Yoshkar-Ola Airport

Yoshkar-Ola Airport (IATA: JOK) is the main air gateway of the Mari El Republic, bearing the name of the prominent composer Andrey Eshpai. Its history began back in 1938 with a small airfield, which over time grew into an important transport hub of regional significance. Currently, the airport is undergoing a massive renovation that will transform it into a modern and comfortable complex capable of accommodating larger aircraft. This reconstruction opens a new chapter in the airport's history and promises to make travel to the amazing city of Yoshkar-Ola even more convenient.

A key feature of the airport today is its large-scale modernization. The project, scheduled for completion by late 2024 or early 2025, includes the construction of a new passenger terminal covering almost 6,000 square metres and the extension of the runway. Thanks to this, the capacity of the air gateway will increase fourfold — up to 400 passengers per hour, and the airport will be able to receive modern medium-haul aircraft with a capacity of up to 200 people. This will significantly expand the flight geography and improve transport accessibility to the capital of Mari El for tourists from all over the country.

Despite the compact size of the old terminal, the airport is conveniently located just a 15-20 minute drive from the city centre. You can get there by taxi or public transport, which runs at intervals of about 30 minutes. Upon completion of all works, passengers can expect modern infrastructure, including comfortable waiting lounges and all necessary services for a pleasant start and end to their journey.

Below you will find the main contact information for Yoshkar-Ola Airport, which will help you plan your trip and resolve any potential questions.

• Official Website: airportola.ru
• Information Desk Phone: +7 (8362) 45-21-91
• Address: 424010, Mari El Republic, Yoshkar-Ola, Airport
• Email: info@airportola.ru
• Social Media: News and updates can be tracked on the official VKontakte page – vk.com/airportola.
• Lost Luggage Information: For issues related to tracing lost or damaged luggage, please contact the airport information desk at the main phone number.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For general information, flight schedules, and consultations on airport services, please use the information desk phone number.

Yoshkar-Ola Airport is located approximately 9 kilometres north of the city centre. You can reach it in several ways, the choice of which depends on your budget, time, and comfort preferences.

Public Transport is the most economical option. A bus runs from the city centre to the airport. This allows you to reach the terminal without transfers; however, please note that the trip will take longer than by car — approximately 30-40 minutes depending on traffic conditions. The ticket price is very affordable, around 30–50 rubles. This method is excellent for travellers without a large amount of luggage.

Taxi or Transfer is the fastest and most convenient way to get to the airport. The trip from the centre of Yoshkar-Ola will take just 15-20 minutes. The cost of the trip will average 300–500 rubles depending on demand and vehicle class. You can use popular taxi-hailing apps available in Russia or order a car from one of the local services. A pre-booked transfer can be especially convenient if you are travelling with family or have many suitcases.

If you prefer independence in your movements, you can use a rental or personal car. The road to the airport is simple and straightforward. Parking is available on the airport grounds, where you can leave your car for both short and long periods. Car rental is particularly relevant if you plan to explore not only the city but also the picturesque surroundings of the Mari El Republic.

When planning your trip, it is also worth considering airports in neighbouring cities. Sometimes flights to larger aviation hubs can be more convenient or cheaper. The nearest alternatives are the airport in Cheboksary (about 76 km) and the major international Kazan Airport (about 150 km), from where you can reach Yoshkar-Ola by bus or train.

Yoshkar-Ola Airport (JOK) serves passengers in one modern terminal, which was opened in 2024. This new two-storey building replaced the old terminal and is now the sole centre for all flights, welcoming both departing and arriving passengers. Thanks to this, all infrastructure is concentrated in one place, making navigation intuitively clear and convenient.

The terminal structure is logical and simple. On the ground floor, there is a general area including check-in counters and baggage drop-off points. The arrivals area with a baggage claim belt is also located here. For passenger convenience, the main hall features an information board with the flight schedule, as well as basic amenities.

The first floor is entirely dedicated to the departure zone. After completing check-in on the ground floor, passengers go upstairs to undergo pre-flight security screening. Beyond the security checkpoint is the secure area — a comfortable departure lounge with boarding gates. Due to the terminal's compact dimensions, the path from the entrance to the boarding gate takes minimal time.

Completing all formalities, including check-in and screening, usually proceeds quickly at Yoshkar-Ola Airport due to low passenger traffic. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport as standard — 1.5-2 hours before departure. Getting lost in the building is practically impossible: all key zones — from check-in counters to boarding gates — are within walking distance of each other and are equipped with clear signs. Since there is only one terminal, there is no need to transfer between buildings.

The history of aviation in Yoshkar-Ola began long before the appearance of the modern airport complex. The first air station was founded here back in 1938. Initially, it served postal and passenger lines on small Po-2 aircraft, and during the Great Patriotic War, it was used for training flight personnel. It was a modest airfield, which nonetheless laid the foundation for the future development of air communication in the region.

The decision to build a new, modern airport was made in the late 1960s. A key stage was the commissioning of a concrete runway in 1972, which allowed for the reception of larger aircraft such as the An-24, Yak-40, and later the Tu-134. This opened a new page in the history of air transport in the Mari ASSR, connecting the republic's capital with numerous cities throughout the Soviet Union. The terminal building, which served passengers for several decades, was built in 1983.

In the 1990s, like many regional airports in Russia, Yoshkar-Ola Airport faced serious difficulties. Passenger traffic dropped sharply, the number of flights decreased, and regular air service practically ceased for many years. The airport operated intermittently, mainly accepting charter and service flights.

The true revival of the air gateway began in the 2020s. As part of a large-scale reconstruction launched in 2021, the runway was modernized, and a completely new passenger terminal building was constructed. The opening of the new, modern, and comfortable terminal in 2024 became the main achievement of recent decades. This event not only renewed the infrastructure but also marked the full return of regular flights, turning the airport into the modern air gates of the Mari El Republic.

Yoshkar-Ola Airport (JOK) is a modern and compact aviation hub, one of the important transport centres of the Mari El Republic in Russia. Following recent reconstruction, it offers passengers all necessary amenities for a comfortable wait for their flight. Despite its small size, the terminal is designed so that your journey begins or ends as pleasantly as possible.

For the convenience of travellers, free Wi-Fi and counters with power outlets for charging electronic devices are available in the general waiting hall. Passengers with children can use the mother and child room, equipped with everything necessary for baby care. A medical point also operates around the clock on the terminal premises, providing first aid if needed.

You can have a snack before departure at a cosy cafe, which offers hot and cold drinks, pastries, and light snacks. In small retail outlets, you can purchase souvenirs to remember your trip, travel essentials, and fresh press. ATMs are installed in the terminal building for cash withdrawals. There are no currency exchange points at the airport, so it is worth taking care of this in advance.

The airport is fully adapted to serve passengers with reduced mobility: ramps, special restrooms, and an assistance service (which can be booked in advance) are provided for them. Although there are no hotels directly on the airport grounds, in the city of Yoshkar-Ola itself, located just a few kilometres away, you will easily find many accommodation options. Specialized business centres and conference halls are not provided in the terminal.

When planning a snack or lunch at Yoshkar-Ola Airport (JOK), it is important to remember that this is a small regional airport, and the choice of establishments corresponds to this. All infrastructure, including food outlets, is concentrated in the single passenger terminal, so you won't have to search long for a place to eat.

A cafe-buffet operates in the terminal building, located in the general hall before the security zone. This is the main and, typically, the only option for passengers. Here you can drink coffee, tea, juice, or water, as well as fortify yourself before the flight. The assortment usually includes standard dishes for this format: fresh pastries, sandwiches, salads, and confectionery. This is an excellent place for a quick snack.

As for a full hot lunch, options are limited. The cafe menu may include simple hot dishes, but one should not count on a wide selection of restaurant quality. Specialized offerings, such as vegetarian, gluten-free, or halal dishes, are likely to be unavailable. If you have strict dietary restrictions, it is more reliable to bring food with you or have lunch in the city before travelling to the airport.

The cafe's opening hours are usually tied to the flight schedule to serve passengers of all departing and arriving aircraft. Prices here, as in most airports, may be slightly higher than in the city. For a full introduction to local cuisine and a more varied lunch, we recommend visiting one of the numerous establishments in Yoshkar-Ola itself.

To ensure your journey from Yoshkar-Ola Airport goes smoothly and without unnecessary worry, take advantage of our useful tips. We recommend arriving at the airport approximately 1.5–2 hours before departure. As a rule, this time is quite sufficient to calmly pass all pre-flight procedures at a regional airport. To save time, if possible, complete online check-in on your airline's website. This will allow you to go straight to the baggage drop-off counter or, if you are flying light, directly to the security screening zone.

The security control procedure at Yoshkar-Ola Airport is standard for all airports in Russia. Remember the restrictions for hand luggage: it is forbidden to carry liquids in containers larger than 100 ml, as well as sharp objects and flammable substances. Always keep all valuables — documents, money, bank cards, gadgets, and necessary medicines — with you in your hand luggage.

When choosing a seat on the plane, be guided by personal preferences: a window seat (A, F) will offer beautiful views during takeoff and landing, while an aisle seat (C, D) will provide more legroom and the ability to stand up freely without disturbing neighbours. Since Yoshkar-Ola Airport is not a major transfer hub, your connection will most likely be in another, larger city. Make sure you have allowed enough time for the connection, especially if a change of terminal is involved.

Since the airport primarily serves domestic flights, passengers are not required to pass customs control — it is provided only for international flights. You only face standard pre-flight screening. If your flight is delayed, first contact the airline representative to find out the reason and the estimated departure time. Remember your rights: in case of a long wait, the carrier is obliged to provide drinks, hot meals, and in the event of a multi-hour delay — hotel accommodation.

To make your trip more economical, try to buy tickets in advance and monitor airline promotions. Compare the cost of a taxi and public transport to choose the optimal way to get to the airport. A small useful tip: take an empty water bottle with you and fill it at a drinking fountain after passing security to avoid spending money on drinks in the secure area.