Polyarny

Amidst the endless Yakut taiga, where frosts can sometimes reach extreme levels, lies the region's key transport hub — Polyarny Airport. This is not just a point on the map, but a true "lifeline" connecting the capital of the diamond province with the "mainland". The air harbour is renowned for its ability to accommodate heavy liners in severe climatic conditions, remaining a reliable outpost of civilization in the Far North. For most travellers, it is here that their introduction to the amazing world of industrial power and the pristine nature of Yakutia begins.

Polyarny Airport boasts a number of unique features that distinguish it from other regional aviation hubs:

• Impressive Runway: The runway length is 3,100 metres, allowing it to accommodate almost all types of modern aircraft, including heavy Il-76 transport planes and passenger liners like the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320. This is a rarity for airports serving small towns.
• Strategic Importance: The airport is a critical facility for the diamond mining company ALROSA, ensuring not only passenger transport but also the delivery of cargo, equipment, and food supplies for the entire district.
• International ETOPS Status: Due to its location and technical equipment, Polyarny serves as an alternate aerodrome for transcontinental flights travelling from North America to Asia via the North Pole.
• Accessibility: Its proximity to the city allows you to reach the centre in just 10–15 minutes by car, making logistics maximally comfortable for arrivals.

For your convenience, we have compiled the main contact information for Polyarny Airport (PYJ) in the city of Udachny.

• Official Website: Up-to-date information on flights, services, and airport regulations can be found on the branch's official page on the FKP "Airports of the North" website: aerosever.ru/airports/polyarny.
• Information Desk Phone: To clarify information regarding departures and arrivals, you may call: +7 (41136) 5-21-43.
• Airport Address: Russia, Republic of Sakha (Yakutia), Udachny, Airport Territory.
• Email: For official enquiries, please use the email: office_pyj@aerosever.ru.
• Social Media: The airport does not have separate official pages on social media. News and important announcements are published on the resources of the management company FKP "Airports of the North".
• Lost Luggage Information: For issues regarding the search for lost or damaged luggage, you should first contact the representative of the airline you travelled with. Additional information can be obtained from the airport information desk.
• Passenger Support Service: Primary support for passengers is provided by the airport information desk via the phone number listed above.

Polyarny Airport (PYJ) is located in the immediate vicinity of the city of Udachny in Russia, making the journey there quick and convenient. The trip from the city centre to the terminal by car usually takes no more than 10-15 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.

Taxi and Transfer — the most popular and reliable way to get to the airport. Given the short distance, the cost of the trip is affordable and typically ranges from 300-500 Rubles. It is recommended to book a car in advance, especially if you have an early or late flight. This guarantees the timely arrival of the vehicle and saves you from unnecessary hassle.

Due to the compact nature of the city, specialised public transport routes to the airport may be absent or operate on a very infrequent schedule. Therefore, when planning your trip, it is more reliable to rely on a taxi or private transport to avoid missing your flight.

For those who prefer to travel in their own or a rented car, the route to the airport is straightforward. There is a parking lot on the terminal grounds where you can leave your vehicle for a short time for meeting or seeing off passengers, or for a longer period during your trip.

Car Rental can be a convenient solution for tourists wishing for greater freedom of movement around the region. However, it is worth noting that the number of rental agencies in Udachny may be limited. To guarantee availability, it is best to book a car in advance through online services, especially during peak season.

Polyarny Airport (PYJ) is a small regional air terminal serving the city of Udachny and its surroundings. Its structure is simple and functional, making navigation intuitively clear for passengers.

The airport operates one passenger terminal, which handles both departing and arriving flights. It is a compact two-storey building where all main zones are within walking distance of each other. Thanks to its small size, you won't have to worry about long walks — all procedures can be completed in one place.

The terminal layout is extremely simple. The ground floor usually houses the check-in counters, the arrival area with a baggage claim belt, and a small waiting hall. Main amenities, including restrooms and typically a small snack bar, are also located here. The first floor is dedicated to the security screening zone and the secure departure area with boarding gates. Navigation through the terminal is facilitated by signs, but even without them, getting lost here is practically impossible.

Check-in and screening procedures at Polyarny Airport usually proceed quite quickly due to the low passenger flow. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport in advance — at least 1.5-2 hours before departure. This time is sufficient to check in luggage without haste, pass security control, and await boarding. It is especially important to factor in this buffer time during the winter period, when weather conditions may necessitate adjustments to the schedule.

The history of Polyarny Airport (PYJ) is inextricably linked with the development of diamond deposits in Yakutia and the founding of the city of Udachny. After the discovery of the "Udachnaya" kimberlite pipe in 1955, it became clear that a reliable transport artery was necessary for the construction and maintenance of the future mining and processing plant. The airport was built in the 1970s and, from its very first days, became a vital hub ensuring the delivery of cargo, equipment, and workers to this harsh and remote region.

Initially, the airport was a dirt runway capable of accepting An-2 and An-24 aircraft and helicopters. Over time, as the city grew and production developed, the air harbour's infrastructure was modernised. A key stage in the airport's history was a large-scale reconstruction completed in 2012. A new runway with modern paving was commissioned, capable of accepting medium-haul aircraft such as the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320. This significantly expanded the geography of flights and improved transport accessibility for Udachny.

The main achievement of Polyarny Airport can be considered its uninterrupted operation in the extreme climatic conditions of the Far North. For decades, it has provided stable air connections for the city's residents and serves as a strategic facility for ALROSA, the world leader in diamond mining. The airport receives and dispatches not only passenger flights around the clock but also heavy transport aircraft, such as the Il-76, delivering bulky cargo for industrial needs.

One interesting fact is that the name "Polyarny" was given to the airport for a reason — it is located beyond the Arctic Circle. For thousands of people living and working in Udachny, the airport was and remains a true "bridge" connecting them to the "mainland". Its history is a chronicle of dedication and the development of one of the most inhospitable yet resource-rich corners of the planet.

Polyarny Airport (PYJ) provides passengers with all the essential services necessary for a comfortable wait for their flight. Despite the compact size of the terminal, its infrastructure is well thought out and functional.

You can have a snack before departure at the café located in the terminal building. Guests are offered hot drinks, pastries, sandwiches, and simple dishes. There are also small retail kiosks where you can purchase souvenirs, fresh newspapers, and travel goods.

A general waiting hall is equipped for the convenience of passengers. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, and power outlets and special stands are provided for charging mobile devices. The airport has ATMs for cash withdrawals, and a 24-hour medical centre is in operation to provide first aid if necessary.

Special attention is paid to passengers with specific needs. For travellers with children, a Mother and Child Room is open — a specially equipped space where you can take care of your baby in peace and quiet. Passengers with reduced mobility are provided with full assistance — from the terminal entrance to boarding the aircraft. To arrange such assistance, it is recommended to contact your airline representatives in advance.

There are no hotels directly on the airport grounds, but travellers can easily find accommodation options in the city of Udachny, which the airport serves. Specialised conference halls or business centres are not provided at Polyarny Airport, as it is primarily oriented towards serving passenger flights.

Polyarny Airport (PYJ) is a small regional airport serving the city of Udachny in Russia, so the choice of dining establishments here is limited. Nevertheless, passengers can find basic options for a snack or a full meal before departure.

The main and typically the only place to eat at the airport is a snack bar or small café located in the general waiting hall on the ground floor of the terminal building. This zone is located before security control (landside), so it is accessible to departing passengers as well as those seeing them off or meeting them.

What you can find on the menu:

• For a quick snack: The assortment usually includes fresh pastries (pies, buns), sandwiches, chocolate, crisps, and other snacks. This is an excellent option if there is little time left before departure.
• For a full lunch: The café offers simple but hearty home-style dishes. Typically, these include soups, hot main courses (for example, meat patties or stew with a side of potatoes or pasta), and salads.
• Drinks: Hot tea and coffee, as well as bottled water, juices, and carbonated beverages are available to passengers.

It is important to consider that the establishment operates in accordance with the flight schedule — it opens a few hours before departure and closes after the aircraft has taken off. Prices for food and drinks are moderate but may be slightly higher than in city cafés, which is standard practice for airports.

Please note that finding specialised dietary options, such as Halal, vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free dishes, at Polyarny Airport will be extremely difficult. Passengers with strict dietary restrictions are advised to bring food with them.

When planning a trip through Polyarny Airport in the city of Udachny, it is worth considering several features characteristic of northern aviation hubs. To ensure your journey begins without unnecessary stress, arrive at the airport well in advance — at least 2-2.5 hours before departure. This time will be sufficient to calmly go through all procedures, especially during peak load periods or in difficult weather conditions that may affect airport operations.

To save time, use online check-in for your flight if your airline provides this option. This will allow you to head straight to the baggage drop counter or, if you are travelling light, to the security screening zone. The screening procedure is standard, but be prepared to present all electronic devices and containers with liquids. We remind you that liquids in hand luggage must not exceed 100 ml each and must be packed in a transparent bag. Sharp objects, weapons, and flammable substances are prohibited from carriage.

When choosing a seat on the plane, be guided by your preferences: window seats will offer you unforgettable views of the endless tundra, especially during take-off and landing, while aisle seats provide more legroom and the ability to stand up freely. Since Polyarny Airport predominantly serves domestic flights within Russia, only passengers on rare international charters undergo customs control here. In most cases, you will only have to pass through security control.

Polyarny Airport is not a major transit hub, so long layovers here are unlikely. If you do have a gap between flights, please note that the airport infrastructure may be modest. In the event of a flight delay, which is not uncommon for northern regions due to weather conditions, contact your airline representative. They are obliged to provide information on the new departure time, and in case of a long wait, provide drinks, meals, and, if necessary, hotel accommodation in accordance with federal aviation regulations.