Zhukovsky

Zhukovsky International Airport (ZIA) is the youngest of the four capital airports, opened in 2016 on the basis of the historic "Ramenskoye" airfield. This air gateway uniquely combines civil aviation with the world of major aviation testing, as it is home to the Gromov Flight Research Institute and hosts the famous MAKS air show every two years. Despite its compactness, Zhukovsky serves both domestic and international flights, offering travelers modern and convenient infrastructure.

The main advantage of Zhukovsky Airport lies in its compactness and modernity. Thanks to its small size and well-thought-out logistics, all pre-flight and post-flight procedures here are significantly faster than in major aviation hubs. The airport serves as a base for Red Wings and Ural Airlines, which provide the main share of passenger traffic and are actively developing their route network from here. Convenient transport connections, including shuttle buses from the "Kotelniki" metro station and the "commuter train + bus" link from Kazansky Railway Station, make it easy to get to the airport from various points in Moscow.

If you need to contact representatives of Zhukovsky International Airport (ZIA), please use the following contact details:

• Official Website: zia.aero — here you will find the most up-to-date information on flights, services, and airport rules.
• Help Desk Phone: +7 (495) 228-96-00 (24 hours).
• Airport Address: Moscow Region, Zhukovsky, Narkomvod St., 25, bldg. 7.
• Email for inquiries: feedback@zia.aero.
• Social Media: Current news and updates can be tracked on the airport's official pages on popular social networks (VKontakte, Telegram).
• Lost & Found: In case of lost luggage, you must contact the tracing service of the airline you flew with. Contact details for airline representatives can be found at the information desks in the arrivals area and on the airport website.
• Passenger Support Service: For all questions, you can contact the 24-hour help desk by phone or airport staff at information desks in the passenger terminal.

There are several ways to get to Zhukovsky International Airport (ZIA), located in the south-eastern part of the Moscow region. The choice of the optimal route depends on your budget, time, and comfort preferences. When planning a trip from the center of Moscow, the capital of Russia, allow an average of 1.5–2 hours for the journey.

Public Transport is the most popular and reliable way to avoid Moscow traffic jams. There are two main options:

• Commuter Train + Shuttle Bus: From Kazansky Railway Station, take a suburban train to "Otdykh" station. The train journey takes about 40–55 minutes. Right at the station exit, there are stops for branded shuttle buses that run to the airport terminal every 15–20 minutes. The shuttle ride will take another 20 minutes. This combined route is considered the most predictable in terms of time.
• Metro + Bus: This is the most budget-friendly option. You need to get to "Kotelniki" metro station (Tagansko-Krasnopresnenskaya line, purple). From here, bus No. 441 runs regularly to the airport. The bus ride lasts approximately 40–60 minutes, but may take longer during peak hours.

Taxi or Transfer is the most comfortable, but also the most expensive method. A ride can be ordered via popular aggregator apps. The cost will depend heavily on demand and traffic conditions. To avoid unpleasant price surprises, you can pre-book a private transfer with a fixed cost. This is especially convenient if you are traveling with large luggage or with family.

For those who prefer to travel by personal or rented car, the airport has a convenient parking system. Drivers have access to both short-term parking (P1), located directly at the terminal, and several long-term parking lots (P2, P3), which offer more favorable rates for parking for more than one day. The road from the city center runs along the Novoryazanskoye Highway, which can be heavily congested.

Zhukovsky is an important part of the Moscow aviation hub, complementing major airports such as Domodedovo, Vnukovo, and Sheremetyevo, and providing passengers with even more travel opportunities.

Zhukovsky Airport (ZIA) is distinguished by its modern and compact infrastructure. Currently, one passenger terminal operates here, serving both domestic and international flights. Thanks to this, navigation through the airport is intuitive, and passengers do not need to worry about transferring between different buildings, which significantly saves time and energy before the flight.

The terminal layout is simple and logical. Departure and arrival zones are clearly separated by floors, which is the standard for most modern airports. On the first floor, there is the arrivals area, where passengers pass through border control (for international flights), collect luggage, and can exit to meet greeters or access public transport stops and taxis. On the second floor, there is the departure zone with check-in counters, security checkpoints, and waiting lounges.

The terminal is designed with a focus on comfort and speed of service. Despite its relatively small size compared to Moscow's giants, it offers all necessary services: cafes, shops, a pharmacy, and a Duty Free zone for international flight passengers. Due to its compactness, the path from the terminal entrance to the boarding gate takes minimal time.

Passing through pre-flight formalities at Zhukovsky is generally faster than at major airports. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive in advance: 2-2.5 hours before an international flight and 1.5-2 hours before a domestic one. This time is usually sufficient to calmly complete check-in, baggage drop, and security screening without rushing. Always check your airline's recommendations, as check-in times may vary.

To navigate the airport, simply follow the standard signs for "Departures" and "Arrivals". Information boards with flight schedules are located in prominent places, helping you easily find the necessary check-in counter or boarding gate. Thanks to the thoughtful layout, it is practically impossible to get lost in Zhukovsky's single terminal, making it especially convenient for travelers who value simplicity and efficiency.

The history of Zhukovsky Airport (ZIA) is unique and closely linked to the development of Soviet and Russian aviation. Its path began not as a civil air gateway, but as a secret facility. The airfield was founded in 1941 and served as the main base for the Gromov Flight Research Institute. For decades, tests of the newest military and civil aircraft, including the famous Tu, Il, and Su models, took place here.

One of the most significant events in the airfield's history was its participation in the Soviet space program. It was here that testing and flight preparation for the reusable spacecraft "Buran" took place. For this purpose, one of the longest runways in Europe was built — 5402 meters, capable of receiving aircraft of any type and size. Since 1993, Zhukovsky has been the home of the International Aviation and Space Salon (MAKS) — one of the largest air shows in the world, attracting hundreds of thousands of spectators and specialists.

The decision to transform the experimental airfield into a full-fledged international passenger airport was made to relieve other Moscow air hubs. Large-scale reconstruction began in 2014, and already on May 30, 2016, the official opening of the new passenger terminal took place, and the airport received its first commercial flight. This event marked a new era in its history, turning it into the fourth full-fledged airport of the Moscow aviation hub.

Interesting fact: Zhukovsky still retains its dual status. It is the only airport of its kind in Russia where regular passenger transport and flight tests of the latest aviation technology are carried out simultaneously. Travelers flying from Zhukovsky can sometimes see unique prototype aircraft, making the wait for a flight especially exciting for aviation enthusiasts.

Zhukovsky International Airport (ZIA) offers passengers all necessary services for a comfortable wait for their flight. Despite its relatively compact size, the terminal is designed taking into account modern requirements and traveler convenience. Here you will find several cafes and restaurants where you can grab a quick snack or have a full lunch. In the secure area, shops operate, including Duty Free, offering a standard assortment of perfumes, cosmetics, and souvenirs.

Comfortable halls are equipped for waiting for flights. Passengers preferring enhanced comfort can use the services of VIP lounges, which offer a secluded atmosphere, snacks, beverages, and other privileges. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, and special stands and sockets located in the waiting halls are provided for charging gadgets.

ATMs and currency exchange points operate at the airport, allowing you to solve financial matters right on the spot. A medical post operates around the clock to provide emergency assistance. Travelers with small children can use the mother and child room. It is equipped with everything necessary: changing tables, sleeping places, and a play area so that little ones can rest before the flight.

Zhukovsky Airport is fully adapted for passengers with reduced mobility. Special parking spaces, ramps, elevators, and equipped restrooms are provided for them. Airport staff are ready to provide all necessary assistance and escort from the moment of arrival to boarding the aircraft. There are no hotels directly on the territory of the airport complex, however, many hotels of various price categories are located in the city of Zhukovsky and its surroundings.

For business travelers, basic business services, such as work areas and access to office equipment, are usually provided within the VIP lounges. There are no specialized conference halls in the public area of the airport, but the comfortable conditions in the lounges allow you to spend time before departure productively.

At Zhukovsky Airport (ZIA), despite its compact size, several options for a snack or a full meal are available to passengers. Catering establishments are located both in the public area before security control and in the sterile departure zone.

In the public area (landside), before check-in and screening, cafes usually operate where you can sit quietly with those seeing you off. Here you can find chain coffee shops, such as "Shokoladnitsa", which offer a wide selection of dishes: from coffee with desserts to soups, salads, and hot dishes. This is a great option for those who have spare time before departure.

After passing security control, in the departure zone (airside), there is also a choice. As a rule, fast food outlets such as Burger King are located here, ideal for those rushing to board. You can also find small lounges and cafes where you can order beverages and light snacks. The opening hours of most establishments are adapted to the flight schedule; many of them are open around the clock or from early morning until late at night.

Cafe menus often include both European and popular Russian dishes, for example, blini (pancakes) or syrniki (cheese pancakes) for breakfast. Regarding special dietary requirements, finding certified Halal or gluten-free dishes may be difficult. However, vegetarians can almost always find salads, vegetable side dishes, or soups on the menu. It is recommended to check the ingredients of dishes with the staff.

Prices at the airport are traditionally higher than the city average. A quick snack with a drink will cost an average of 500-800 rubles, while a full three-course lunch in a cafe will cost from 1500 rubles and up. Vending machines with drinks and snacks are also available for budget-conscious travelers.

To make your journey through Zhukovsky Airport in Moscow as smooth as possible, follow these proven tips. Although Zhukovsky is smaller than other capital airports, proper preparation will help save time, nerves, and money.

Arrival time at the airport. For domestic flights, it is recommended to arrive 2–2.5 hours before departure, and for international flights — 2.5–3 hours. Given the compactness of the airport, this time will be enough to check in, drop off luggage, and pass pre-flight screening without haste, even during peak hours.

Check-in and security control. The fastest way to save time is to complete online check-in on your airline's website, which usually opens 24 hours before departure. This will allow you to go straight to baggage drop (if you have any) or to screening. The security procedure is standard: be prepared to remove laptops, tablets, liquids, and metal objects from your carry-on luggage.

Choosing a seat on the plane. If the airline allows you to choose a seat, consider your preferences. Window seats (A, F) offer beautiful views, while aisle seats (C, D) offer more legroom and the ability to stand up without disturbing neighbors. Seats in the front of the cabin usually allow for a quicker exit after landing.

Carry-on luggage rules. Standard international rule: liquids can be carried in containers up to 100 ml, packed in one transparent bag with a volume of no more than 1 liter. Sharp objects, weapons, and flammable substances are prohibited. Always check the weight and size limits for carry-on luggage on your airline's website, as they may differ.

Passengers with transfers. Zhukovsky is not a major transit hub, so carefully study the conditions of your transfer. Check with the airline if you need to collect your luggage and check in for the next flight again. Calculate the time required to complete all formalities in advance.

Customs control. When departing or arriving on international flights from countries outside the EAEU, you will have to pass through customs. If you do not have goods subject to declaration, feel free to go through the "green channel". If you are carrying large sums of cash (over $10,000 equivalent) or goods requiring declaration, your path lies through the "red channel".

Saving time and money. In addition to online check-in, study ways to get to the airport and back in advance — shuttles or express buses are often cheaper than taxis. Water and food can be bought at the airport after the screening zone, but prices are higher there, so it is better to take permitted snacks (for example, nuts or cookies) with you.

In case of flight delay. First of all, contact your airline representative to find out the reason and the estimated departure time. According to the laws of Russia, for a delay of more than 2 hours, you are entitled to drinks, more than 4 hours — hot meals, and for longer delays at night — hotel accommodation. Do not hesitate to remind them of your rights.