Baikal

Baikal Airport (UUD) is not merely a transport hub, but the main aerial gateway to the amazing world of Buryatia and the legendary Lake Baikal. Located just 15 kilometres from the centre of Ulan-Ude, it welcomes travellers with modern service and a touch of local national charm. Thanks to its unique "Open Skies" status and recent infrastructure upgrades, the airport is becoming an increasingly convenient starting point for exploring Russia's eastern frontiers and Asian countries.

Features and Advantages of the Airport:

Baikal Airport is actively developing, offering passengers increasingly comfortable conditions. Key advantages include:

• New Terminal: At the end of 2024, a modern terminal complex for domestic lines covering over 6,500 square metres was opened. It is equipped with jet bridges and is capable of serving up to 400 passengers per hour, significantly speeding up pre-flight procedures.
• Gateway to Baikal: The airport is located in strategic proximity to the region's main natural attraction — the coast of Lake Baikal is only about 75 kilometres away, making it the ideal start for tourist routes.
• "Open Skies" Status: Ulan-Ude holds the special fifth freedom of the air, allowing foreign airlines to make transit flights and landings, expanding travel geography for tourists.
• Transport Accessibility: You can reach the city quickly and inexpensively via buses No. 28, 55, and 77 or by taxi; the travel time to the central Sovetov Square usually takes no more than 20–30 minutes.

For the convenience of passengers and those meeting them, the current contact information for Baikal International Airport (Ulan-Ude) is provided below:

• Official Airport Website: www.airportbaikal.ru
• Information Desk Phone: +7 (3012) 22-76-11 (24 hours)
• Airport Address: 10 Aeroport Microdistrict, Ulan-Ude, Republic of Buryatia, Russia, 670018
• Email: mail@airportbaikal.ru (reception), hotline@novaport.ru (hotline)
• Social Media: Official news and notifications are available in the airport's VKontakte and Telegram groups (links are posted on the main page of the official website)
• Lost Luggage Information: In case of loss or damage to luggage, please contact the transport organization service staff in the arrival hall or call the information desk at +7 (3012) 22-76-11
• Passenger Support Contacts: Unified hotline for Novaport network airports regarding service quality: 8 (800) 350-62-60

Baikal Airport is distinguished by its convenient location: it is situated within the city limits, just 15 kilometres from the historic centre. This makes the trip quick and tireless. Passengers have several transfer options available — from budget-friendly public transport to comfortable taxis or rented cars.

Public Transport

Travelling by public transport is the most economical way to reach the terminal. There is no direct rail link (Aeroexpress) or metro in Ulan-Ude, so buses and route taxis (marshrutkas) remain the main mode of transport. The stop is within walking distance from the terminal exit.

• Route No. 77: The most popular option. It connects the airport with key points in the city, including Sovetov Square (centre) and the bus station. The frequency is about every 10–15 minutes.
• Route No. 55: Convenient for those travelling from the railway station or Sovetov Square. It runs from early morning until late evening.

Travel time by bus from the city centre is approximately 40–50 minutes, however, during peak hours, allow extra time. The fare is very affordable, around 30–35 rubles.

Taxi and Transfer

For those who value comfort or are travelling with heavy luggage, a taxi is the optimal choice. Popular aggregators operate in the city (e.g., Yandex Go, Maxim), as well as local services. A trip from the centre to the airport will take 20–30 minutes if there is no traffic. The average cost varies from 400 to 600 rubles depending on the car class and demand.

Car Rental

If you plan an independent journey around Buryatia and a trip to Lake Baikal, renting a car is an excellent solution. Rental points can be found in the city, or you can arrange for a car to be delivered upon arrival. The road to the airport from the centre is simple: follow the M-55 "Baikal" highway, following the signs for "Airport" (Аэропорт). The distance is short, and the asphalt surface is good.

Parking

A parking zone is organised on the station square. A free period is provided for dropping off and picking up passengers (usually 15 minutes). For long waits or leaving the car for the duration of a holiday, paid parking lots with hourly and daily rates are available.

Alternative Airports

Sometimes, when planning a complex route or searching for better ticket deals, it makes sense to consider neighbouring transport hubs. The nearest major aviation hub is Irkutsk Airport, located approximately 215 km away. Many tourists combine arriving in Irkutsk with visiting the western shore of Baikal, and then travel to Ulan-Ude by train.

Other options are at a significant distance but may be useful for transit routes through Siberia and Mongolia:

• Kadala (Chita) — 404 km.
• Chinggis Khaan International Airport (Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia) — 464 km.
• Nizhneangarsk — a northern airport on the shores of Baikal (466 km), convenient for local flights within the region.
• Mörön (Mongolia) — 570 km.

The structure of Baikal Airport (UUD) is intuitive and convenient even for those arriving here for the first time. Thanks to the recent large-scale reconstruction and the opening of the new terminal complex, the air harbour is divided into zones serving domestic and international flights, ensuring comfortable separation of passenger flows.

Terminals and their Functions

Today, the airport operates two main buildings located in immediate proximity to each other:

• New Terminal (Domestic Airlines): This is a modern building that opened its doors at the end of 2024. It handles the vast majority of flights connecting Ulan-Ude with Russian cities (Moscow, Novosibirsk, Irkutsk, etc.). The terminal features a stylish design reminiscent of Buddhist architecture and the waters of Baikal, and is equipped with jet bridges.
• Historical Terminal (International Airlines): The old terminal building was repurposed to serve international destinations (flights to Mongolia, China, Thailand). It has retained its classic appearance and is located to the left of the new building if looking from the station square.

Layout and Navigation

Navigation at Baikal Airport is simple and does not require long walks. The complex is compact, and getting lost here is practically impossible. In both terminals, check-in and baggage claim areas are located on the ground floor. The first floor is traditionally dedicated to departure waiting areas and the "sterile zone".

Transfers Between Terminals

There is no separate underground or covered walkway between the buildings, but there is no urgent need for one: the distance between the entrances to the domestic and international terminals is only a few dozen metres. Transfer is done via the pavement on the station square side and takes no more than 1–2 minutes on foot.

Departure and Arrival Zones: Features

In the New Terminal, the departure zone is designed according to the most modern standards. After check-in on the ground floor, passengers go up to the first floor for pre-flight security screening. The main feature of the new departure zone is the presence of two jet bridges. This allows passengers to board the aircraft directly from the warm building, which is especially valuable during the harsh Siberian winter. The waiting hall is spacious, with a panoramic view of the runway.

The domestic arrivals zone is located on the ground floor and is equipped with modern conveyor belts for baggage claim. The exit from the arrivals hall leads directly to the station square towards taxi and bus stops.

In the International Sector, procedures follow the classic scheme: customs control and passport control are mandatory for both departure and arrival. Here, boarding is more often carried out via bus or by walking to the aircraft stand, as the jet bridges are concentrated in the new building.

Check-in and Security: Timing

Baikal Airport is not as heavily congested as capital hubs, so formalities here proceed faster and more calmly.

• Check-in: Usually begins 2–3 hours before and closes strictly 40 minutes before departure.
• Security Check: Queues for screening are rarely long, but during the morning departure peak (when flights to Moscow depart), it is recommended to allow about 15–20 minutes for security control.
• Boarding: Ends 20 minutes before the departure time indicated on the ticket.

Navigation Recommendations

If you are flying within Russia, head straight to the new large building with the glazed facade — this is the main entrance. For flights abroad, look for signs saying "International Sector" leading to the adjacent building. Inside the terminals, clear visual signs in Russian and English are installed everywhere, and staff are always ready to suggest directions.

The history of Buryatia's air harbour is a journey from a dirt field for the first biplanes to an ultra-modern international hub. The airport has come a long way in development, inextricably linked with the exploration of Siberia and the establishment of connections with eastern neighbours.

The Birth of Aviation in Buryatia

The official birth year of civil aviation in the republic is considered to be 1926. It was then, in August, that the first passenger flight took place on the route Verkhneudinsk (former name of Ulan-Ude) — Urga (now Ulaanbaatar). This event was a landmark not only for the region but for the entire country, opening an air corridor to Mongolia.

Initially, the airfield was located in another part of the city, but with the development of jet aviation, more extensive infrastructure was required. The currently existing terminal complex in the Mukhino settlement area began to take shape later, becoming the main base for receiving aircraft from all over the Soviet Union.

Stages of Formation and Development

An important milestone in the airport's history was 1983, when the terminal building was put into operation, serving for many years as the city's main calling card. Today, this building, decorated with chasing and mosaics in the Soviet style, continues to function as the international terminal, preserving its historical appearance.

In 2008, another significant event occurred: as part of rebranding and to increase the region's tourist appeal, "Mukhino" airport received its current resonant name — "Baikal". This highlighted its status as the main gateway to the great lake.

Global Modernisation

The recent history of the airport has been marked by large-scale construction, which brought it to a fundamentally new level:

• 2018: Construction was completed and a new runway (Runway-2) with a length of 3,400 metres was put into operation. This event was a turning point, as the new strip allowed for the reception of aircraft of absolutely any type without restrictions on take-off weight, including heavyweights like the Boeing 747 and An-124 "Ruslan".
• 2024: Opening of the new domestic airlines terminal, the architecture of which is inspired by national Buryat motifs. This completed the transformation of the airport into a modern transport hub.

Interesting Facts from History

Over nearly a century of history, the airport has accumulated quite a few interesting features:

• Strategic Point: In Soviet times, the airport was an important refuelling point for aircraft travelling from the European part of the country to the Far East, ensuring a constant flow of transit passengers.
• Unique Status: Baikal Airport is one of the few in Russia possessing "Open Skies" status (fifth freedom of the air). This historic achievement allows foreign airlines to make transit landings and take on new passengers, significantly expanding the airport's international prospects.
• Record Runway: The new runway is equipped with lighting equipment allowing planes to land in difficult weather conditions, which is critically important for a region with a sharp continental climate and fog.

The infrastructure of Baikal Airport (UUD) is constantly improving to match the status of an international tourist gateway. The opening of the new terminal in 2024 raised the level of service to new heights. Here, travellers will find everything necessary for a comfortable wait for their flight — from cosy cafes to specialised services.

Cafes, Restaurants, and Shops

The airport's gastronomic zone offers passengers the opportunity to have a snack or a full meal before their journey.

• Dining: Coffee shops and buffets operate within the terminals, where you can order hot dishes, snacks, fresh pastries, and aromatic coffee. This is a great opportunity to get acquainted with elements of local cuisine if you didn't manage to do so in the city.
• Shops and Souvenirs: Special attention should be paid to souvenir stalls. The airport is one of the best places to buy gifts from Buryatia before departure. The assortment usually includes items made of jade, natural wool products, pine nuts, Sagan-Dailya herbal blends, and, of course, the famous Baikal omul fish (in vacuum packaging permitted for transport).

Business Lounges and VIP Service

For passengers who value privacy and a high level of comfort, enhanced comfort zones are provided.

• Business Lounge: Located in the departure area (after security). Visitors have access to soft armchairs, a buffet with snacks and drinks, fresh press, TV, and separate Wi-Fi. The service is available to business class passengers and loyalty card holders, as well as to anyone for a separate fee.
• VIP Lounge: Offers exclusive service, including a separate check-in counter and passing pre-flight formalities without queues, as well as individual transfer to the aircraft.

Communication and Finance

Staying connected at the airport is easy: free Wi-Fi is available throughout the complex. In the new terminal, special attention was paid to modern passenger needs — sufficient power outlets and USB ports for charging gadgets are installed in the waiting halls.

To resolve financial issues, ATMs of major Russian banks are installed in the public zones (before the "sterile" zone). There is also a currency exchange point, which is relevant for passengers on international flights.

Passengers with Children

Baikal Airport is friendly to family travellers. A Mother and Child Room operates on the first floor of the terminal. Services are provided free of charge for passengers with preschool children (usually up to 7 years old) and children with disabilities up to 14 years old. The room includes sleeping places, a play area, a kitchen for heating baby food, and a restroom with a changing table. Access requires a flight ticket and a brief check-up at the medical post.

Medical Services and Accessibility

A 24-hour health post is located on the ground floor and is ready to provide first aid or consultation at any time.

For passengers with reduced mobility, a barrier-free environment has been created. The complex is equipped with ramps, lifts, and special restrooms. Airport staff provide assistance from the terminal entrance to boarding the aircraft (including help with luggage and passing controls). An important innovation of the new terminal is the use of jet bridges, which significantly simplifies boarding for passengers with limited mobility.

Hotels and Rest

If you have a long layover or an early flight, you can use accommodation services in the immediate vicinity of the airport.

• "Polet" Hotel: Located on the station square, literally a 5-minute walk from the terminals. This is a convenient economy-class option offering rooms of various categories.
• Hotels in the City: Since the airport is located within the city limits, you can reach chain hotels in the centre of Ulan-Ude by taxi in just 20–30 minutes.

Business Services

For business travellers, conference room services for negotiations can be provided at the hotel or VIP zone. Printing and photocopying services are also available in the business lounges.

Although the gastronomic infrastructure of Baikal Airport (UUD) does not match the scale of major capital hubs, it allows passengers to spend time comfortably before departure and, most importantly, to enjoy the tastes of Buryatia one last time. With the opening of the new terminal, the choice of catering outlets has expanded, offering both quick snacks and full hot meals.

Where to Eat: Locations and Formats

Food outlets at the airport are divided into two main zones: before security (Landside) and after (Airside).

• Landside (Public Zone): On the ground floor of the new terminal, near the check-in area, there is a coffee shop and a small canteen-buffet. This is an ideal place for those who arrived at the airport early or are seeing off loved ones. Here you can have a hearty lunch before the journey at quite affordable prices.
• Airside (Departure Zone): After passing pre-flight security on the first floor of the new terminal, passengers are welcomed by a spacious cafe with a panoramic view of the runway. This is a modern space where you can order coffee, desserts, sandwiches, and hot dishes while waiting for boarding. In the international (old) terminal, the choice is more modest — usually a small buffet or vending machines with drinks and snacks.

Local Flavour: Must-Try Items

Even if your journey through Buryatia is coming to an end, the airport gives you a last chance to taste the main hits of the national cuisine. In the menus of local establishments, you can often find:

• Buuz (dumplings): The region's main dish — minced meat wrapped in dough and steamed. At the airport, they are served hot; this is a filling option that replaces a full lunch.
• Taiga Tea: Be sure to order tea with the addition of local herbs, especially with Sagan-Dailya. This tonic drink (Rhododendron adamsii) is excellent for invigorating you before a flight and leaves a pleasant aftertaste of pine needles and wild strawberries.
• Desserts with Pine Nuts: Coffee shops often offer pastries or cakes with the addition of pine nuts and local honey.

Dietary Requirements and Special Requests

Buryat cuisine is traditionally meat-based and hearty, so the choice of specialised dishes may be limited.

• Vegetarians: The cafe assortment always includes vegetable salads (for example, "Vitamin" or Greek), side dishes (rice, buckwheat, potatoes), and meat-free pastries.
• Halal and Vegans: Food outlets at the airport generally do not hold specific Halal certification, however, dishes made with chicken or fish are frequently present on the menu. Strict vegans are advised to focus on snacks, fruits, or plant-based milk drinks (availability of alternative milk should be checked with the barista).
• Gluten-Free: There is no separate gluten-free menu. Passengers with gluten intolerance should be careful and choose dishes made from natural ingredients (for example, rice with chicken without sauce), avoiding complex pastries and buuz.

Prices and Opening Hours

The pricing policy at Baikal Airport is moderate compared to Moscow or St. Petersburg airports, although slightly higher than the average in the city of Ulan-Ude.

• Average Bill: A cup of cappuccino will cost approximately 250–350 rubles, a full lunch (salad, main course, drink) — 700–1000 rubles.
• Opening Hours: Main catering establishments are tied to the flight schedule. Cafes open by the start of check-in for the first morning flight (usually around 5:00–6:00 AM) and work until the departure of the last plane. At night, if there are no flights, food outlets close.

Recommendations for Passengers

If you have time (more than 1.5 hours before departure) and want a full meal, it is better to do so in the public zone on the ground floor — the selection of hot dishes there is often wider, and prices are slightly lower. If you are in a hurry, proceed to the "clean zone": service in the cafe at the gates is set up for quick order delivery, and coffee and sandwiches can be taken on board.

To ensure your journey through the main aerial gateway of Buryatia goes as smoothly as possible, we have prepared a number of practical tips. Baikal Airport is compact and cosy, but, like any transport hub, it has its nuances, knowledge of which will save your nerves and time.

Optimal Arrival Time

Despite the new terminal significantly speeding up service, you should not arrive at the last minute.

• Domestic Flights: It is recommended to arrive at the airport 1.5–2 hours before departure. This time is quite sufficient to calmly pass security and check in luggage, even if there is a group of tourists ahead of you.
• International Flights: If you are flying to Mongolia or China, it is better to arrive 2.5–3 hours in advance. Customs and border procedures in the old terminal may take a little longer, especially if the flight is full.

Check-in and Security Control

Procedures in Ulan-Ude are standard for Russian airports, but there are seasonal features.

• Winter Wardrobe: Be prepared for security checks to be slightly slower in winter. Bulky down jackets, high boots, and warm sweaters will have to be removed and placed in trays. Wear comfortable shoes that are easy to take off and put on.
• Boarding Passes: Although the airport is equipped with modern equipment, experienced travellers advise having a printed boarding pass or saving its electronic version on your phone so that it is available without the internet.

Choosing a Seat on the Plane: Where are the Best Views?

A flight to or from Ulan-Ude is an opportunity to see breathtaking landscapes from a height.

• View of Baikal: The flight path depends on the wind and weather conditions, but often when approaching from the west or taking off in the same direction, you can see the southern tip of Lake Baikal and the Selenga River delta. When checking in online, try to choose a Window seat.
• Mountain Ranges: In clear weather, views of the snow-capped hills of Khamar-Daban and steppe expanses open up from either side of the aircraft, which are especially beautiful at sunrise or sunset.

Hand Luggage: What is Allowed and What isn't

Pay special attention to local souvenirs, which often raise questions at security.

• Baikal Omul: You can transport fish, but airlines have strict requirements regarding smell. Omul (smoked or salted) must be hermetically sealed, ideally in factory vacuum packaging. It is not recommended to take it in hand luggage due to the specific aroma; it is better to check it in.
• Jam and Honey: Jars of pine cone jam, cedar honey, or mashed lingonberries are considered liquids. If the volume of the jar exceeds 100 ml, it will not be allowed in hand luggage, even if it is half full. Pack all tasty souvenirs in your suitcase.
• Power Banks: External batteries (Power Banks) and lithium batteries must be carried only in hand luggage. They are strictly prohibited in checked baggage by safety rules.

Tips for Transit Passengers

If you have a transfer in Ulan-Ude (for example, from a flight from Moscow to a flight to Mongolia):

• Transfer Between Terminals: Remember that the domestic and international terminals are different buildings. The transfer is done via the street. In winter, frosts in Buryatia can reach -30°C and lower, so do not check warm clothes into luggage to the final destination if you have to change terminals.
• Luggage: If you have a single ticket (through check-in), luggage will be transferred automatically. If tickets are purchased separately, you will have to collect your suitcases in the arrivals hall and check them in again for the next flight.

Customs Control and Souvenirs

Buryatia is famous for semi-precious stone products and traditional medicine.

• Jade: If you bought a souvenir made of jade (the symbol stone of the region), be sure to keep the receipt and certificate from the shop. Exporting unprocessed jade or items without supporting documents may cause serious questions from the customs service.
• Herbs and Blends: Sagan-Dailya tea and other herbal blends are best transported in factory packaging with composition labelling so that at the border (especially during international departures) they are not mistaken for prohibited substances.

How to Save Time and Money

• Taxi: Do not use the services of private drivers soliciting at the terminal exit — their prices are often inflated by 2–3 times. Order a car through official apps (Yandex, Maxim); this will save you from 500 rubles or more.
• Water and Food: Prices in cafes in the "sterile zone" are higher than in the city. An empty water bottle can be carried through security, but there may not be drinking fountains (check on site). It is most profitable to have a hearty snack before leaving for the airport or bring permitted snacks (nuts, chocolate, sandwiches) with you.

What to Do in Case of Flight Delay

In winter and the off-season, fogs occur in Ulan-Ude, which can adjust the schedule.

• Watch the Board: Current information is always duplicated on the online board on the airport website.
• Your Rights: If the flight is delayed, the airline is obliged to provide you with soft drinks (if waiting for more than 2 hours) and a hot meal (more than 4 hours). Do not hesitate to find the airline representative at the airport and request what is due.
• Waiting: If the delay is long, there is no point in sitting in the terminal. The city is close — you can quickly get to a hotel or the centre to wait out the bad weather in comfort.