Chulman

Chulman Airport (Neryungri) is not just an airport; it is the main aerial gateway to all of South Yakutia, playing a key role in the life of one of the largest industrial regions in Russia. Located amidst the boundless taiga, it serves as a vital transport hub connecting Neryungri with the country's major cities. Furthermore, thanks to its strategic location and long runway, the airport serves as an alternate aerodrome for transcontinental flights from North America to Asia. At the end of 2023, a new modern terminal opened here, marking the beginning of a new era in the history of this air harbour.

The main advantage of Chulman Airport today is its completely renovated infrastructure. In 2023, a new passenger terminal with an area of 9,000 sq. m was opened, increasing the airport's capacity threefold — up to 300 passengers per hour. Travellers are welcomed by spacious waiting halls, modern check-in counters, a mother and child room, and other necessary amenities. This was preceded by a large-scale reconstruction of the runway, completed in 2021. It is now capable of receiving most modern medium-haul aircraft, such as the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320, as well as heavy transport aircraft like the An-124 "Ruslan", which is of immense importance for the industrial development of the region.

Planning a trip through Chulman Airport? Save this contact information to ensure your journey runs smoothly. Below are the main contacts for reaching representatives of the Neryungri airport.

• Official Website: On the official website, you will find the current flight schedule, news, and general information about airport services.
• Information Desk Phone: For up-to-date information on flights, services, or to resolve general queries, call: +7 (41147) 9-22-22.
• Airport Address: Chulman Airport (NER), Chulman settlement, Neryungrinsky District, Republic of Sakha (Yakutia), Russia.
• Email: For written enquiries, you can use the address: nrg@aerosever.ru.
• Lost Luggage Information: If your luggage has been lost or damaged, contact the lost and found service by phone: +7 (41147) 9-22-83.
• Social Media: The airport does not have separate official pages on social networks. All current information is published on the official website.
• Customer Support Contacts: For most questions, including information about flights and services, you can contact the airport's general information desk.

Chulman Airport (NER), serving the city of Neryungri, is actually located not in the city itself, but in the settlement of the same name, Chulman, approximately 35-40 kilometres to the north. This is an important nuance to consider when planning a trip to the airport from Neryungri, one of the key industrial centres of South Yakutia in Russia. You can reach the air harbour in several ways, each with its own features.

The most budget-friendly way to get to the airport is to use public transport. Bus No. 101 runs between Neryungri and the Chulman settlement. It departs from the bus station in Neryungri and goes to the airport. The travel time is about 40-60 minutes depending on traffic conditions. It is important to check the current schedule in advance, as intervals between buses can be long. This option is excellent for travellers with light luggage and those wishing to save money.

For those who value comfort and time, the optimal choice would be a taxi or private transfer. A car journey will take approximately 30-40 minutes. You can order a car by phone from local dispatch services or through popular mobile apps. The cost of the trip will be significantly higher than by bus, but it is the fastest and most convenient way to get to the airport, especially if you are travelling with bulky luggage, children, or flying on a night flight.

If you plan not only to get to the airport but also to actively move around the region, it is worth considering car rental. Rental points may be available in Neryungri, however, it is recommended to book a car in advance. The road to the airport lies along the federal highway A-360 "Lena". For those arriving in their own transport, Chulman Airport has paid parking where you can leave your vehicle during your absence.

The choice of transport depends on your budget, time, and preferences. The bus is the most economical but requires adjusting to the schedule. A taxi is fast and convenient but more expensive. Car rental gives maximum freedom of movement. In any case, given the distance from the city to the airport, we recommend leaving well in advance to complete check-in and pre-flight security checks without rushing.

Chulman Airport (Neryungri) is a compact and functional aviation hub that is easy to navigate even for an inexperienced traveller. Its structure is simple and clear, making your stay here comfortable and eliminating the stress associated with navigating large airports.

The airport operates one passenger terminal, which serves all domestic flights — both departures and arrivals. Thanks to this, you won't have to worry about transferring between different buildings or long transits. All necessary zones and services are located in a single two-story building, which significantly simplifies orientation.

The terminal layout is intuitive. On the ground floor, there are flight check-in counters and baggage drop-off points, as well as the arrival area with a baggage claim belt and exit to the city. On the first floor, the departure zone is located: here passengers undergo pre-flight security checks and wait for boarding in the departure lounge, where seating is provided. Information boards and signs will help you easily find the right gate or service.

Check-in and security procedures at Chulman Airport usually proceed quite quickly due to the small passenger flow. On average, all formalities take no more than 30-40 minutes. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport in advance, 1.5–2 hours before departure, to check in luggage and pass security control without haste, especially if you are travelling on peak dates.

The main advice for navigation is to follow the signs. Since there is only one terminal and its layout is logical, it is practically impossible to get lost. All key zones — from check-in counters to boarding gates — are within walking distance of each other. If you have any questions, you can always turn to airport staff, who are ready to help with orientation.

The history of Chulman Airport is inextricably linked with the industrial development of South Yakutia. The first steps in the aviation development of this region of Russia were taken in 1962, when a small unpaved runway was created near the settlement of Chulman. It was intended to receive light An-2 aircraft, which transported geologists, builders, and necessary cargo for exploration and the start of developing the richest coal deposits.

The true birth of the modern airport was in 1986. Due to the active construction of the city of Neryungri and the development of the South Yakutsk Territorial Production Complex, there was an acute need for reliable air communication. A new runway and airport complex were built, capable of receiving large jet aircraft such as the Tu-154. From that moment, Chulman Airport became the main air gateway for the entire region, ensuring connections with the country's major cities.

Throughout its history, the airport has played a key role in the life of South Yakutia, experiencing periods of rapid growth and times of decline alongside the region. A major milestone in its recent history was a large-scale modernisation. In late 2023, a completely new, modern passenger terminal was put into operation. This event significantly increased the level of comfort for passengers and the airport's capacity, opening a new chapter in its development.

Interesting fact: although the airport primarily serves the city of Neryungri, it bears the name of the Chulman settlement, near which it is located, at a distance of about 35 kilometres from the city. For many travellers, this becomes a small geographical discovery upon arrival. Today, Chulman Airport (Neryungri) is not just a transport node, but a strategically important facility supporting the economic and social life of a vast industrial territory in the south of Yakutia.

Chulman Airport (Neryungri) offers passengers a set of basic services necessary for a comfortable wait for their flight. Despite its compact size, the terminal has everything necessary for travellers.

You can have a snack before departure at the café located in the terminal building. Here, guests are offered hot dishes, pastries, and drinks. In addition, there are small shops and souvenir stalls in the airport where you can buy travel goods, press, and memorable gifts with local flair.

A general hall is provided for waiting for flights. Passengers preferring enhanced comfort can use the services of the VIP lounge. Free Wi-Fi is available for all passengers within the terminal, and special zones with sockets are equipped for charging electronic devices.

A medical point operates around the clock at the airport, where first aid will be provided if necessary. For passengers with small children, a mother and child room is equipped with everything necessary for care and rest. ATMs of several major banks are also installed in the departure hall.

Passengers with reduced mobility are provided with assistance in moving around the terminal and boarding the aircraft. To order the service, it is recommended to contact the airline representative in advance. If you need to stay overnight or rest between flights, the "Airport" hotel is located in the immediate vicinity of the terminal.

Chulman Airport (Neryungri) is a small regional aviation hub, so the choice of catering establishments here is limited but sufficient for a snack before departure. All available options are generally concentrated in the common hall of the single passenger terminal, before the security zone.

Passengers usually have access to a café or buffet, where one can have a quick coffee or a full lunch. For a light snack, they offer fresh pastries, sandwiches, salads, tea, and coffee. If you have time and want a more substantial meal, you can find simple and filling hot dishes on the menu: soups, cutlets with garnish, and porridge. This is an excellent option for those who want to enjoy home-style cooking before their flight.

Although there are no specialised restaurants with local Yakut cuisine in the airport, dishes reflecting Siberian flavour can often be found on the café menu. Pay attention to hearty pastries with potatoes or cabbage and hot meat dishes, which are especially good in the cold season. Prices in airport establishments can be described as moderate, especially compared to large capital air hubs.

Specialised menus, such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or Halal, are likely not represented at Chulman Airport. Passengers with strict dietary restrictions are advised to bring food with them. The opening hours of the local café are usually adapted to the flight schedule: it opens a few hours before the first departure and closes after the departure of the last aircraft.

Planning a trip from the Yakut city of Neryungri is the start of an exciting adventure. To ensure your departure from Chulman Airport goes as smoothly and comfortably as possible, we have collected several useful tips that will help you save time, nerves, and money.

Arrival Time and Check-in. Chulman Airport is not distinguished by giant dimensions, but it is better not to risk it. We recommend arriving at the airport 2–2.5 hours before the departure of a domestic flight. This time is enough to check in luggage, pass security control, and find your boarding gate without rushing. To save time, use online check-in on your airline's website — this will allow you to go straight to the baggage drop-off counter or, if you are travelling light, head directly to security.

Hand Luggage and Security Control. Rules for carrying liquids are standard: you can take containers with a volume of no more than 100 ml each in hand luggage, packed in a transparent bag with a total volume of up to 1 litre. Sharp objects, weapons, and explosive substances are prohibited. Power banks and batteries should be carried only in hand luggage. Passing through security usually does not take much time, but be prepared to present electronics and liquids separately.

Seat Selection and Transfers. If you want to enjoy stunning views of the boundless taiga and winding rivers of Yakutia, choose a window seat. If freedom of movement and the ability to stretch your legs are more important to you — choose an aisle seat. Chulman Airport is rarely used as a transit hub, so long layovers here are unlikely. If you do have a connection, clarify whether you need to collect luggage and check in for the next flight again.

Customs Control. Since the airport mainly serves domestic flights within Russia, most passengers will not need to pass through customs control. This procedure is mandatory only for those flying on an international flight, which is a rarity for Chulman.

In Case of Flight Delay. In the event of a flight delay, first contact your airline representative. Depending on the length of the wait, you may be provided with drinks, hot meals, or hotel accommodation. Given the modest size of the terminal, download films or books to your devices in advance to brighten up the wait.

Saving Time and Money. Book a taxi to and from the airport in advance — this way you will avoid inflated prices from private drivers. Travelling without luggage not only saves on the ticket but also significantly speeds up your movement through the airport. A small snack brought from home (except liquids) will also help save money, as prices in airports are traditionally higher than in the city.