Vostochny

Vostochny Airport (Kursk) is the main air gateway to the Kursk region, an area with a rich history and distinctive culture in the very heart of Russia. Located close to the city, it serves as a starting point for journeys across the Chernozem region. This airfield holds a unique joint-basing status, where civil aviation shares the sky with military aircraft, making it a strategically important facility.

The main advantage of Vostochny Airport has always been its compactness and convenient location. The small but functional terminal allowed passengers to complete all necessary procedures — from check-in to boarding — quickly and without fuss. Proximity to Kursk significantly simplifies transfers: a taxi or car ride to the city centre usually takes no more than 15–20 minutes.

Important information for travellers: Currently, the airport is temporarily closed for civil flights. Before planning your trip, it is strongly recommended to check the current operational status of the airport via official sources and consider alternative ways to arrive in the region.

• Official website: aerokursk.ru
• Information Desk phone: +7 (4712) 54-52-82
• Address: Airport, Kursk, Kursk Region, Russia
• Email: info@aerokursk.ru
• Social Media: The airport's official page is available on VKontakte — vk.com/aerokursk.
• Lost & Found: For issues related to lost or damaged luggage, please contact the Lost & Found service via the airport information desk phone number.
• Passenger Support: For consultations and assistance, passengers may contact the information desk at the phone number listed above.

Vostochny Airport is located within the city limits, approximately 7–10 kilometres from the historic centre of Kursk. Thanks to this proximity, getting to the terminal is effortless, and the journey does not take much time even during peak hours. Various transfer options are available to passengers: from budget-friendly public transport to comfortable taxis or personal vehicles.

Public transport is the most economical way to reach the air terminal. Kursk has a developed network of bus routes. City buses (e.g., routes No. 41, 63, 81, 84, 89) and minibuses travel to the "Airport" stop. The service interval is 10–15 minutes during the day. A bus ride from the centre takes about 40–50 minutes, and the ticket price remains very affordable (around 25–30 rubles). It is worth noting that there is no metro in Kursk, and the railway station does not have a direct link to the terminal, so the bus remains the primary mode of public transport.

For those who value comfort and time, a taxi is the optimal choice. Popular aggregators (such as Yandex Go) and local dispatch services operate in the city. A car will take you from the central streets to the departure zone in 20–30 minutes barring heavy traffic. The cost of the trip varies depending on demand and car class, but averages between 300 and 500 rubles.

Travellers in personal vehicles can reach the airport by driving along Soyuznaya Street. Parking is provided within the airport complex territory. Usually, a free period is offered for short stops (passenger drop-off/pick-up, typically the first 15 minutes), after which an hourly or daily fee applies. This is convenient for those planning to leave their car for the duration of a short business trip.

When planning complex routes, it is useful to know the location of other aviation hubs in neighbouring regions. The nearest alternative is Belgorod Airport, located approximately 125 km away. In the neighbouring region, at a distance of about 200 km, lies the Voronezh airport Chertovitskoye. Travellers may also consider Lipetsk Airport (245 km) or the slightly further Grabtsevo airport in Kaluga.

Vostochny Airport in Kursk is a compact and convenient aviation hub distinguished by a simple and intuitive structure. All passenger infrastructure is concentrated in one terminal, which significantly simplifies navigation for travellers.

The terminal serves all flights, including domestic and international destinations. Its layout is extremely simple: upon entering the building, you find yourself in the main hall, where check-in counters, a waiting area for well-wishers, and essential services are located. Thanks to the building's small size and clear signage, getting lost here is virtually impossible. There are no transfers between terminals, as all operations are carried out within a single complex.

The departure zone is located after the check-in counters. Passengers pass through pre-flight security and enter the "clean zone" (airside) — a waiting lounge with boarding gates. The arrival zone is organised in a separate part of the terminal, housing the baggage claim belt and the exit to the city. Everything is located within walking distance of each other, making movement through the airport quick and comfortable.

Passing through check-in and security at Vostochny Airport usually takes significantly less time than at major hubs. Typically, all procedures take no more than 30-40 minutes. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport as standard — 1.5–2 hours before departure, to check in luggage and complete all formalities without rushing.

The history of Vostochny Airport in Kursk begins in the post-war years, when in 1945 a decision was made to organise regular civil air services. Being a joint-based airfield, it began to fulfil the important function of transporting passengers and cargo. The first flights were operated on small aircraft, such as the Po-2 and Li-2, which connected the regional centre with districts of the Kursk region and neighbouring cities, laying the foundation for the future development of the region's air gateway.

A true breakthrough in the airport's development occurred in the 1960s and 1970s. During this period, a modern concrete runway was built, allowing for the reception of larger and faster aircraft, including the turboprop An-24 and the jet-powered Yak-40 and Tu-134. The flight geography expanded significantly: it became possible to travel from Kursk without transfers to Moscow, Leningrad, as well as to popular resorts in Crimea and the Caucasus, making the airport an important transport hub in central Russia.

The next important stage of modernisation took place in 1986, when a new terminal building was put into operation. This significantly increased the level of comfort for passengers. A key event was the assignment of international status to the airport in 1997, which opened up opportunities for charter flights abroad. In the post-Soviet period, the airport continued to adapt to new economic conditions, maintaining its significance.

In the 21st century, infrastructure development continued: in 2010–2011, the runway was reconstructed. One of the most interesting facts in the airport's modern history occurred in 2019: as part of the "Great Names of Russia" national project, Vostochny Airport was named after the prominent Soviet aircraft designer Mikhail Iosifovich Gurevich, one of the creators of the "MiG" fighter jets. This immortalised the region's connection with the great history of domestic aviation.

When Vostochny Airport in Kursk (URS) is operating normally, it provides passengers with all necessary services for a comfortable wait for their flight. In the terminal building, travellers could find cosy cafés to enjoy coffee and a snack before flying, as well as small shops with newspapers, travel essentials, and souvenirs.

Waiting lounges were equipped for passenger convenience. Those who valued enhanced comfort could use the services of the VIP lounge to relax in a quiet atmosphere. Free Wi-Fi was typically available throughout the terminal, and numerous power outlets and charging stations allowed passengers to stay connected and prepare their gadgets for the journey.

Practical services were also available at the airport during normal times. Passengers could use ATMs to withdraw cash. In case of need, a medical point operated around the clock in the terminal building, where qualified personnel were ready to provide first aid. For business travellers, conditions for work and meetings were created in the VIP lounge.

Particular attention during airport operations was paid to passengers with children and people with disabilities. A Mother and Child Room was available for family travellers, equipped with everything necessary for baby care. Passengers with special needs were provided with assistance in moving around the terminal and during boarding and disembarking — this required notifying the airline or airport in advance.

Although there are no hotels directly on the airport grounds, travellers can easily find many accommodation options in Kursk itself, which is located just a few kilometres from the air terminal. Choices range from budget guesthouses to comfortable hotels, allowing one to find a suitable option for any budget.

The gastronomic infrastructure of Vostochny Airport (URS) reflects its status as a small regional aviation hub. You will not find a wide selection of chain restaurants or exquisite lounges typical of major international hubs here. However, passengers can count on basic service allowing for a snack or a hot coffee while waiting for a flight. All food outlets are concentrated in the airport's single terminal, making them easily accessible regardless of your location.

For a full meal, the best option is the café-buffet located in the public zone (landside) on the ground floor of the terminal. This establishment offers dishes reminiscent of home cooking: simple, filling, and straightforward. The menu usually features traditional soups (borscht, solyanka), sides (buckwheat, mashed potatoes), meat cutlets, and baked fish. This is an excellent choice for those wishing to eat well before the road at very reasonable prices. The average bill for lunch here varies between 300–500 rubles.

If you have already passed pre-flight security and are in the "sterile zone" (airside), dining options are more limited. A small snack bar or kiosk usually operates in the departure lounge. The assortment here is focused on quick bites: sandwiches, chocolate bars, crisps, and fresh pastries. Pies with various fillings are particularly popular. Beverages available include tea, coffee from a machine, juices, and water. This place is suitable for passing the time with a cup of espresso or a light snack.

Regarding special dietary requests, the selection at Kursk Airport is quite conservative. There is no separate menu for vegetarians or vegans, although vegetable salads (e.g., vinaigrette or cabbage salad) and meat-free sides can always be found in the buffet. Halal products or gluten-free dishes are not specially marked, so if you have strict dietary restrictions, it is recommended to check the ingredients with the staff or arrange for a snack in advance.

Opening hours of food outlets are generally tied to the flight schedule. The buffet and kiosk open a few hours before the first departure and serve passengers until the last plane takes off. At night, if there are no flights, establishments may be closed. Travellers should note that during peak hours (when check-in for multiple flights occurs simultaneously), the café may be lively, but service is usually quick.

When Vostochny Airport resumes operations, these tips will help make your journey as comfortable and predictable as possible. The standard recommendation remains to arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before a domestic flight departure. This time will be sufficient to check in luggage, pass security control, and find your boarding gate without rushing.

You can save time by checking in for your flight online on your airline's website. In this case, you will only need to drop off your luggage at the designated drop-off counter at the airport. At the security checkpoint, be prepared to remove all electronic devices from your hand luggage, as well as liquids packed according to regulations.

When choosing a seat on the plane, consider your preferences. Window seats (A, F) offer beautiful views during takeoff and landing, while aisle seats (C, D) provide more legroom and the freedom to stand up easily. If it is important for you to disembark among the first, choose seats in the front part of the cabin.

Check the contents of your hand luggage in advance. Remember that liquids can be carried in containers of no more than 100 ml, which must be packed in a single transparent bag with a volume of up to 1 litre. Sharp objects and flammable substances are prohibited in the aircraft cabin. It is always better to verify current rules on your airline's website.

If you have a connecting flight planned from Kursk, it is useful to clarify at check-in whether your luggage is checked through to the final destination. Most often, when transferring to flights of the same airline or alliance, luggage is transferred automatically, but a double-check never hurts.

Customs control will still be mandatory for passengers on international flights. When departing from Russia or entering the country, you may need to declare certain goods or cash. If you have nothing to declare, you can confidently proceed through the "Green Channel".

To save on airfare, try to buy tickets in advance and keep an eye on airline promotions. Travelling light, with only hand luggage, also often allows you to buy a ticket at a more favourable fare. Another life hack: take an empty water bottle with you to fill it at a drinking fountain after security and avoid spending money on drinks.

If your flight is delayed, the procedure remains standard. You will need to contact an airline representative. According to regulations, if waiting for more than 2 hours, passengers must be provided with drinks, and after more than 4 hours — a hot meal. In case of a long delay (more than 8 hours during the day or 6 hours at night), the airline is obliged to accommodate you in a hotel.