Ust-Tsilma Airport

Ust-Tsilma Airport is not merely an air gateway, but a true "lifeline" for one of the oldest villages in the north of Russia. Located in the picturesque Komi Republic, it plays a key role in the region's transport system, connecting remote settlements with the republican centre. For travellers seeking to discover the authentic Russian North, this small airport becomes the starting point into a world of distinctive culture and pristine nature.

The main feature of Ust-Tsilma Airport is its compactness and functionality. There is none of the hustle and bustle of large aviation hubs here, and all procedures — from check-in to boarding — are completed quickly and without long queues. The air terminal is a small building equipped with everything necessary for a comfortable wait before departure. Its primary merit is ensuring a year-round and reliable connection with Syktyvkar, the capital of the republic, which is particularly important in harsh northern conditions when ground transport may be difficult. The airport mainly serves small aviation flights, which adds a special charm to the journey.

Below you will find the main contact information for Ust-Tsilma Airport. Please note that this is a small regional airport, and some data may only be available through the parent company.

• Official Website: Ust-Tsilma Airport is a branch of the aviation enterprise JSC "Komiaviatrans". It is recommended to look for the most up-to-date information on flights and services on the official website of the parent company.
• Inquiry Service Phone: +7 (82141) 9-13-48. We advise verifying the number before your trip, as it may change.
• Airport Address: Russia, Komi Republic, village of Ust-Tsilma.
• Email: A specialised email address for the airport is not published. For official enquiries, you may contact JSC "Komiaviatrans" via the contact forms on their website.
• Social Media: Separate social media pages for the airport are not maintained. News may be published on the resources of the "Komiaviatrans" aviation enterprise.
• Lost Luggage Information: To search for lost or damaged luggage, it is necessary to contact the airport inquiry service at the phone number listed above immediately upon arrival.
• Passenger Support Contacts: All passenger service issues are resolved through the airport inquiry service.

Getting to Ust-Tsilma Airport (UTS) is very simple, as it is located in the immediate vicinity of the village of the same name. The distance from the centre of Ust-Tsilma to the terminal is only a couple of kilometres, so some travellers with light luggage even prefer to walk. In other cases, the journey by transport will take just a few minutes.

The most convenient and predictable way to get to the airport is to order a taxi or private transfer. A trip from any point in the village will take no more than 5-10 minutes. The cost will be low, but it is worth clarifying with the dispatcher when booking. It is recommended to call for a car in advance, especially if you have an early morning or late evening flight, as the number of vehicles in the village is limited.

Specialised public transport, such as aeroexpress trains or shuttles, is not provided for the airport. Theoretically, one can use the local bus if its route passes near the air terminal. However, for tourists travelling with luggage, this option will be less convenient compared to a taxi.

If you are travelling by private or rented car, the road to the airport will not cause any difficulties. There is a small parking area near the terminal where you can leave your vehicle. For small regional airports like this one, parking is often free or very inexpensive.

It is worth noting that finding offices of major rental companies directly in Ust-Tsilma can be problematic. Typically, travellers rent a car in larger cities of the region, for example, in Ukhta or Naryan-Mar, and drive to Ust-Tsilma from there, which is convenient for exploring the surroundings.

Ust-Tsilma Airport (UTS) is a small regional airport serving the village of the same name and its surroundings. Its infrastructure is simple and functional, which corresponds to its size and passenger traffic.

The airport operates one passenger terminal, which is a compact building serving both departing and arriving passengers. Due to the small size of the terminal, there is no complex layout or long walkways here. All key zones are within walking distance of each other.

Inside the single terminal, you will find:

• Check-in and Screening Zone: usually consists of a few counters where passengers check in for their flight and drop off luggage. Pre-flight security screening is conducted right here.
• Departure Zone: represents a small waiting hall where passengers spend time after completing all formalities until boarding.
• Arrival Zone: this is a small room where passengers enter immediately after disembarking from the aircraft. Luggage claim takes place here; often it is delivered directly to the terminal building.

Registration and screening procedures at Ust-Tsilma Airport generally proceed very quickly thanks to the small number of flights and passengers. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport in advance, approximately 1–1.5 hours before departure, to complete all formalities without haste. It is practically impossible to get lost in the airport — all navigation is intuitive, and the staff is always ready to assist.

The history of the airport in Ust-Tsilma is essentially the history of the exploration of the Russian North and the development of aviation in the Komi Republic. The air haven was founded in the 1930s and, practically from its very inception, became a key transport hub for this remote region of Russia. Initially, flights were carried out on small aircraft that delivered mail, medicines, geologists, and urgent cargo, connecting Ust-Tsilma with the mainland.

Over the decades, the airport has witnessed generations of aviation technology change. The Po-2 biplanes and the hardworking An-2s, which were the main workhorses of local aviation for decades, were gradually replaced by more modern turboprop aircraft, such as the L-410. Each new type of aircraft marked a new stage in development: increased speed, comfort, and payload capacity. The airport played a crucial role not only for passenger transport but also for the operation of air ambulance services, saving dozens of lives.

One of the airport's main achievements can be considered its uninterrupted operation over many decades. For the residents of Ust-Tsilma, especially during periods of spring and autumn "rasputitsa" (mud seasons), when road transport becomes impossible, the plane is often the only way to reach the republic's capital, Syktyvkar, or to return home. The airport has been modernised repeatedly to meet modern flight safety requirements, maintaining the runway and navigation equipment in working order.

Interesting fact: Ust-Tsilma Airport is not just an infrastructure facility, but an important part of the cultural and social life of the district. For many locals, it has become a symbol of connection with the outside world and hope. Today, it continues to fulfil its vital mission, remaining an indispensable air route for hundreds of people living in the harsh but beautiful conditions of the North.

Ust-Tsilma Airport (UTS) is a small regional aviation hub providing passengers with a basic set of services necessary for a comfortable wait for a flight. The airport infrastructure is compact and oriented towards the key needs of travellers.

Within the terminal, there is typically a buffet where one can order hot drinks, pastries, and light snacks. The choice of shops is usually limited to a small kiosk with essential goods, press, and souvenirs. Specialised VIP lounges or high-comfort waiting areas are absent at the airport.

For the convenience of passengers, power outlets for charging electronic devices may be available in the waiting hall. Information regarding free Wi-Fi availability is best clarified directly in the terminal building, as the service may be provided with limitations.

The airport operates a medical point, which can be visited in case of feeling unwell. For families with small children, a mother and child room is provided, offering necessary conditions for baby care. Passengers with reduced mobility are provided with assistance in moving around the terminal and boarding the aircraft. To organise assistance, it is recommended to contact airline representatives in advance.

Financial services, such as bank branches and currency exchange points, are absent at the airport, although an ATM may be installed. There are no hotels within the airport complex; travellers can find accommodation options in the village of Ust-Tsilma itself. Business centre and conference hall services are not provided.

When planning a departure from Ust-Tsilma Airport, it is important to consider that this is a small regional airport, and the choice of dining establishments here is quite limited. The infrastructure is designed to serve a small passenger flow, so travellers should consider their meal plans in advance.

Typically, a small buffet or café operates in the terminal building. Here you can purchase basic snacks for a quick bite: sandwiches, pastries, chocolate, crisps, as well as hot and cold drinks — tea, coffee, water, or juices. The assortment usually does not imply full hot meals, but it is sufficient to satisfy hunger before a flight. Sometimes in such buffets, one can find simple local pastries, which can be a small gastronomic discovery.

Specialised establishments, such as full-service restaurants, are absent at the airport. Finding options for vegetarians, vegans, or people with gluten intolerance will be extremely difficult, so passengers with special dietary needs are strongly recommended to bring food with them. The buffet is located in the general waiting hall, accessible to all visitors before passing through security control.

The opening hours of the single food outlet depend directly on the flight schedule — usually, it opens shortly before departure and closes after the aircraft leaves. Prices are generally moderate. If you have time and wish to have a proper lunch, it is better to do so at one of the cafés in the village of Ust-Tsilma before travelling to the airport.

Travelling through Ust-Tsilma Airport has its own specific features, knowing which will make your trip more comfortable. This is a small regional aviation hub, so many procedures here are simpler and faster than in large airports. Here are a few tips to help you get your bearings.

Arrival time at the airport. Given the compact size of the airport in Ust-Tsilma, you do not need to arrive 3-4 hours before departure. As a rule, arriving 1.5–2 hours before the flight is sufficient. This time is enough to check in, drop off luggage, and pass pre-flight screening without haste. However, always check the recommendations of your airline.

Check-in and security control. Procedures in a small airport usually proceed quickly. The check-in counters and the screening point are located nearby, and there are practically no queues. Nevertheless, keep your passport and ticket (or boarding pass) ready to avoid creating delays. Since the airport serves domestic flights within Russia, customs and passport control for international flights are absent here.

Seat selection on the plane. Small aircraft are often used on regional flights, where seat selection may be limited or absent altogether (free seating). If you have the opportunity to choose a seat during online check-in, choose a window seat — impressive views of the endless tundra and the bends of the Pechora River open up from the height.

Hand luggage rules. Standard security rules apply here as well: liquids in containers up to 100 ml must be packed in a transparent bag, and sharp objects are prohibited. Important: regional airlines may establish stricter limits on the weight and dimensions of hand luggage. Be sure to clarify these requirements on your carrier's website before the trip.

Passengers with connections. Ust-Tsilma Airport is not a transit hub, and flights with short connections are a rarity here. If you have a transfer planned, you will most likely need to collect your luggage and check in again for the next flight.

Saving time and money.

• If possible, check in for the flight online to save time at the airport.
• Infrastructure in the terminal is minimal, so the choice of food and drinks may be limited. Bring a light snack and a bottle of water (it can be filled after passing screening if facilities allow).
• Order a taxi or arrange a transfer in advance — this can be more advantageous than looking for a car upon arrival.

In case of flight delay. Delays, especially in the winter period, are possible due to harsh weather conditions. We recommend checking the status of your flight in advance. There is a small waiting hall in the terminal building. In case of a long wait, bring a book, a charged power bank, and headphones. Remember that for long delays (more than 2 hours), the airline is obliged to provide drinks, and for longer ones — hot meals.