Penza Airport

Penza Airport named after V. G. Belinsky, also known by its historical name Ternovka, serves as the sole air gateway to the Penza region. This cozy and compact air harbour plays a key role in the region's transport system, providing connections to Moscow, Saint Petersburg, Sochi, and other major cities in Russia. Located within the city limits, the airport offers passengers a convenient start to their journey through the Sura region.

Despite its modest size, Penza Airport handles its tasks effectively. The terminal's capacity is about 100 passengers per hour, making the check-in and security screening process fast and comfortable, without long queues. The terminal building features a small waiting hall, a cafe, and vending machines. Special services and equipment are provided for passengers with reduced mobility. You can reach the city center in just 20-40 minutes by public transport or taxi. In recent years, passenger traffic at the airport has been steadily growing, prompting plans for large-scale modernization to expand the route network and increase the level of comfort for travelers.

• Official Website: airportpenza.ru
• Inquiry Service Phone: +7 (8412) 45-38-00
• Address: 440068, Penza, Tsentralnaya St., 2, Airport
• Email: airport-penza@yandex.ru
• Social Media: The airport is represented by an official page on the social network VKontakte.
• Lost Luggage Information: For issues related to tracing lost or damaged luggage, please contact the inquiry service via the main airport phone number.
• Passenger Support Contacts: All questions related to passenger service can be addressed to the airport's inquiry service.

The Penza Airport (named after V. G. Belinsky) is located just 9 kilometers south of the city center, making the journey there quick and convenient. You can reach the air harbour in several ways, the choice of which depends on your budget, time, and comfort preferences. On average, a trip from the city center takes from 20 to 40 minutes.

Public Transport is the most economical option. The following routes run to the airport:

• Bus No. 54
• Trolleybus No. 7
• Minibus Taxi No. 30

This method is ideal for travelers traveling light. The trip will take about 30-40 minutes depending on traffic conditions. Stops are located right at the terminal exit. This is a great opportunity to save money, as the fare is minimal.

Taxi or Transfer is the most comfortable and fastest way to get to the airport. Popular online taxi booking services, as well as local taxi companies, operate in Penza. A trip from the city center will take approximately 20-25 minutes excluding traffic jams. We recommend booking a car in advance, especially if you have an early departure or late arrival. A pre-booked transfer guarantees that you will be met with a sign and assisted with your luggage.

Personal Car and Parking. If you prefer to travel by your own car, parking is provided at the airport. There are both short-term and long-term parking zones, which is convenient if you are flying away for a few days. The drive by private car from the center will also take about 20-25 minutes.

If you have not found convenient flights directly to Penza, it is worth considering flying to neighboring cities in Russia. The nearest major airports are located in Saransk (SKX), Saratov (GSV), and Ulyanovsk (ULV), from where you can reach Penza by train or bus.

Penza Airport (Ternovka) is a compact and modern aviation hub featuring one passenger terminal. This single building serves all domestic flights, both departures and arrivals, making navigation for travelers maximally simple and convenient.

The terminal layout is very logical. The ground floor houses the main zones: check-in counters, security screening area, as well as the arrival hall with the baggage claim belt. After passing security control, passengers enter a small but cozy waiting hall where the boarding gates are located. Since everything is situated in one building, the concept of "transferring between terminals" does not exist here — everything is within a few minutes' walk.

Thanks to the airport's compactness, all pre-flight procedures take minimal time. On average, check-in and screening take no more than 30-40 minutes, even during peak load periods. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport 1.5-2 hours before departure, as required by the rules of most airlines.

For navigation, simply follow the standard signs. Getting lost in the terminal building is practically impossible. After entering, you will immediately see the schedule board and check-in counters, and further on — clear signs to the screening zone and boarding gates. This makes Penza Airport especially comfortable for those who dislike the bustle of large aviation hubs.

The history of Penza Airport, also known by the unofficial name "Ternovka", begins in the mid-20th century. The decision to build a new air harbour for the city was made in the late 1950s, and its official opening took place in 1963. Initially, the airport served local airlines using An-2 and Li-2 aircraft, which connected Penza with district centers and neighboring regions.

A key stage in the airport's development was the 1970s. During this time, a concrete runway was built and put into operation, allowing for the reception of more modern and larger aircraft, such as the Yak-40 and An-24. This event significantly expanded the geography of flights and strengthened Penza's status as an important transport hub in the Volga region. The terminal building, which became the hallmark of the city's air gates for many years, was erected at the same time.

A new era in the airport's history began in the 21st century. In 2003, the airport was granted international status, opening prospects for international flights. In subsequent years, a large-scale reconstruction was carried out: the runway was lengthened and strengthened, and the terminal complex was modernized to meet modern service and safety standards. These improvements allowed for the reception of aircraft such as the Sukhoi Superjet 100 and Bombardier CRJ200.

One of the significant events of recent history was the naming of the airport after the great Russian literary critic Vissarion Belinsky in 2019 as part of the "Great Names of Russia" national project. Today, Penza Airport (Belinsky) is a modern and developing transport hub that ensures reliable air connections with Moscow, Saint Petersburg, and the country's southern resorts, continuing the glorious history of Penza aviation.

Penza Airport, despite its compact dimensions, provides passengers with all necessary services for a comfortable wait for their flight. The terminal infrastructure is simple and intuitive, allowing even first-time visitors to orient themselves easily.

A cafe operates within the terminal, where you can have a snack before departure, drink coffee, or purchase light refreshments for the road. There are also small kiosks offering fresh press, souvenirs, and essential goods. The selection is not vast, but the basic needs of travelers are taken into account.

A general hall is equipped for waiting for flights. Passengers preferring enhanced comfort can use the services of the business lounge, which offers a quieter atmosphere, beverages, and snacks. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, and charging outlets for electronic devices are installed in the waiting areas.

Among other amenities, the airport has ATMs for cash withdrawal. For passengers with small children, a mother and child room is equipped where you can take care of your baby in a calm environment. In case of need, you can visit the medical point operating within the terminal.

The airport is equipped to serve passengers with limited physical capabilities. To receive assistance, such as the provision of a wheelchair and escort to boarding, it is recommended to notify the airline or the airport service directly in advance.

Although there are no hotels directly inside the airport building, several hotels are located in the immediate vicinity, a few minutes' drive away. There are no specialized conference halls available for general access, however, basic business services may be provided in the VIP lounge.

Dining options at Penza Airport (PEZ) correspond to its status as a regional aviation hub. The selection here is not as extensive as in capital airports, but having a snack or drinking coffee before departure is certainly possible.

The main place to eat is the cafe located in the general hall of the terminal on the ground floor, before the security screening zone (landside). It is accessible to both departing and meeting passengers. Here you can order hot dishes similar to home-style cuisine (soups, main courses), salads, pastries, sandwiches, as well as hot and cold beverages. This establishment is suitable for both a quick snack and a more substantial lunch while waiting for a flight.

After passing security control (airside) in the "clean" departure zone, the choice is usually limited. A small buffet or coffee machine may operate here, where you can purchase drinks and light snacks, such as chocolate or chips. Prices at the airport are traditionally higher than the city average. The opening hours of establishments are usually tied to the flight schedule: they open a few hours before the first departure and close after the last one leaves.

Passengers with specific dietary needs (vegetarians, vegans, or those requiring gluten-free or Halal options) may find it difficult to find suitable dishes. The assortment is mostly standard, so if you have strict dietary restrictions, it is recommended to bring food with you.

Planning a trip through Penza Airport (named after V. G. Belinsky) will be easier if you consider a few tips. We recommend arriving at the airport at least 2 hours before the departure of a domestic flight. Although the airport is small and queues are rare, this time buffer will allow you to complete all formalities without rushing, check in your luggage, and have a coffee before boarding.

To save time, complete online check-in for your flight if your airline provides this option. This will allow you to proceed directly to luggage drop-off or, if you are traveling light, to the security screening zone. The screening procedure is standard, but remember the restrictions on carrying liquids in hand luggage: all must be in containers of no more than 100 ml and packed in a transparent bag. Sharp and cutting objects are also prohibited in the cabin.

When choosing a seat on the plane, be guided by your preferences: window seats will offer beautiful views during takeoff and landing, while aisle seats provide more freedom of movement. Since the airport mainly serves domestic flights within Russia, customs control is undergone only by passengers of rare international charters. Most travelers will not require this procedure.

Penza Airport is not a major transit hub, so transfers here happen infrequently. If you do have a connection, note that the terminal infrastructure is quite modest. In the event of a long flight delay, first contact your airline representative for information on the departure status and possible options (provision of meals, accommodation). It is useful to have a portable charger and a book with you to spend the waiting time more comfortably.