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Krasnoyarsk International Airport

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About the Airport

Krasnoyarsk International Airport. Source: Kupi.com Binoculars
Krasnoyarsk International Airport (formerly known as Yemelyanovo) is not merely a transport hub, but a true aerial gateway to the heart of Siberia. The modern terminal, named after the great opera singer Dmitri Hvorostovsky, impresses guests with its unique design inspired by the region's mighty nature and the flow of the Yenisei River. Thanks to its strategic location at the intersection of routes between Europe and Asia, the airport serves as a key hub for the region, offering travellers a high level of comfort and service.
IATA Code KJA
ICAO Code UNKL
City Krasnoyarsk
Distance to centre 27 km
Status International
Annual Passengers 3.77 million (2023)
Schedule 24 hours

Airport Features and Advantages

Krasnoyarsk Airport stands out among other Russian air harbours for its attention to detail and local identity. The new passenger terminal, opened in 2017, is considered one of the most beautiful and technologically advanced in the country.

  • Unique Interior Design: The interior space is designed with elements reflecting Siberian culture and nature. The flooring mimics the waters of the Yenisei, while the walls are adorned with reproductions of ancient petroglyphs and paintings by the Siberian artist Vasily Surikov.
  • Space Theme: A full-size model of a communications satellite floats in the main atrium, reminding passengers that the Krasnoyarsk Territory is a centre of Russia's space industry.
  • High Level of Comfort: The airport is equipped with six telescopic airbridges, which is particularly important during the harsh Siberian winter. Passengers have access to spacious business lounges, comfortable waiting areas, and a modern baggage handling system.
  • Technical Capabilities: The airport's runway allows it to accept all types of aircraft without restrictions on take-off weight, making it an important point for cargo and transit operations.

Contact Information

For your convenience, we have compiled the main contact information for Krasnoyarsk International Airport (Yemelyanovo).

  • Official Website: www.kja.aero
  • Information Desk Phone: +7 (391) 226-62-22 (24 hours)
  • Address: Krasnoyarsk Krai, Yemelyanovsky District, Krasnoyarsk Airport
  • Email for General Enquiries: office@kja.aero
  • Social Media: The airport maintains active pages on VKontakte and Telegram, where current news and schedule changes are published.
  • Lost & Found: For baggage tracing enquiries, you can contact +7 (391) 226-62-43 or email baggage@kja.aero.
  • Customer Support Contacts: For consultations, you can use the 24-hour information desk phone or the feedback form on the airport's official website.

How to Get to the Airport

There are several ways to get to Krasnoyarsk International Airport (Yemelyanovo), located approximately 40 km northwest of the city centre of Krasnoyarsk. The choice of the best option depends on your budget, time, and comfort preferences.

Public Transport

The most budget-friendly way to reach the airport is by bus. Bus No. 202 runs between the city and the airport. The route passes through key transport hubs of the city, including the Intercity Bus Station and the Railway Station, making it convenient for transit passengers. The journey takes on average 1-1.5 hours depending on traffic conditions. Buses run according to a schedule, which is best checked in advance. This option is excellent for travellers with light luggage.

Taxi and Transfer

Taking a taxi is the fastest and most comfortable way to reach the terminal. Popular taxi-hailing apps operate in Krasnoyarsk, and you can also use the services of official airport carriers. The travel time from the city centre is about 40-60 minutes. The cost will be significantly higher than the bus, but for families with children or travellers with bulky luggage, this is the ideal choice. For greater peace of mind, you can book a private transfer in advance.

Personal Car and Rental

If you are travelling by your own car, the road to the airport is straightforward — follow the M-53 "Baikal" highway. For those who prefer complete freedom of movement around Russia, car rental desks operate at the airport and in the city. This is a convenient option if you plan to explore the surrounding areas.

Airport Parking

Several parking zones are provided on the airport territory. There are both short-term parking lots located in the immediate vicinity of the terminal (ideal for dropping off or picking up), and more affordable long-term car parks for those leaving their car for several days. Tariffs depend on the duration of parking. It is recommended to study the parking map and current prices on the official airport website in advance.

Terminals and Map

Krasnoyarsk International Airport (KJA) is a modern and convenient complex where passenger service is concentrated in one main terminal. This terminal was opened in 2017 and handles both domestic and international flights, which significantly simplifies navigation for travellers.

The structure of the terminal is intuitive. The arrivals area is located on the ground floor. Here you will find baggage claim belts, customs control counters for international flights, and the exit to the public area where you can find taxis, hotel representatives, and car rental desks. The spacious departures area is located on the first floor. Here, passengers check in for flights at numerous counters and drop off their luggage. Also on this floor are the main cafes, shops, and souvenir stalls.

After check-in, passengers proceed to the second floor for pre-flight security screening. Here the flows separate: passengers on domestic flights head to one "clean zone," while those flying abroad go to another, where they additionally pass through passport control. Both waiting areas feature Duty Free shops (for international departures), cafes, as well as comfortable waiting lounges with views of the airfield. Since all operations take place in one building, there is no need to transfer between terminals for passenger flights.

The time required to complete all formalities depends on the destination and how busy the airport is. For domestic flights, it is recommended to arrive at the airport 1.5–2 hours before departure. For international flights, it is better to allow at least 2.5–3 hours, especially during peak seasons. Navigation through the terminal is simple thanks to a clear signage system in Russian and English, as well as information boards that help you easily find the necessary boarding gate.

Airport History

The history of Krasnoyarsk International Airport, also known as "Yemelyanovo", began in the 1970s. The need for a new aviation hub arose because the old "Cheremshanka" airport could no longer handle heavy modern aircraft. The official opening took place on 25 October 1980, when the first flight was operated on an Il-62 airliner. This moment became the starting point for a new era of aviation communication in Siberia and across Russia.

During the Soviet years, the airport developed systematically, increasing passenger traffic and cargo turnover. A key stage in its history was 1993, when it received international status. This allowed for the opening of direct flights to other countries, bypassing Moscow, and turned Krasnoyarsk into an important transit point on routes connecting Europe and Asia. The first international destination was the Chinese city of Harbin, laying the foundation for the future development of the hub.

The new century brought large-scale transformations. In 2005-2006, a serious reconstruction of the runway was carried out, and a new terminal for international arrivals was built. But the main event was the construction and launch of a completely new, modern passenger terminal, which opened to passengers in December 2017. This allowed the airport to comfortably welcome guests and participants of the XXIX Winter Universiade 2019, becoming the main air gateway for them.

Among the interesting facts in the airport's history is its renaming. In 2019, following the results of the "Great Names of Russia" national contest, it was named after the world-famous opera singer and Krasnoyarsk native, Dmitri Hvorostovsky. Today, Krasnoyarsk International Airport (KJA) continues to develop actively, confirming its status as one of the most important air transport hubs in the Asian part of the country.

Services and Amenities

Krasnoyarsk International Airport (KJA) offers passengers modern and convenient infrastructure, allowing for a comfortable wait before a flight. Within the terminal, you will find diverse dining options: from cosy coffee shops for a quick snack to restaurants offering full meals of Siberian and European cuisine. For shopping enthusiasts, there are stores, including Duty Free, as well as souvenir stalls where you can purchase gifts and unique locally produced goods.

For comfortable waiting, the airport provides spacious halls with convenient seating. Passengers who value enhanced comfort can use the business lounges, which offer snacks, beverages, fresh press, and a more private atmosphere. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, and numerous charging stations for gadgets will ensure you always stay connected.

Everyday needs are also addressed at Krasnoyarsk Airport. Travellers have access to ATMs of leading banks and currency exchange points. In case of emergency, a medical point operates 24/7 in the terminal, where qualified personnel are ready to provide first aid.

Special attention is paid to passengers with children. A mother and child room is equipped for them, featuring everything necessary: changing tables, nursing areas, a play zone, and sleeping places for toddlers. Passengers with reduced mobility can also count on comprehensive assistance: special parking spaces, ramps, lifts, and escort by airport staff are provided, which is recommended to be booked in advance.

If you have a long layover or an early flight, several hotels offering comfortable accommodation are located in the immediate vicinity of the terminal. For business travellers, the airport provides the opportunity to rent conference halls and meeting rooms equipped with everything necessary for holding meetings and events.

Where to Eat

At Krasnoyarsk International Airport (Yemelyanovo), passengers will find sufficient options for a snack or a full meal, both before and after passing passport control. Catering establishments are located primarily in the main passenger terminal.

In the public area (before security control), on the ground and first floors, there are coffee shops and cafes where you can have coffee with fresh pastries or order a sandwich. This is a convenient option for those seeing someone off and those who arrived at the airport early. Here you can usually also find an establishment offering more substantial dishes — soups, hot meals, and salads. Prices here are generally slightly lower than in the secure area.

After passing security, in the sterile departures area, the choice becomes wider. Several establishments of various formats operate here. For a quick bite, coffee shops and snack bars offering beverages, desserts, and light snacks are ideal. If you have time before your flight, you can settle into one of the restaurants serving Russian and European cuisine. Here you can order a full hot lunch or dinner.

Although there may not be specialized Siberian cuisine restaurants in the airport, it is worth looking for local accents in the menus of some establishments: for example, dishes with taiga berries (cranberries, lingonberries), pine nuts, or Siberian fish soup (ukha). For passengers with special dietary needs (vegetarians, vegans), it is easiest to find suitable options in coffee shops, which often have salads, vegetable sandwiches, and plant-based milk beverages. Finding specific Halal or gluten-free dishes might be more challenging, so we recommend clarifying ingredients with the staff.

Most establishments in the departure zone work around the clock or are adjusted to the flight schedule, so you will not go hungry even during a night departure. The price range is typical for airports: the cost of food and drinks is noticeably higher than in the city. A cup of coffee will cost on average 250-400 Rubles, and a full two-course meal will cost from 1000-1500 Rubles per person.

Travel Tips

Planning is the key to a calm start to your journey from Krasnoyarsk International Airport. We advise arriving 2-2.5 hours before a flight within Russia and 3 hours before an international flight. To avoid standing in line, complete online check-in on the airline's website and print your boarding pass or save it on your phone. If flying abroad, remember customs control: if you have no goods to declare, use the "Green Channel"; otherwise, use the "Red Channel".

Before passing security control, ensure your carry-on luggage complies with the rules. All liquids must be in containers up to 100 ml and packed in one transparent bag. Sharp objects, weapons, and flammable substances are prohibited. To speed up the process, remove your laptop and other large electronics from your bag in advance. Following these simple rules will help you pass screening quickly and without unnecessary questions.

The choice of seat on the plane can significantly affect flight comfort. Window seats (A, F) are ideal for those who love gazing at the clouds, while aisle seats (C, D) are for those who value freedom of movement. Transfer passengers should check in advance whether their luggage will be automatically transferred to the next flight. In the airport transit zone, follow the "Transit/Transfer" signs to orient yourself easily.

To save money, bring an empty water bottle with you — it can be filled after security check. Prices for food and drinks in the departure zone are usually high. If your flight is delayed, the first thing to do is find a representative of your airline. Depending on the duration of the wait, they are obliged to provide you with water, food, and, if necessary, hotel accommodation. Keep all receipts: they may be needed to claim compensation.

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