Besovets

Besovets Airport is not merely the air gateway to Karelia, but the starting point for a journey into the land of a thousand lakes and dense forests. Located near Petrozavodsk, it serves as the republic's main air transport hub. Following the opening of a new terminal in 2020, the airport has become significantly more comfortable and modern, ready to welcome travellers eager for northern adventures.

The main asset of Besovets Airport is its modern passenger terminal, with a capacity reaching 300 people per hour. This has allowed for a significant improvement in service quality and a reduction in waiting times. The terminal building contains everything necessary for passenger convenience: several check-in desks, a café, a superior comfort waiting lounge, and free Wi-Fi. The airport is a joint-base airfield, underscoring its strategic importance. Regular and seasonal flights connect Karelia with Moscow and other major cities in Russia, making travel to this amazing region fast and convenient.

• Official Website: karelavia.ru
• Inquiry Service Phone: +7 (8142) 71-75-93
• Address: Republic of Karelia, Prionezhsky District, Besovets village, "Petrozavodsk" Airport
• Email: airport-ptz@karelavia.ru
• Social Media: Official VKontakte page — vk.com/airport.petrozavodsk
• Lost & Found: For issues related to lost or damaged luggage, please contact the airport inquiry service at +7 (8142) 71-75-93.
• Passenger Support: You can contact the inquiry service for consultations regarding flights, services, and airport regulations.

Besovets Airport (PES) is located approximately 12 kilometres northwest of the centre of Petrozavodsk, the capital of Karelia. You can reach it from the city in several ways, the choice of which depends on your budget, time, and comfort preferences. Overall, the journey does not take much time, making the airport a convenient transport hub for travellers across Russia.

The most budget-friendly way to get to the airport is by public transport. Suburban buses, such as route No. 100, run from the Petrozavodsk bus station to Besovets Airport. The bus ride takes about 40-50 minutes, and the ticket price is minimal. We recommend checking the current schedule in advance, as it may change and is often linked to flight departure and arrival times.

A faster and more comfortable option is a taxi or pre-booked transfer. A car journey from the city centre to the airport takes only 20-30 minutes. Popular online taxi booking services operate in Petrozavodsk, making it easy to hail a car. This is the ideal choice if you are travelling with heavy luggage or value your time.

For those planning to actively explore Karelia, renting a car is an excellent solution. You can rent a car in the city or arrange for delivery to the airport. If you are driving to the airport in your own vehicle, there is convenient parking on the terminal grounds where you can leave your transport for the duration of your trip.

Although Besovets is the main airport for trips to Karelia, travellers sometimes consider alternative options. The largest nearby transport hub is Pulkovo Airport (LED) in Saint Petersburg, from where you can reach Petrozavodsk by train. Other nearby airports include Joensuu (JOE) and Savonlinna (SVL) in Finland, as well as Valaam Airport and Onega Airport.

Besovets Airport (Petrozavodsk) is a small regional air terminal distinguished by its compactness and simple structure. It services all domestic flights, and its layout is intuitive even for first-time visitors.

The airport operates one passenger terminal, which is used for both departing and arriving passengers. The terminal building is a single-storey structure where all key zones are located within walking distance of each other. Thanks to this, there are no long transfers between zones — you will not have to walk far from one part of the airport to another.

The airport layout is extremely simple. Upon entering the terminal, you immediately find yourself in the main hall. To the left or straight ahead, you will usually find the check-in desks. After checking in and dropping off luggage, passengers proceed to pre-flight security screening, the entrance to which is also located in this hall. The departure zone is a small waiting lounge with several boarding gates. The arrival zone is even more concise: it consists of a baggage claim belt and an exit into the same main hall where arrivals are met.

Registration and security procedures at Besovets Airport generally proceed very quickly due to the low passenger flow. Usually, all formalities take no more than 20-30 minutes. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport generally 1.5-2 hours before departure to avoid unforeseen situations.

The main advice for navigation is not to worry. It is practically impossible to get lost in this compact terminal. All signs and indicators are clearly visible, and airport staff are always ready to provide directions. Simply follow the standard procedure: check-in, security, waiting for boarding — and your journey will begin without unnecessary fuss.

The history of Besovets Airport, Russia's main air harbour in Karelia, began long before it started accepting civil flights. The airfield was founded in 1939 and initially had an exclusively military purpose. It played an important role in the defensive system of the country's north-western borders for several decades, witnessing many historical events of the mid-20th century.

The transition to civil aviation became a key stage in the airport's development. In 1964, the Besovets airfield began operating its first regular passenger flights, connecting Petrozavodsk with other cities. This event opened Karelia to tourists and business travellers, significantly simplifying transport accessibility to the region. For many years, the airport continued to function with a dual status — as a military airfield and a civil airport.

Over time, the airport infrastructure required modernisation. In the 1990s, the first serious reconstruction of the runway was carried out, allowing it to accept more modern types of aircraft. However, the most significant update was the construction of a new passenger terminal, which was grandly opened in 2020. The modern building, with a capacity of up to 300 passengers per hour, brought service to a completely new level of comfort and safety.

One interesting fact is related to the airport's name. It comes from the name of the nearby village of Besovets and the river of the same name. Today, Besovets Airport (PES) is a modern transport hub that continues its history, combining military heritage with the functions of the main air gateway for all who wish to discover the unique nature and culture of Karelia.

Besovets Airport (Petrozavodsk) is a compact regional aviation hub that provides passengers with all necessary basic services for a comfortable wait before their flight. The terminal building houses a general waiting hall where you can rest before departure. You can have a snack or drink coffee in a small café-buffet, and purchase souvenirs of Karelia at a special kiosk.

For the convenience of travellers, free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, and there are power outlets for charging mobile devices. Financial services are represented by an ATM; however, currency exchange points are absent, so it is recommended to handle all monetary transactions in the city beforehand. There is no VIP lounge at the airport; all passengers are served in the general order.

For passengers with children, a mother and child room is equipped where you can feed and change a baby in a quiet environment. In case of necessity, you can visit the 24-hour medical point. Passengers with reduced mobility are provided with all necessary assistance during check-in, security screening, and boarding. To receive this service, it is recommended to notify the airline or airport in advance.

There are no on-site hotels or business centres at Besovets Airport. The nearest hotels and conference halls are located in Petrozavodsk, which is about 12 km away. Travellers needing accommodation or business services should book suitable options in the city in advance.

Besovets Airport (PES) is a compact regional air terminal, so the choice of dining establishments here corresponds to its size. Do not expect a wide variety of restaurants; however, passengers can find everything necessary to have a snack before departure or after arrival.

The main place for dining at the airport is the café, located in the general hall of the single passenger terminal. It is accessible both to departing passengers before security screening and to those meeting arrivals. Its opening hours are generally tied to the flight schedule, allowing it to serve passengers throughout the operational day.

The café menu offers simple and filling dishes, ideal for a quick snack. Here you can order sandwiches, fresh pastries, salads, as well as hot and cold beverages. Simple hot dishes may be available for a more substantial meal. Particular attention should be paid to local Karelian pastries if they are in the assortment, for example, the famous kalitkas — open pies with potato or millet filling.

Specialised offerings for vegans, vegetarians, or people with gluten intolerance are unlikely to be found here. Nevertheless, among the standard items, you can find suitable options, such as meat-free salads or pastries. The price range in the café is moderate, typical for small Russian airports. If you are looking for a full lunch or dinner (including Halal options), it is recommended to eat at one of the establishments in Petrozavodsk before travelling to the airport.

To ensure your journey through Besovets Airport goes as smoothly and comfortably as possible, make use of our useful tips. These recommendations will help you save time, money, and stress, making the start of your trip to or from Petrozavodsk pleasant.

Arrival Time and Check-in. We recommend arriving at the airport at least 2–2.5 hours before a domestic flight departure. Although Besovets is a small airport and procedures here are faster than in major hubs, an extra buffer of time will save you from unnecessary worry. To speed up the process, use online check-in on your airline's website — this will allow you to proceed straight to baggage drop or security screening if you are travelling light.

Hand Luggage and Security. The security screening procedure is standard. Remember the basic rules for carrying hand luggage: all liquids must be in containers with a volume of no more than 100 ml, and their total volume must not exceed 1 litre. All bottles must be packed in a single transparent resealable bag. Check your airline's rules regarding hand luggage dimensions and the carriage of portable chargers (power banks) in advance.

Seat Selection. If the airline offers the option to select a seat, consider your preferences. Window seats will offer you beautiful views of Karelian nature during takeoff and landing. Aisle seats are convenient if you plan to get up during the flight. Passengers in the front of the cabin usually disembark first.

Connections and Customs. Besovets Airport primarily serves direct flights within Russia, so transit passengers are rare here. If you have a complex itinerary with a connection, check with the air carrier in advance whether you will need to collect and re-check your luggage at the intermediate point. Customs control is not applicable for passengers on domestic flights.

Saving Time and Money. Book flight tickets in advance to get the best price. To avoid spending extra at the airport, bring an empty water bottle (it can be filled in the clean zone after security) and a light snack. The fastest way to pass pre-flight formalities is to check in online and travel with hand luggage only.

What to Do in Case of Flight Delay? In the event of a flight delay, remain calm. First, contact your airline representative for current information. Remember your rights: for a delay of 2 hours or more, you should be provided with soft drinks; for 4 hours or more — a hot meal. To make the waiting time pass unnoticed, have a book, a charged power bank, and films downloaded to your smartphone or tablet in advance.