Baratayevka

Ulyanovsk is often referred to as the "aviation capital" of Russia, and Baratayevka Airport (officially named after N.M. Karamzin) serves as the perfect calling card for the city. It is not merely a transport hub, but a place where aviation history sits side-by-side with modernity: upon landing, passengers can see legendary aircraft in a unique open-air museum located literally next door. The renovated terminal building combines cosiness with functionality, ensuring travellers have a comfortable start to their exploration of this homeland of talent and industrial achievements.

Airport Features and Advantages:

• Living Aviation History: The main highlight of Baratayevka is its immediate proximity to the Head Branch Museum of Civil Aviation History. It is one of the few places in the world where you can see a supersonic Tu-144 liner and other rare exhibits while being just a couple of minutes away from an active terminal.
• Compactness and Speed: Thanks to its small size and smart logistics, all pre-flight procedures here are completed quickly. Passengers appreciate the absence of long queues and the clear navigation inside the building.
• Transport Accessibility: The airport is located just 9 kilometres from the city centre, allowing you to reach major hotels and attractions by taxi or public transport in literally 20–30 minutes.
• Training Base: Baratayevka is the base airfield for the Ulyanovsk Civil Aviation Institute, so you can often observe training flights of future pilots here, adding a special professional atmosphere to the location.

• Official Website: ulv.aero
• Information Desk Phone: +7 (8422) 45-56-44
• Address: 432045, Russia, Ulyanovsk Region, Ulyanovsk, Airport
• Email: info@ulv.aero
• Social Media: official airport page on VKontakte.
• Lost Luggage Information: for baggage tracing inquiries, please contact the Lost & Found service via the airport information desk phone number.
• Passenger Support Contacts: for consultations and assistance, you can contact the information desk at the phone number listed above.

You can get to Baratayevka International Airport (ULV) from the centre of Ulyanovsk in several ways, allowing travellers to choose the most convenient option depending on budget, time, and preferences. The airport is located approximately 15 km southwest of the central part of the city.

Public Transport is the most budget-friendly way to reach the airport. Bus No. 156 runs from the Ulyanovsk Central Bus Station to the airport, and you can also reach the air harbour by minibus taxi (marshrutka) No. 1. The fare is generally low, costing around 30–50 rubles. The journey will take approximately 50-60 minutes depending on traffic conditions. This is an excellent choice for those travelling light and wishing to save money.

Taxi or Transfer is the most comfortable and fastest option. A car ride from the city centre to the airport will take approximately 25-40 minutes excluding traffic jams. The cost of the trip usually varies between 400–700 rubles depending on demand and vehicle class. You can use taxi-hailing apps popular in Russia or book a transfer in advance. This method is particularly convenient if you have a lot of luggage or are travelling with family.

Car Rental is suitable for those planning to move actively around the city and region. Several rental companies operate in Ulyanovsk. With a rented car, you can drive to the airport at any convenient time without depending on public transport schedules. Baratayevka Airport features parking where you can leave your vehicle for both short and long terms. It is recommended to check rates and availability on the official airport website.

Baratayevka Airport (ULV) in Ulyanovsk is a modern and compact aviation hub. For the convenience of passengers, there is one main passenger terminal (Terminal A), which serves both domestic and international flights. Thanks to recent reconstruction, the building has become more comfortable and easier for travellers to navigate.

The airport layout is extremely simple and logical. The terminal has several floors, but all key areas for passengers are easily accessible. The ground floor traditionally houses check-in counters and the arrival area with baggage claim. The first floor contains the security checkpoint and the secure departure area with gates. Navigation is intuitive thanks to numerous signs in Russian and English, as well as electronic boards with flight information.

Since there is only one terminal in the airport, moving between zones causes no difficulties. Departure and arrival zones are clearly separated. After completing check-in on the ground floor, passengers go up to the first floor for pre-flight security screening and enter the waiting lounge. Passengers arriving in Ulyanovsk proceed directly to the baggage claim hall after disembarking and then out into the city.

Completing all formalities at Baratayevka Airport usually takes little time. Due to the terminal's compact size, queues for check-in and security are generally short. It is recommended to arrive at the airport 1.5-2 hours before a domestic flight departure to check in luggage and pass all procedures without haste. For international flights, it is worth allowing a bit more time.

The main advice for navigation is to follow the signs and monitor the information on the departure boards. The compactness of the airport is its main advantage: it is practically impossible to get lost here. The entire path from the terminal entrance to the boarding gate is logical and does not require long walks, making the journey through the air gates of Ulyanovsk as comfortable as possible.

The history of Baratayevka Airport (ULV) is inextricably linked with the development of aviation in Ulyanovsk and all of Russia. The airport was built in the 1950s and initially served as a base for the Ulyanovsk Higher Civil Aviation School (UVAU GA). From the very beginning, it performed a dual function: training future pilots and servicing the first civil flights, connecting the city with other regions of the country.

A key stage in the airport's development was the opening in 1983 of the Civil Aviation Centre of the Council for Mutual Economic Assistance (COMECON) member countries on its premises. This was a unique international project that turned Baratayevka into a leading training centre for pilots and technical personnel from across the socialist community. Crews were trained here for flights on Soviet aircraft, which strengthened the airport's international status.

Another unique feature of Baratayevka is its close connection with the "Aviastar-SP" aviation plant. The airfield is used as a testing ground for new aircraft produced at the factory. It was from here that the famous transport giants An-124 "Ruslan" and Tu-204 passenger liners made their maiden flights. This fact makes the airport not just a transport hub, but an important element of the aviation industry.

In its recent history, the airport has undergone several stages of large-scale modernization. In the 2010s, a complete reconstruction of the runway was carried out; it was reinforced and lengthened to accommodate all types of modern aircraft. In 2018, in time for the FIFA World Cup, a new passenger terminal was opened, significantly increasing the level of comfort for passengers and the capacity of the airport, which had by then received international status.

Today, Baratayevka Airport is a modern aviation complex with a rich history. It successfully combines the servicing of regular passenger flights, the functions of an international training centre, and the role of a "home base" for unique aircraft created in Ulyanovsk. It is a living monument to the city's aviation glory and a vital air gateway for the entire region.

The International Airport of Ulyanovsk (Baratayevka) offers passengers all necessary amenities for a comfortable wait before departure. Despite its compact size, the terminal is equipped with thoughtful infrastructure to make your journey as pleasant as possible from the very start.

Cafes and coffee shops operate within the airport, where you can have a snack before your flight, drink a cup of aromatic coffee, or buy light refreshments for the road. There are also shops selling souvenirs, press, and essential goods.

Comfortable waiting areas are equipped for all passengers. Free Wi-Fi is available in the terminal, as well as sockets for charging electronic devices. For those who value enhanced comfort and privacy, a VIP Lounge is available. Here you can relax in a quiet atmosphere, use business services, enjoy soft drinks, and have a snack.

ATMs of several major banks of Russia are installed in the terminal building. In case of need, passengers can contact the 24-hour medical point for first aid. For travellers with small children, there is a mother and child room, equipped with everything necessary for baby care. Passengers with reduced mobility are provided with special escort services and assistance during pre-flight procedures.

Although there are no hotels on the airport territory itself, many accommodation options are located in the immediate vicinity and in the city itself. Specialized conference halls are not provided in the terminal, however, for business meetings or working in a quiet environment, you can utilize the services of the VIP Lounge.

At Ulyanovsk Airport (Baratayevka), the choice of dining establishments corresponds to its status as a regional hub. The main spots where you can have a snack are located in the general hall of the single passenger terminal, before passing security control. This is convenient for both departing passengers and those seeing them off.

The central place to wait for a flight is the cafe located on the ground floor. Here, passengers are offered a standard assortment: hot and cold drinks, fresh pastries, sandwiches, salads, and desserts. Sometimes you can find heartier dishes on the menu, for example, soup of the day or simple hot snacks. Among local specialities, it is worth paying attention to the pastries — for example, traditional Russian pies (pirozhki), which make for an excellent light snack.

For a quick bite, coffee with a bun or a ready-made sandwich is ideal. If you have time for a more substantial lunch, it is better to check the availability of hot dishes on the cafe menu. After passing security (in the "clean zone"), the choice is usually limited to a small buffet or vending machines with drinks and snacks, so it is better to eat properly in advance.

Regarding special dietary needs, vegetarians will be able to find options such as vegetable salads or meat-free pastries. However, the availability of vegan, gluten-free, or Halal dishes is not guaranteed, so this question should be clarified directly with the cafe staff. Prices at the airport are generally slightly higher than in the city but remain at a moderate level. The opening hours of establishments are usually tied to the flight schedule: they open before the first departure and close after the departure of the last aircraft.

When planning a trip through Baratayevka Airport (ULV) in the city of Ulyanovsk, use our tips to make your journey as comfortable as possible. Although the airport is not among the giants, we recommend arriving in advance: 2 hours before domestic flights and 3 hours before international ones. This time is sufficient to pass all pre-flight formalities without haste, especially during holidays or peak seasons.

To save time, use online check-in for your flight, which is offered by most airlines. This will allow you to choose a seat and receive a boarding pass in advance. At the airport, you will only need to drop off your luggage at the special Drop-off counter or proceed directly to security if you are travelling light. Keep your passport and boarding pass handy — this will speed up security control.

Approach packing your hand luggage carefully. Standard rules of most airlines in Russia allow carrying liquids in containers up to 100 ml, packed in a transparent bag. Always take gadgets, power banks, documents, and valuables with you into the cabin. Carrying sharp objects, weapons, and flammable substances in hand luggage is strictly prohibited.

The choice of seat on the plane depends on your preferences. Window seats (A, F) offer beautiful views during takeoff and landing. Aisle seats (C, D) are convenient if you plan to get up during the flight. For those who value legroom, seats at emergency exits are suitable, but be prepared for additional responsibilities in case of an emergency. Remember that seat selection is often a paid service.

If you have a connecting flight, check at registration whether you need to collect your luggage at the intermediate point. Baratayevka Airport is quite compact, so navigating between flights will not cause difficulties. Simply follow the signs to the transfer zone or the required boarding gate.

Upon returning from abroad, you will have to pass customs control. If you have no goods to declare, feel free to go through the "green channel". If you are carrying goods, the value or quantity of which exceeds established limits, your path lies through the "red channel" to fill out a declaration.

In case of a flight delay, first contact a representative of your airline. Depending on the duration of the wait, you are entitled to drinks, hot meals, and, for long delays, hotel accommodation. Keep receipts for all forced expenses — they may be needed to obtain compensation.

To save not only time but also money, book a taxi or transfer from the airport online and in advance — this is often cheaper than taking a car on the spot. By travelling light, you will avoid surcharges for excess baggage. And an empty reusable water bottle, which can be filled after passing security, will help you avoid spending on drinks in the departure zone.