuisine: In some establishments, you can find dishes with a local accent — for example, rich borscht, dumplings (vareniki), or pastries reminiscent of homemade cooking.

Dietary Options

The airport strives to accommodate the needs of different categories of passengers. Finding suitable food here is not difficult:

• Vegetarians and Vegans: Vegetable salads, vegetable rolls, and lenten soups are always available on coffee shop menus. In baked potato outlets, you can order baked potatoes with plant-based fillings (mushrooms, salads). Coffee with plant-based milk (coconut, almond, or soy) is also available.
• Halal: There are no specialised certified "Halal" restaurants in the terminal, however, dishes made from chicken and fish, as well as vegetarian options that do not contradict dietary norms, are present on the menus of many establishments.
• Gluten-Free: There is usually no special labelling on the menu, but you can always choose buckwheat porridge, rice, grilled meat, or fresh salads without croutons. We recommend checking the composition of sauces with the staff.

Formats: From Snacks to Lunch

To help you plan your time and budget wisely, we have divided establishments by service type:

For a Quick Snack (Fast Food & Coffee):
If there are 20–30 minutes left before boarding, choose chain coffee shops or bakeries. Fresh pastries, sandwiches, paninis, and desserts are the most popular choice.
Average check: 350–600 rubles (coffee + dessert/sandwich).

For a Full Lunch (Slow Food):
If you arrived early, head to the restaurants on the first floor in the departure zone. Here you can order hot dishes: pasta, soups, meat with a side dish. Service is provided by waiters or via a serving line.
Average check: 900–1500 rubles.

Opening Hours

Most catering establishments at Pashkovsky Airport operate around the clock, adapting to the flight schedule. Even if your flight is scheduled for late at night, you will always find a place to drink hot tea or have a snack. Exceptions may include some souvenir shops selling food products, which close at night.

To ensure your journey through the main air harbour of Kuban is as comfortable and stress-free as possible, we have prepared a list of practical recommendations. Pashkovsky Airport, although compact, has its nuances, knowledge of which will help save time and money.

Optimal Arrival Time

Krasnodar is known for its heavy car traffic, especially during peak hours (morning and evening). The journey from the city centre may take significantly longer than the navigator shows. We recommend:

• Arriving at the airport 2.5 hours before domestic flights and 3.5 hours before international ones.
• Allowing an additional 30–40 minutes for the journey if you are travelling by taxi or bus on weekdays.
• During the summer holiday season, queues at the initial security check at the terminal entrance may increase, so a buffer of time is critical.

Check-in and Security

To speed up procedures, we advise completing online check-in on the airline's website. Terminals for self-printing boarding passes are installed at the airport, allowing you to skip the general queue if you are flying with hand luggage only. Please note that security zones on the first floor require the removal of outerwear, belts, and watches, as well as removing laptops from bags — prepare for this in advance so as not to delay yourself and others.

What is Allowed and Prohibited in Hand Luggage

Security rules here are standard for all Russian airports, but there are regional shopping nuances:

• Liquids: You can take containers with a volume of no more than 100 ml into the cabin, packed in a transparent bag (total volume up to 1 litre).
• Local Souvenirs: Famous Kuban honey, walnut jam, or bottles of local beverages are considered liquids. You are strictly prohibited from carrying them in hand luggage (if the volume exceeds 100 ml). Be sure to check these gifts into your luggage and pack them well.
• Power Banks: External batteries and lithium batteries are carried only in hand luggage. They are prohibited in checked luggage.

Choosing a Seat on the Plane

When flying to or from Krasnodar, picturesque views often open up. If the weather is clear, during the approach or take-off, you can see a panorama of the Krasnodar Reservoir ("Kuban Sea") and the endless patchwork quilt of fields. In good weather, the peaks of the Caucasus Mountains are visible on the horizon. To increase the chances of a beautiful view, choose a Window seat, although the side depends on the specific take-off/landing course, which changes with the wind.

Tips for Transit Passengers

Pashkovsky Airport does not have a single sterile transit zone for transfers between domestic flights of different airlines. Most often, you will have to collect your luggage (if it is not checked through to the final destination) and go through check-in again. The advantage of the airport is that Terminals 1 and 2 are located nearby, and the transfer will not take much time. If you have 3–4 hours between flights, it is not worth going into the city — the risk of getting stuck in traffic is too great. It is better to spend time in the airport's summer courtyard.

Customs Control

If you are flying on an international flight, remember the "Red" and "Green" channel system:

• Green Channel: For those who have nothing to declare (cash up to 10,000 US dollars, goods for personal use within limits).
• Red Channel: If you are carrying cultural valuables, large sums of cash, or commercial batches of goods.

Saving Time and Money

Do not use the services of private taxi drivers who may intrusively offer their services at the terminal exit — their prices are often inflated by 2–3 times. Order a car through official taxi aggregator apps using the airport's free Wi-Fi. Also, to avoid overpaying for food, take an empty water bottle with you (it can be carried through security) and fill it at a drinking fountain in the secure area, if available, or buy water from a vending machine, where prices are lower than in cafes.

If Your Flight is Delayed

In case of a flight delay, stay calm and know your rights. Contact the information desk or an airline representative. Depending on the duration of the delay, you are entitled to:

• More than 2 hours: soft drinks and the right to two phone calls.
• More than 4 hours: hot meals.
• More than 8 hours during the day (or 6 hours at night): hotel accommodation and transfer.

Waiting for a flight in Krasnodar is most pleasant in the unique open-air courtyard (patio) — this is a great opportunity to breathe fresh air before the flight without leaving the secure zone.