Veliky Ustyug Airport

Veliky Ustyug Airport (VUS) is not just an air harbour, but a true gateway to a fairytale. Thousands of travellers fly here to immerse themselves in the magical atmosphere of the home of Ded Moroz (Father Frost). Located in a picturesque corner of the Vologda Oblast in Russia, this small but modern airport serves as the starting point for an unforgettable winter adventure for the whole family. Following a recent reconstruction, it has become even more convenient and welcoming for guests from across the country.

The main feature of the airport is its strategic location. It is situated just a couple of kilometres from the city centre, allowing you to reach your hotel or main attractions in literally 5-10 minutes by taxi. This is particularly valuable for families with children who may be tired after their flight.

A large-scale reconstruction of the airport was completed in 2022. It is now equipped with a modern runway capable of accepting medium-haul aircraft, such as the Sukhoi Superjet 100. This allowed for the launch of direct flights from Moscow, Saint Petersburg, and other major cities, making the journey to Veliky Ustyug significantly faster and more comfortable.

Despite its compact size, the airport offers all necessary services for passengers: a waiting hall, check-in counters, security screening, and baggage claim. Thanks to the low passenger traffic, all pre-flight and post-flight formalities are completed quickly and without queues, adding to the positive impressions of your trip.

For your convenience, we have compiled the main contact information for the airport in the city of Veliky Ustyug. If you require assistance or additional information, we recommend contacting the numbers listed below.

• Official Website: The airport is part of the "Severstal" aviation enterprise. Up-to-date information on flights and services is available on their official website: severstal-avia.ru.
• Information Desk Phone: For questions regarding schedules, ticket availability, and other general topics, you can call: +7 (81738) 2-65-35.
• Airport Address: Russia, Vologda Oblast, Veliky Ustyug, Airport Territory.
• Email: There is no specialised email address for passengers. For written enquiries, it is recommended to use the feedback form on the official "Severstal" aviation enterprise website.
• Lost Luggage Information: In case of lost or damaged luggage, you should first contact your airline representative. You can also seek advice by calling the airport information desk.
• Passenger Support Service: Primary support for passengers is provided via the information desk phone: +7 (81738) 2-65-35.

Getting to Veliky Ustyug Airport (VUS), located just 3 km from the city centre, is effortless. The journey from the historic part of Ded Moroz's homeland to the terminal takes very little time, and you can choose from several convenient and accessible options.

Public Transport. The most budget-friendly way to get to the airport is to use city buses. Routes heading towards the airport allow you to reach it with minimal expense. A bus ride from the city centre will take about 15–20 minutes, taking stops into account. The fare is generally very affordable, around 30-50 Rubles. This is an excellent choice for economical travellers and those travelling light.

Taxi or Transfer. This is the fastest and most comfortable method. A taxi ride from the centre of Veliky Ustyug to the airport takes just 5–10 minutes. Due to the short distance, the cost is low — approximately 150–300 Rubles. You can order a car via local taxi services by phone or, if available, through mobile apps. For maximum convenience, especially if you are travelling with children or large luggage, you can book a private transfer in advance.

Car Rental. If you plan not only to visit Veliky Ustyug but also to explore the surroundings, renting a car is a great solution. Rental points can be found within the city. It is recommended to book a vehicle in advance, especially during the high tourist season (New Year holidays). With a rental car, you can reach the airport in the same 5–10 minutes and enjoy complete freedom of movement.

Personal Vehicle and Parking. If you are travelling in your own car, the road to the airport will pose no difficulties. Parking is available at the terminal building where you can leave your car during your absence. This is a convenient option for residents of nearby settlements or those planning to continue their journey across Russia immediately upon return.

It is worth noting that the airport in Veliky Ustyug is regional and accepts a limited number of flights. To find more flight options, travellers often consider larger airports in neighbouring cities, for example, in Kotlas, Syktyvkar, or Kirov, from where Veliky Ustyug can be reached by train or bus.

Veliky Ustyug Airport (VUS) is a small and cosy regional airport in Russia, consisting of one passenger terminal. Its compact dimensions make navigation intuitively clear and fast, which is particularly appreciated by travellers arriving at the home of Ded Moroz. The terminal services both arriving and departing domestic flights.

All airport infrastructure is concentrated in a single building, so there are no complex maps or transfers between terminals. Immediately upon entry, you find yourself in the main hall, where the check-in counters and waiting area are located. The departure and arrival zones are functionally separated but located in close proximity. After check-in, departing passengers proceed to the security screening area and then to a small boarding lounge. Arriving guests, after collecting their luggage, exit into the same central hall towards the airport exit.

Going through all procedures, such as check-in and security screening, happens quickly and simply here. Due to the small size and limited number of flights, there are rarely long queues at the airport. Usually, arriving 1.5 hours before departure is sufficient to calmly check in luggage and pass security control. During peak seasons, such as the New Year holidays, it is worth allowing a little extra time.

It is practically impossible to get lost in Veliky Ustyug Airport. All key zones — from the entrance to the boarding gate — are within sight. This makes it especially convenient for families with children and travellers who value peace and the absence of the hustle and bustle characteristic of major aviation hubs.

The history of the airport in Veliky Ustyug is a vivid example of how tourism development can transform transport infrastructure. For a long time, the city was served by a small airfield capable of accepting only light aircraft like the An-2 and helicopters. It performed important functions for local communication but was not designed for high passenger traffic.

A key moment that determined the airport's fate was the launch of the federal project "Veliky Ustyug — Homeland of Ded Moroz" in the late 1990s. The growing popularity of this destination required the creation of a convenient and fast method of delivering tourists. Consequently, the gradual modernisation of the air harbour began. The first significant step was a reconstruction that allowed the acceptance of Yak-40 turboprop aircraft, which already significantly increased the city's transport accessibility.

The most substantial stage in the airport's history began in 2018 with a full-scale reconstruction. During the works, the runway was extended to 1800 metres and reinforced, allowing for the acceptance of modern medium-haul liners. New lighting and radio-technical equipment were also installed, ensuring flights at any time of day and in difficult weather conditions.

A momentous event occurred in December 2022, when Veliky Ustyug Airport welcomed a modern Sukhoi Superjet 100 jet aircraft for the first time. This opened a new era in the history of the air gateway, allowing for the launch of direct flights from Moscow, Saint Petersburg, and other major cities in Russia. Thanks to this modernisation, the journey to the fairytale residence of Ded Moroz has become significantly more comfortable and faster for thousands of tourists, especially during the peak winter season.

Veliky Ustyug Airport (VUS) is a small regional air terminal that plays a key role in receiving tourists, especially during the winter season. The airport's infrastructure is compact and provides a basic set of services necessary for waiting comfortably for a flight.

Inside the terminal building, there is a small snack bar where passengers can have a bite to eat and drink hot beverages, and a souvenir shop offering memorable gifts related to the home of Ded Moroz. The general waiting hall is designed for passenger traffic during peak periods; however, there are no separate VIP lounges here. Free Wi-Fi is generally available throughout the terminal, but the number of power outlets for charging devices may be limited.

Regarding financial services, an ATM may be installed at the airport, but currency exchange points are absent. It is recommended to arrange currency exchange in the city in advance. To ensure the safety and health of passengers, a medical point operates in the terminal building, ready to provide first aid. A mother and child room is equipped for travellers with small children.

Passengers with reduced mobility are provided with all necessary assistance for moving around the airport and boarding the aircraft. To arrange this, you should notify the airline of your needs in advance. There are no specialised business centres, conference halls, or hotels on the airport territory, but many accommodation options can easily be found in Veliky Ustyug itself, which is just a few kilometres away.

Veliky Ustyug Airport is a compact regional aviation hub, so the choice of dining establishments here is quite modest. Do not expect a variety of restaurants and chain cafes as seen in major airports. All infrastructure is concentrated in the single passenger terminal.

For passengers in the general waiting hall, located before the security zone (landside), a small snack bar or café usually operates. This is the main and, as a rule, the only option where you can eat. Here you can have a quick snack before departure by ordering hot drinks (tea, coffee), juices, water, as well as fresh pastries, sandwiches, or chocolate. This is quite sufficient for a light snack while waiting to board a flight.

Finding a place for a full hot lunch or dinner at the airport is practically impossible. Therefore, if time permits, it is better to eat at one of the city's establishments before travelling to the airport. Specialised menus — vegetarian, gluten-free, or Halal — are not available here. Passengers with specific dietary requirements are strongly recommended to bring food with them. Prices in the local café will be standard for airports, meaning slightly higher than city prices. Please note that the snack bar's opening hours are tied to the flight schedule, and after passing security control (in the airside zone), opportunities to purchase food and drinks may be limited or non-existent.

Travelling through Veliky Ustyug Airport, the home of Ded Moroz, generally proceeds calmly and without hassle, as it is a small regional aviation hub. However, knowing a few nuances will help make your trip even more comfortable. We have compiled useful tips for passengers flying from this hospitable northern city in Russia.

To avoid rushing, we recommend arriving at the airport approximately 2 hours before the departure of a domestic flight. This time will be sufficient to complete all procedures. Flight check-in and baggage drop-off usually happen quickly, but it is better to have a buffer of time, especially during peak seasons, such as the New Year holidays. To save time, use online check-in on your airline's website.

Standard security rules apply here as well. Liquids in containers no larger than 100 ml each, packed in a transparent bag with a total volume of up to 1 litre, are permitted in hand luggage. Laptops, tablets, and other large electronics must be removed from bags and placed in a separate tray for screening. Sharp objects and flammable substances are prohibited in the cabin.

When choosing a seat on the plane, consider the purpose of your flight. If you want to admire the picturesque views of northern nature during takeoff or landing, choose a window seat. Aisle seats are more convenient if you need to stand up during the flight. Typically, in the small aircraft serving this route, the difference in comfort between seats is minimal, but booking early provides more choice.

Since Veliky Ustyug Airport mainly serves domestic flights, there is no customs control here. Passengers only undergo pre-flight security screening. Long layovers at this airport are a rarity, as it is most often the final destination. If you do have a connecting flight, check with your airline whether you need to collect and re-check your luggage.

In the event of a flight delay, contact your airline representative at the airport. Remember your rights: for a delay of more than 2 hours, you should be provided with drinks; more than 4 hours — hot meals; and for longer delays (8 hours during the day or 6 hours at night) — hotel accommodation. To save money, you can have a snack before going to the airport, as the choice of catering establishments in the terminal is limited, and prices may be higher than in the city.