Okha Airport

Okha Airport, also known as "Novostroyka", is not merely an air harbour but a strategically important transport hub in the north of Sakhalin. For many travellers, oil and gas industry workers, and local residents, it serves as the main gateway to this remote yet resource-rich region of Russia. It is from here that business trips and journeys connecting the north of the island with the regional centre and the mainland begin.

Despite its modest size, the airport in Okha plays a key role in the region's transport system. The main passenger flow is provided by regular flights to Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk and Khabarovsk, operated primarily by the "Aurora" airline. The terminal building is compact and functional: it has everything necessary for waiting for a flight — a waiting hall, check-in counters, and ticket offices. The infrastructure is designed to service a small number of passengers, making the stay at the airport quite calm and predictable.

The main feature of the airport is its indispensability for northern Sakhalin. It is a vital artery for supply and personnel rotation at oil and gas fields. Travellers should take into account that the airport's operation depends heavily on the region's harsh weather conditions. In winter and during the off-season, flight delays are possible due to heavy snowfall, blizzards, or fog, so always check your flight status in advance.

For your convenience, we have collected the main contact information for Okha Airport (OHH).

• Official website: The airport is part of JSC "Airports of Sakhalin"; the official page is available at www.fly-sakhalin.ru/okha.
• Help desk phone: 8 (42437) 2-15-56.
• Airport address: 694490, Sakhalin Region, Okha, Sovetskaya St., 46.
• Email: You can send your enquiry to the general email of JSC "Airports of Sakhalin" — office@fly-sakhalin.ru.
• Social media: News and updates are published in the unified Telegram channel of Sakhalin airports.
• Lost luggage information: For luggage tracing issues, it is recommended to first contact the representative of the airline you flew with or the airport help desk.
• Passenger support contacts: For consultations regarding service at the airport, you can call the help desk.

Okha Airport is located in close proximity to the city, just 8 kilometres away, making the journey there quick and convenient. Passengers can choose from several transport options depending on their budget and comfort preferences.

The most economical way to get to the airport is by public transport. City bus No. 101 runs from the centre of Okha to the terminal. The trip will take on average 20–30 minutes. This option is excellent for travellers with light luggage, but it is important to check the current schedule in advance to avoid missing your flight.

For those who value comfort and time, a taxi is the ideal choice. A car ride from the city centre to the terminal will take no more than 10–15 minutes. This is particularly convenient if you have a lot of luggage or are travelling with family. Due to the short distance, the cost of the trip will be quite affordable. A car can be ordered through one of the local taxi services.

If you plan to travel around the region, consider renting a car. This will give you complete freedom of movement. For those arriving at the airport in their own vehicle, parking is provided. You can leave your car here for a few hours or for the entire duration of your absence. It is best to check conditions and rates directly on-site.

In summary, choosing transport to Okha Airport is simple: taxi is the fastest and most comfortable method, while the bus is the most budget-friendly. Given the short distance, either of these options will be hassle-free and allow you to arrive at check-in on time.

Okha Airport (OHH) is a small regional airport, so its structure is very simple and convenient for passengers. There is one passenger terminal operating here, which services all flights — both arrivals and departures. Thanks to this, you will not have to worry about transferring between different buildings or searching for the right gate in a large complex.

The terminal layout is intuitive. Upon entering the building, you immediately find yourself in the general area where the check-in counters are located. After receiving a boarding pass and checking in luggage, passengers proceed to the security screening zone, behind which lies a small departure waiting hall. The arrival zone is equally compact: after disembarking the aircraft, passengers enter the baggage claim hall, and from there — directly to the exit into the city.

Due to the airport's compactness, all pre-flight procedures are completed quite quickly. Flight check-in and security screening usually take no more than 30-40 minutes, even taking peak loads into account. This allows you to arrive at the airport without a large time buffer, unlike at major aviation hubs.

To navigate the terminal, simply follow the few signs available. Getting lost here is practically impossible, as all key zones — from check-in counters to the boarding gate — are within sight of each other. This makes Okha Airport particularly comfortable for those travelling for the first time or those who value simplicity and speed of service.

The history of the airport in the city of Okha is inextricably linked with the development of northern Sakhalin's oil wealth. The air harbour was founded in the 1940s to provide transport connections for the booming oil industry. In the first decades of its existence, the airport was a small airfield with a dirt strip, but its importance for the isolated region was hard to overestimate.

Throughout the Soviet period, the airport was a key transport hub ensuring the transport of passengers, mail, and urgent cargo. For a long time, it functioned with a runway assembled from metal plates, which imposed serious restrictions on operations in difficult weather conditions. Nevertheless, it remained the only reliable thread connecting the north of the island with the mainland.

A tragic and important page in the airport's history was the year 1995. After the devastating earthquake in Neftegorsk, it was Okha Airport that became the centre of the rescue operation. It received Emergency Ministry aircraft with humanitarian aid and rescuers around the clock and dispatched flights with the injured. This situation clearly demonstrated the critical importance of air communication for the region.

A new era for the airport began in the late 2010s with a large-scale reconstruction. By 2021, a new concrete runway 1,600 metres long and a modern terminal complex were built. This modernisation allowed for the reception of modern aircraft types, such as the Sukhoi Superjet 100, at any time of the year and significantly increased the level of comfort and safety for passengers.

Okha Airport (OHH) is a small regional aviation hub that provides passengers with a basic set of services necessary for a comfortable wait before departure. The airport infrastructure is compact and functional, oriented towards servicing domestic flights.

Within the terminal, there is a snack bar where you can order hot drinks, pastries, and light snacks. The selection of establishments and shops is limited, which corresponds to the small size of the airport. A general hall is designated for waiting for flights. Separate VIP halls or business lounges are not provided.

Passengers have access to free Wi-Fi within the terminal building. To charge electronic devices, you can use power outlets in the waiting hall, although their number may be limited. Banking services and currency exchange points are absent at the airport; it is recommended to arrange for cash in advance.

A medical point operates in the airport building to provide first aid. For travellers with small children, a mother and child room is equipped. Passengers with reduced mobility are provided with assistance during boarding and disembarking; for this, it is necessary to contact your airline in advance.

There are no specialised business centres, conference halls, or hotels on the territory of Okha Airport. The nearest accommodation options are located in the city of Okha, which can be reached by taxi or public transport.

Okha Airport (OHH) is a small regional terminal, so the choice of dining establishments here is quite modest, yet sufficient for a snack before departure. All available options are concentrated in the single passenger terminal, so finding them will not be difficult.

The main place to eat is a small café or snack bar located in the general waiting hall (before the security zone). Here, passengers are offered a standard assortment: hot drinks (tea, coffee), juices and water, fresh pastries (pies, buns), sandwiches, and chocolate. This is a good option for a quick snack. Sometimes the menu may include more substantial dishes, such as the soup of the day or a simple hot meal, suitable for a full, albeit not gourmet, lunch.

Despite the limited selection, it is worth paying attention to the pastries. Sometimes the assortment includes pies with fillings reflecting the local flavour, for example, with red fish or Sakhalin berries. This is a great opportunity to try something local without even leaving the airport building.

Regarding special dietary requests, finding vegan, gluten-free, or certified Halal meals at Okha Airport is likely not possible. Vegetarians can rely on pastries with vegetable or potato fillings. Prices in the café are generally moderate for an airport — slightly higher than in the city, but without excessive markups. The establishment's opening hours are directly tied to the flight schedule: it opens well in advance of departure and closes after the last aircraft leaves.

To ensure your journey through Okha Airport goes as smoothly as possible, we have prepared several useful tips. By following these recommendations, you can save time, stress, and even money.

Arrival time at the airport. Okha Airport is a small regional hub, but we still recommend arriving in advance. The optimal time is 2-2.5 hours before departure. This buffer is sufficient to leisurely complete check-in, drop off luggage, and pass pre-flight security, especially during peak periods.

Check-in and Security. To save time, use online check-in if your airline provides it. Keep your passport and ticket ready at the airport. During security screening, be prepared to remove laptops, tablets, and liquids from your hand luggage into a separate tray. This is a standard procedure that helps ensure flight safety.

Seat selection on the plane. If you want to admire views of Sakhalin from above, choose a window seat. If comfort and the ability to stand up freely without disturbing neighbours are important to you, your choice is an aisle seat. Passengers wishing to leave the aircraft faster upon arrival should book seats in the front part of the cabin.

Hand luggage. Pay close attention to packing your hand luggage. It is strictly prohibited to carry liquids in containers exceeding 100 ml, sharp objects, weapons, and flammable substances. It is strongly recommended to take documents, money, valuables, gadgets, and necessary medicines into the aircraft cabin. Be sure to check the hand luggage and baggage allowance rules on your airline's website, as regulations may vary.

Connecting passengers. Since Okha is most often the final destination, there are few transit passengers here. If you have a transfer planned, clarify when buying your ticket whether you will need to collect and re-check your luggage at the intermediate airport. Allow sufficient time between flights, especially if flying with different airlines.

Customs control. Okha Airport primarily services domestic flights, so customs control is not relevant for most passengers. If you are arriving or departing on an international charter flight, standard rules apply: goods exceeding established limits must be declared.

Saving time and money. Check in for your flight online and travel light with only hand luggage to avoid paying for baggage. Book a taxi or transfer in advance — this is often cheaper than using the services of drivers directly at the airport. A light snack that is not prohibited for carriage will also help save on airport prices.

Flight delays. If your flight is delayed, the first thing to do is find a representative of your airline for information. Depending on the duration of the delay, the airline is obliged to provide drinks, hot meals, and, if necessary, hotel accommodation. Keep all receipts for forced expenses and monitor information on the departure boards.