Solovki Airport

Solovki Airport is not merely a transport hub, but a true aerial gateway to the unique world of the Solovetsky Archipelago. It is here that small aircraft land, delivering travellers and pilgrims to these famous islands, renowned for their rugged northern nature and rich history. Arrival at this airport becomes part of the adventure itself, as it is one of the few in Russia where an unpaved runway is still in use.

The main feature and merit of Solovki Airport is its uniqueness and functionality. This is the fastest and sometimes the only way to reach the islands from the mainland, especially during the off-season when navigation on the White Sea can be difficult. The airport is capable of accepting only specific types of aircraft, such as the An-24 or L-410, which are adapted for landing on unprepared strips.

Do not expect huge terminals or duty-free zones here. The charm of this place lies in its simplicity and intimate atmosphere. All procedures are completed very quickly, and you can walk from the terminal building to the Solovetsky Monastery and the settlement centre in just 15–20 minutes. Important to remember: the airport's operation depends heavily on weather conditions, and flights are seasonal. Always check the current schedule before travelling and be prepared for possible changes.

Below you will find the main contact information for Solovki Airport (CSH). Please note that this is a small regional airport, and some services may be combined.

• Official Website: Solovki Airport is a branch of JSC "Airports of Arkhangelsk". Current information about flights and airport operations can be found on the management company's official website: arhaero.ru.
• Information Desk Phone: For questions regarding the schedule and airport operations, you can contact: +7 (81835) 9-02-39.
• Airport Address: Russia, Arkhangelsk Oblast, Solovetsky District, Solovetsky Settlement.
• Email: The airport does not have a dedicated public email address. For official inquiries, it is recommended to use the contact details listed on the JSC "Airports of Arkhangelsk" website.
• Social Media: The airport does not have its own social media pages. News and updates are published on the official resources of JSC "Airports of Arkhangelsk".
• Lost Luggage Information: In case of loss or damage to luggage, you should first contact your airline's representative. Additional information can be obtained via the general airport information phone number.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For all questions related to service at Solovki Airport, it is recommended to contact the information desk at the phone number listed above.

Solovki Airport is located in the immediate vicinity of the main settlement on the Solovetsky Islands, making the journey to it simple and quick. The island is small, and most key locations, including hotels and the famous monastery, are within walking distance. Therefore, unlike in major cities of Russia, the transport system in Solovetsky has its own unique features.

The most common way to get to the airport with luggage is by taxi or pre-booked transfer. The role of taxis here is usually performed by local residents in private cars. Almost any hotel or guest house can help organise a transfer for you. The trip from the settlement centre will take no more than 5-10 minutes. The cost is usually fixed and inexpensive, but it is best to clarify this when booking. We strongly recommend arranging the ride in advance, especially during the peak tourist season.

If you are travelling light, an excellent option would be a walk. The distance from the Solovetsky Kremlin to the airport is about two kilometres, and it can be easily covered in 20-30 minutes at a leisurely pace. This is not only free but also gives you the opportunity to once again enjoy the peaceful landscapes of the island. The route is simple, and it is practically impossible to get lost.

It is important to understand that options familiar to big cities are not available on the island. There is no regular public bus service to the airport here, nor are there car rental offices. A large parking zone is also not provided at the airport, as private vehicles on Solovki are a rarity and are used mainly by locals.

Thus, the choice of transport to Solovki Airport depends on the amount of your luggage and personal preferences. For maximum convenience, book a transfer through your accommodation. If you value active leisure and want to save money, feel free to head to the airport on foot. In any case, plan your journey with a little extra time so you can complete your trip to this amazing place without rushing.

Solovki Airport (CSH) is a small regional aviation hub with a structure that is extremely simple and understandable for every traveller. There are no confusing schemes or long corridors here, which makes the stay at the airport as comfortable as possible.

The airport operates with only one passenger terminal. It is a compact single-storey building that serves both departing and arriving passengers. Due to its small size, all infrastructure is located in one place, and you will not have to spend time searching for the necessary zones. The concept of an "airport map" is quite nominal here — everything is located within sight.

Since there is only one terminal, transfers between terminals are not required. The departure and arrival zones are effectively in one common space. The boarding process looks like this: you enter the building, proceed to the check-in counter, then to a small security checkpoint, and enter the waiting hall. The arrival zone is even simpler — after disembarking the aircraft, passengers enter the terminal where they collect their luggage.

Passing all pre-flight formalities, including check-in and security, usually takes no more than 15–20 minutes. This is due to the low passenger flow and the servicing of small aircraft. The main recommendation for navigation is not to worry. It is impossible to get lost at Solovki Airport, and the staff are always ready to help and advise. Simply arrive in advance, as at any other airport, to complete all procedures without haste.

The history of Solovki Airport is, above all, a history of overcoming isolation and ensuring the connection of the famous archipelago with the mainland part of Russia. The first airfield on the island appeared in the 1940s, however, for a long time, it was used primarily for service and light aviation. Its key role as a passenger air harbour began to form only in the second half of the 20th century, with the revival of monastic life and the growth of tourist interest in the islands.

An interesting fact from the airport's history is its unique runway, which for decades was assembled from metal plates. Such surfacing, more characteristic of temporary military airfields, allowed it to accept small aircraft like the An-24. This feature became the airport's calling card, but simultaneously imposed serious restrictions on the types of aircraft and the regularity of flights, especially in the off-season.

A real breakthrough in the airport's history was a large-scale reconstruction completed in the early 2020s. During the modernisation, a modern concrete runway 1,500 metres long was built, capable of accepting more modern aircraft. A new terminal building was also erected, and modern navigation equipment was installed. This event opened a new era for tourism in the Solovetsky Archipelago, making the journey to the islands significantly faster, more comfortable, and safer.

Although Solovki Airport has not set records for passenger flow, its main achievement is invaluable — it serves as the aerial gateway to one of the country's greatest spiritual and historical centres, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its history is an example of the development of small but vital infrastructure that makes unique corners of the planet accessible to everyone.

Solovki Airport (CSH) is a small regional air hub serving one of the most unique destinations in Russia. Despite its modest size, it provides passengers with all the necessary basic services for a comfortable wait for their flight.

Inside the terminal building, there is a small café where you can drink hot tea or coffee and have a snack before departure. There is also a souvenir shop where you can purchase memorable gifts related to the Solovetsky Islands. The main waiting hall is shared and is designed to serve passengers of one or two flights. Separate VIP lounges are not provided.

Access to Wi-Fi at the airport may be limited, so it is better to rely on mobile internet. The number of sockets for charging gadgets is also small; it is recommended to have a portable power bank with you. There are no bank branches or currency exchange points at the airport, so all financial matters should be attended to in advance on the mainland.

To ensure passenger safety and comfort, a medical point operates at the airport to provide first aid. Passengers with small children can use the mother and child room. For travellers with limited mobility, assistance with boarding and disembarking is provided, however, the airline should be notified of the need for such service in advance.

There are no hotels directly on the airport territory. All hotels and guest houses are located in the Solovetsky settlement, which is easily accessible. Business services, such as conference halls or business centres, are not provided at Solovki Airport.

When planning a trip to the Solovetsky Islands, it is important to consider that Solovki Airport (CSH) is a small regional terminal with a very modest set of services. There is no large variety of restaurants and cafés here, as found in major aviation hubs. The catering infrastructure is designed to serve passengers for one or two flights a day.

Typically, one small buffet or café operates in the airport building. This is the main and only place where you can have a snack while waiting for departure. The assortment here is quite simple and includes:

• Hot drinks: tea, coffee.
• Sandwiches.
• Pastries: pies, buns. Sometimes you can find something with local flair, for example, pastries with northern berries — cloudberry or lingonberry.
• Various snacks: chocolate, biscuits, crisps.

It is unlikely you will be able to order a full lunch or dinner here. This place is intended rather for a quick snack. Specialised offers, such as Halal, vegetarian, or gluten-free meals, are unlikely to be available. Passengers with specific dietary requirements are recommended to bring food with them. Prices at the airport are traditionally higher than in the settlement, and the buffet's opening hours are usually tied to the flight schedule — it opens shortly before departure and closes after the aircraft leaves.

Thus, if you wish to have a substantial meal before departure, it is better to do so at one of the cafés or restaurants in the Solovetsky settlement itself. The airport buffet will be a convenient option to drink a cup of hot tea and eat a pie while bidding farewell to the amazing nature of the Solovetsky Islands.

A trip to the Solovetsky Islands is a special experience, and knowing a few nuances related to the local airport will make your journey more comfortable. Solovki Airport is a small and fairly simple air harbour, but it has its own distinct features.

Despite the compact size of the terminal, arrive at the airport well in advance — at least 1.5–2 hours before departure. During the peak tourist season (summer), passenger flow increases, and it is better to have a time buffer. The check-in and security process usually goes quickly, but all standard security rules are strictly observed.

When packing hand luggage, remember the rules in force on domestic airlines in Russia. Liquids can be carried in containers of up to 100 ml, packed in one transparent bag. Sharp objects, weapons, and flammable substances are prohibited. All electronics, including power banks, will need to be removed from your bag for screening.

Aircraft flying to Solovki are generally small, so there is no fundamental difference between seats. However, if possible, choose a window seat. In clear weather, stunning views of the islands and the White Sea will open up to you, which will be an excellent bonus to your journey.

A key feature of flights to the Solovetsky Islands is the strong dependence on weather. Fog and strong winds are frequent occurrences, due to which flights may be delayed or cancelled. If you have a connecting flight planned in another city, allow a very large time margin between flights, ideally no less than 4-6 hours. In case of a delay to your flight, contact the airline representative for information and assistance.

Since all flights to Solovetsky are domestic, there is no need to pass through customs control. To save money, try to buy airline tickets in advance, especially for the summer months. The number of seats on flights is limited, and demand in the season is high, so prices rise quickly. It is also useful to carry cash, as bank cards are not accepted everywhere on the islands.