Koltsovo

Koltsovo Airport is not just the main transport hub of the Urals, but a true landmark of the region, where advanced technologies coexist harmoniously with historical architecture. The air harbour has been repeatedly recognised as the best regional airport in Russia and the CIS, offering travellers a level of comfort comparable to leading global hubs. Modern terminals made of glass and concrete are effectively complemented here by the legendary building with a spire, creating a unique and memorable atmosphere from the very first minutes of your stay.

Koltsovo stands out among other Russian airports for its unique architectural ensemble and well-thought-out infrastructure. One of the main highlights is the VIP terminal, located in a restored historical building constructed in 1954: its majestic facade with a spire and interiors in the Stalinist Empire style create a sense of solemnity and exclusivity.

For the convenience of transit passengers and city guests, the airport is connected by a covered pedestrian gallery to a modern hotel, allowing you to get to your room directly from the terminal without going outside. Inside the complex, travellers will find spacious waiting halls, numerous cafés and shops, as well as comfortable business lounges ("Emerald", "Topaz", "Opal"), ensuring a high level of service and cosiness before departure.

To ensure your trip goes smoothly, save the contact information for Koltsovo Airport. Here you will find all the necessary details for communication.

• Official website: svx.aero. The site features an online flight board, information on parking, services, and the latest news.
• Information desk phone: 8-800-1000-333 (toll-free within Russia) or +7 (343) 226-85-82. Operators will assist with questions regarding schedules, terminals, and flight regulations.
• Airport address: Russia, Yekaterinburg, Bahchivandzhi Square, bldg. 1.
• Email: For official requests and inquiries, it is recommended to use the feedback form in the "Contacts" section on the airport's official website.
• Social media: The airport maintains active pages on popular social networks. Search for official accounts under the name "Koltsovo Airport" to keep up with the news.
• Lost & Found: If your luggage has been lost or damaged, contact the baggage tracing service in the arrivals area or call the special number listed on the website in the "Luggage" section.
• Passenger Support Service: For most questions, including assistance for passengers with reduced mobility, you can contact the airport's unified information service.

You can get to Koltsovo Airport from Yekaterinburg in several ways, suitable for any budget and preference. The airport is located approximately 16 km southeast of the city centre and has excellent transport links. The choice of the optimal route depends on your location, the amount of luggage, and the time you have available.

Public transport is the most economical option. City buses run directly to the terminal. Route No. 1 departs from the railway station and passes through the city centre; the journey time is about one hour. Bus No. 65 connects the airport with residential districts and the "Botanicheskaya" metro station, from where you can reach the airport in 20-30 minutes. Additionally, the "Koltsovo Express" runs between Yekaterinburg railway station and the airport — a commuter train that will take you to your destination in approximately 40 minutes, bypassing all traffic jams. This is an excellent choice for those who value predictability, but it is worth checking the train schedule in advance.

Taxi or transfer is the most comfortable method, especially if you are travelling with children or a large amount of luggage. There are many taxi services operating in the city via mobile apps; a trip from the centre will take from 25 to 50 minutes depending on traffic conditions. The cost of the trip may vary, so it is recommended to compare prices in different apps. For maximum convenience, you can book a private transfer in advance — the driver will meet you at the specified location and assist with luggage.

For those who prefer to drive, options with a private car, car sharing, or rental are available. The road to the airport runs along a convenient highway — the Koltsovsky Tract. Koltsovo Airport features a developed parking system: from short-term zones where you can leave your car for free for a few minutes to drop off passengers, to long-term guarded parking lots. Many car-sharing companies in Russia have special zones for ending rentals directly at the terminal, making this option very convenient.

Koltsovo Airport in Yekaterinburg is a modern and convenient complex that unites all passenger zones under one roof. Structurally, it consists of two main terminals designed for different types of flights, as well as a separate terminal for business aviation.

Terminal A is used for servicing domestic flights within Russia. Check-in counters, security screening zones, and waiting halls for passengers travelling within the country are located here. The terminal's infrastructure is well-developed and includes everything necessary for a comfortable wait before departure.

Terminal B is designed for international flights. In addition to standard check-in and screening zones, border and customs control points are located here. Passengers on international lines should head specifically to this sector. Duty-Free shops are also located here.

Since both main terminals, A and B, are in the same building, moving between them is effortless. Passengers do not need to go outside or use shuttles — simply follow the internal signs. The airport layout is intuitive: generally, arrival zones are on the first floor, while departure halls, check-in counters, and security checkpoints are on the second floor. Navigation is well organised, with information boards and signs in Russian and English located everywhere.

For completing all formalities (check-in, baggage drop, security screening) on domestic flights, it is recommended to allow about 1.5–2 hours. For international departures, due to the need to pass through customs and border control, it is worth arriving at the airport in advance — approximately 3 hours before departure. This will allow you to go through all procedures without haste and find your boarding gate.

The history of Koltsovo Airport in Yekaterinburg is a journey from a small military airfield to one of the largest and most modern aviation hubs in Russia. Founded in 1930 as a military facility, it initially served the needs of the Air Force Research Institute. Civil aviation arrived later, but it was the military past that laid the foundation for future development.

A key moment in the early history of the airport was the Great Patriotic War. Here, deep in the rear, new types of aviation equipment were tested. It was from the Koltsovo airfield that the first jet aircraft in the USSR, the BI-1, made its maiden flight on 15 May 1942. Official status as a civil airport was granted on 10 July 1943, when regular passenger and cargo transportation began, connecting Sverdlovsk (now Yekaterinburg) with Moscow.

The post-war decades were a time of systematic growth. In 1954, the first terminal building was constructed, and in 1963, a new runway was put into operation, capable of receiving large aircraft for that time, such as the Tu-104 and Il-18. Further expansion occurred in 1984 with the construction of a second runway, which significantly increased the airport's capacity.

A new stage in development began in 1993, when Koltsovo received international airport status. However, the most massive transformation took place in the 2000s. In preparation for the SCO summit in 2009, a complete reconstruction was carried out: in 2005, a new international terminal opened, in 2007 — a terminal for domestic flights, and in 2009, they were united into a single modern complex. At the same time, a new control tower was commissioned, and the runway was modernised, allowing for the reception of all types of aircraft without restrictions.

Today, Koltsovo regularly receives prestigious awards for service quality and is one of the leaders in passenger traffic among the country's regional airports. Its history is a vivid example of how an airfield that began its path with tests of experimental aircraft has turned into a modern hub playing an important role in the transport system of Russia and the world.

Koltsovo Airport offers passengers a full range of services for a comfortable wait for their flight. Throughout the terminals, you will find numerous cafés, lounges, and restaurants offering both Russian and international cuisine. For those wishing to shop, various stores are open, including souvenir shops and a Duty Free zone where goods can be purchased at attractive prices.

Comfortable waiting halls are provided for relaxation before departure. Passengers who value enhanced comfort can use the business lounges, which offer a secluded atmosphere, snacks, beverages, and fresh press. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport, and numerous charging stations for gadgets allow you to always stay connected.

Financial matters are easily resolved at the airport: bank branches, currency exchange points, and ATMs located in different parts of the terminal are at your service. In case of need, a medical point operates around the clock in the terminal building, where qualified specialists are ready to provide first aid.

A mother and child room is equipped for passengers with children. This is a cosy space where you can feed, change, and put a baby to sleep, as well as play in a specially designated area. The airport also provides a full range of services for passengers with reduced mobility, including special assistance, equipment, and adapted zones for comfortable movement and waiting.

If you have a long layover or an early flight, you can stay at one of the hotels located in the immediate vicinity of the terminals. For business travellers, Koltsovo provides conference halls and a business centre equipped with everything necessary for holding meetings, negotiations, and events.

Koltsovo Airport in Yekaterinburg offers passengers diverse dining opportunities to pass the time comfortably while waiting for a flight. Catering establishments are located both in the public zone before security control and in the secure departure zone, catering to tastes and budgets of all kinds — from a quick snack to a leisurely lunch.

In the public zone (before control), accessible to all visitors, you will find several cosy coffee shops where you can enjoy a cup of aromatic coffee with fresh pastries. There are also restaurants offering European and Russian cuisine. This is an excellent option for those seeing someone off or meeting someone, or for passengers with plenty of time before check-in.

After passing passport and customs control (in the departure zone), the choice becomes even wider. At your disposal are lounges where you can relax with a beverage before your flight, fast food outlets, and cafés. Particular attention should be paid to establishments offering local Ural cuisine. Do not miss the opportunity to try the famous Ural dumplings (pelmeni) — this is a great way to get acquainted with the gastronomic traditions of the region right at the airport. Most establishments in the departure zone operate around the clock or are adjusted to the flight schedule.

For passengers with special dietary preferences, most cafés offer vegetarian options, such as salads or vegetable dishes. Finding certified Halal or strictly vegan dishes might be challenging, so it is best to clarify the ingredients with the staff. The price range at Koltsovo corresponds to the standard for major airports: the cost of dishes is higher than in the city, but you can find options for both an economical snack and a full dinner in a restaurant.

If you are short on time, coffee shops or food courts where you can quickly order a sandwich, salad, or pastry will be the ideal choice. For a more substantial meal, it is better to choose one of the restaurants in the public zone or a spacious café in the departure lounge, where you can sit comfortably and enjoy your food without haste.

To ensure your journey through Koltsovo Airport in Yekaterinburg goes as smoothly as possible and without unnecessary worries, we recommend considering a few practical tips. Proper planning is the key to a calm start for any trip.

Arrival Time: Arrive at the airport well in advance. For domestic flights, allow at least 2 hours before departure, and for international flights — 3-4 hours. This time buffer will allow you to check in, drop off luggage, and pass all screenings without haste, even with high terminal congestion.

Check-in and Control: Online check-in on the airline's website is a great way to save time. At Koltsovo Airport, the security screening procedure is standard. To speed it up, have your passport and boarding pass ready, and remove laptops, tablets, and liquid containers from your hand luggage in advance.

Seat Selection on the Plane: During check-in, consider where you would be most comfortable flying. Window seats (A, F) are suitable for those who like to admire the views, while aisle seats (C, D) are convenient for those who plan to get up frequently. Seats with extra legroom are typically located near emergency exits and may be offered for an additional fee.

Hand Luggage: Carefully check the contents of your hand luggage. Always take documents, money, gadgets, valuables, and essential medicines with you into the cabin. Remember the restriction on carrying liquids: the volume of each container must not exceed 100 ml, and they must all be packed in one transparent resealable bag. Sharp objects and flammable substances are prohibited in the cabin.

Transfer Passengers: If you have a connecting flight at Koltsovo, follow the "Transit/Transfer" signs. Check with your airline in advance whether you need to collect and re-check your luggage. In the airport's transit zone, you will find cafés, shops, and waiting halls for a comfortable rest.

Customs: On international flights, it is necessary to pass customs control. If you have no goods to declare, proceed confidently through the "Green Channel". If you are carrying goods whose value or quantity exceeds the established limits, your path lies through the "Red Channel" where you must fill out a declaration.

Savings: A parking space booked in advance via the airport website may turn out to be cheaper. To avoid spending on water, you can take an empty bottle with you and fill it at drinking fountains after the security zone.

If the Flight is Delayed: In case of a flight delay or cancellation, first find a representative of your airline. Depending on the length of the wait, you may be provided with drinks, hot meals, or even hotel accommodation. Don't forget a portable charger so that your phone is always in working order.