Chernivtsi International Airport

Leonid Kadeniuk Chernivtsi International Airport is the air gateway to the heart of picturesque Bukovyna, where rich history harmoniously intertwines with modernity. This compact and cozy aviation hub serves as a starting point for travelers wishing to explore the architectural masterpieces of "Little Vienna" and the unique natural landscapes of the Carpathians. Thanks to its location practically within the city limits, the airport ensures maximum comfort and time savings for guests of the city, allowing them to begin their acquaintance with the region immediately after landing.

Features and Advantages of the Airport

Chernivtsi Airport possesses a number of unique features that distinguish it from other regional air harbors. Its cozy atmosphere and infrastructure advantages make travel easy and pleasant.

• Unique transport accessibility. This is one of the few airports located so close to the city center that it can be reached even by a regular city trolleybus. A taxi ride to the central streets takes just a few minutes.
• Name of a legend. In 2018, the airport was named after Leonid Kadeniuk — the first astronaut of independent Ukraine and a native of the Chernivtsi region, giving the place special symbolic significance and pride.
• Speed of procedures. Thanks to the compactness of the single terminal, passengers are spared long walks and tiring queues. Check-in, baggage drop-off, and security control proceed much faster here than in large hubs.
• Updated infrastructure. The reconstruction of the runway and lighting equipment has allowed the airport to accept more modern and spacious types of aircraft, such as the Boeing 737 and Embraer 190, expanding travel possibilities.

Below you will find contact information for Chernivtsi International Airport (CWC), which will help you plan your trip and navigate on arrival.

• Official Information: Since the airport's official website may currently be unavailable, it is recommended to track the most up-to-date information, news, and schedule changes on the official page on Facebook.
• Information Desk Phone: For operational information regarding flights and airport services, please call: +380 (372) 59-53-15.
• Address: The airport is located at: Chkalova Street, 30, Chernivtsi, Ukraine.
• Lost Luggage Information: If your luggage has been lost or damaged, contact the Lost & Found service at: +380 (372) 59-54-15.
• Passenger Support Service: For general questions and assistance, please contact the airport information desk at the phone number listed above.

Chernivtsi International Airport (CWC) is conveniently located just a few kilometers south of the city center, so the journey to the terminal will not take much time. Depending on your budget, amount of luggage, and preferences, you can choose one of several ways to get to the airport.

Public Transport

The most economical option is city public transport. Trolleybus No. 4 goes to the airport, with a route passing through the central districts of the city, including the railway station area. The trip from the center will take approximately 20-30 minutes. This is an excellent choice for light travelers wishing to save money. The fare is minimal, however, we recommend checking the schedule in advance, especially if your flight is scheduled for early morning or late evening.

Taxi and Transfer

For those who value comfort and time, a taxi is the optimal solution. The trip from the city center to the airport will take just 10-15 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. You can use local taxi services or popular mobile apps. This is the ideal option if you are traveling with children, a large amount of luggage, or simply want to get to the airport quickly and without transfers.

Car Rental and Parking

If you have arrived in the city in your own or a rented car, getting to the airport will be effortless. This method offers complete freedom of movement and is especially convenient for those planning to explore not only the city but also other corners of Ukraine. There is parking on the airport territory where you can leave your car for both short and long terms. Rates vary depending on the duration of parking.

Nearest Airports

If you cannot find convenient direct flights to Chernivtsi, it is worth considering flying to one of the neighboring airports. They can serve as an alternative arrival point, from where you can reach Chernivtsi by bus or transfer. The nearest options include:

• Suceava Airport (SCV) — located approximately 70 km away.
• Ivano-Frankivsk Airport (IFO) — located 120 km away.
• Iasi Airport (IAS) — a major international hub at a distance of about 170 km.

Chernivtsi International Airport (CWC) is a compact and convenient aviation hub that is easy to navigate even for an inexperienced traveler. Its main feature is that it consists of one passenger terminal serving both domestic and international flights. This completely eliminates the need for complex transfers and saves your time.

The terminal layout is intuitive. The building has two main floors:

• First Floor (Ground Floor) — this is the arrival and check-in zone. Here you will find flight check-in counters, the baggage claim area for arriving passengers, and the main entrance/exit of the airport.
• Second Floor (First Floor) is intended for departing passengers. After check-in, you go up here to pass aviation security control and passport control (for international flights). The waiting hall with the departure gate is also located here.

Thanks to the small size of the airport, all procedures are completed quite quickly. Check-in and screening usually take much less time than in large airports. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport as standard: 2-3 hours before an international flight and 1.5-2 hours before a domestic one. This time will be more than enough to go through all formalities without rushing, have a coffee, and find your boarding gate.

Navigating the terminal will not cause difficulties. All zones are clearly marked with signs in Ukrainian and English. Since there is only one terminal, it is practically impossible to get lost — all key points, from check-in counters to gates, are within a few minutes' walk of each other. This makes Chernivtsi Airport an excellent starting point for traveling around Ukraine without unnecessary stress.

The history of Chernivtsi International Airport (CWC) began in the 1930s when the city was part of Romania. The official opening took place on May 25, 1933, and on the same day, the first passenger flight was operated on the route Bucharest — Galati — Iasi — Chernivtsi. Initially, the airfield had an unpaved runway and modest infrastructure, but even then, it became an important link in the region's aviation connection.

During the Soviet period, the airport underwent significant development. A concrete runway was built, allowing for heavier aircraft. It became an important regional hub, connecting Chernivtsi with major cities of the USSR. In 1967, a new terminal building was put into operation, which is still in use today, although it has undergone numerous modernizations.

After Ukraine gained independence, the airport received international status. This opened a new page in its history, allowing direct air connections with other countries to be established. In the 2010s, a large-scale reconstruction of the runway and modernization of lighting equipment was carried out, which increased flight safety and allowed for the acceptance of modern aircraft types, such as the Embraer 190 and Boeing 737.

One of the most interesting facts in the airport's history is the naming in honor of the first astronaut of independent Ukraine, Leonid Kadeniuk, who hailed from Bukovyna. This event highlighted the significance of the airport for the region and the country as a whole. Today, Chernivtsi Airport continues to play an important role in the transport system of western Ukraine, preserving its rich history and adapting to the requirements of modern aviation.

Chernivtsi International Airport (CWC) is an important regional aviation hub in the west of Ukraine, offering passengers all necessary amenities for a comfortable wait for their flight. Despite its compact size, the airport features a café where you can have a snack before departure, and shops, including Duty Free, where you can buy souvenirs and other goods.

Throughout the terminal, free Wi-Fi is available for passengers, as well as places to charge electronic devices. For travelers expecting a flight in increased comfort, there is a business lounge with beverages and fresh press. Specialized conference halls or business centers are not provided at the airport, however, the business lounge offers a secluded and quiet environment suitable for work.

The airport strives to ensure comfort for all categories of passengers. A mother and child room is equipped for travelers with small children. Passengers with reduced mobility can request accompaniment and assistance from staff for convenient movement through the terminal. A medical point is also available on the premises, ready to provide first aid.

To resolve financial matters, ATMs and a currency exchange point are installed in the terminal building. It is important to note that there are no hotels directly on the airport territory. However, many accommodation options for every taste and budget can easily be found in the city of Chernivtsi itself, which is just a few minutes' drive away.

Chernivtsi International Airport (CWC) is a small regional air terminal, so the choice of dining establishments here is quite modest. Nevertheless, passengers can find everything necessary to have a snack before departure or drink coffee while waiting for a flight. The main options are concentrated in the airport's single terminal.

The main place to eat is the café, located in the general waiting hall. It is situated in the area before security control (landside), so it is accessible to both departing passengers and those meeting them. The assortment here is standard for a small airport:

• Beverages: coffee, tea, juices, mineral water, and carbonated drinks.
• Snacks: sandwiches, open-faced sandwiches, croissants, fresh pastries, chocolate, and other snacks.
• Light meals: sometimes simple salads or ready-made dishes for a quick lunch may be on the menu.

This establishment is excellent for a quick snack or waiting over a cup of coffee but is not designed for a full lunch or dinner with a wide selection of hot dishes. Although you are unlikely to find complex Bukovinian cuisine dishes here, sometimes you can try local pastries, which will give a general idea of regional desserts.

The café's opening hours are usually tied to the flight schedule — it opens a few hours before departure and closes after the last plane departs. Prices can be described as average for airports. It is important to note that specialized dietary options, such as vegan, gluten-free, or Halal dishes, are generally not available on the menu. Passengers with strict dietary requirements are advised to bring food with them.

In addition to the café, vending machines may be installed in the terminal. You can purchase soft drinks, chips, chocolate bars, and other packaged snacks from them. This is a convenient option if you have very little time or if the main café is closed during breaks between flights.

Planning a trip through Chernivtsi International Airport (CWC) will be easier if you think through all the details in advance. This airport, serving a beautiful city in the west of Ukraine, has its own characteristics. Here are a few tips to help make your journey comfortable and avoid unnecessary hassle.

Arrival Time and Check-in. Chernivtsi Airport is relatively small, so queues here are usually shorter than in major hubs. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive 2-2.5 hours before international flights and 1.5 hours before domestic ones. This will give you enough time to calmly go through check-in, drop off luggage, and pre-flight control. To save time, use online check-in if your airline provides such an option.

Hand Luggage and Baggage. Before packing your suitcases, be sure to familiarize yourself with your airline's baggage allowance rules. Standard restrictions for hand luggage include a ban on carrying liquids in containers larger than 100 ml, as well as sharp objects. Always keep all valuables, documents, medicines, and portable electronics with you in your hand luggage.

Customs Control. When departing or arriving on international flights, you will have to pass customs control. If you do not have goods subject to declaration, feel free to choose the "green channel". If you are carrying amounts of money exceeding the limit, or goods requiring the payment of duties, you will need to fill out a declaration and go through the "red channel".

Passengers with Transfers. It is important to consider that Chernivtsi Airport is regional and does not have a dedicated transit zone. If you have a transfer planned between two international flights, you will likely need to pass passport and customs control to formally enter Ukraine, collect your luggage, and then go through check-in and security control again for the next flight. Be sure to check visa requirements in advance and allow enough time for all procedures.

Economy and Comfort. To save money, order a taxi via mobile apps rather than using the services of private drivers in the arrival zone. Prices for food and drinks in airports are often inflated, so you can take a small snack with you (for example, nuts or bars) if this is not prohibited by the rules. The choice of seat on the plane depends on your preferences: a window seat will offer beautiful views during takeoff and landing, while an aisle seat will allow you to stand up freely without disturbing neighbors.

In Case of Flight Delay. Unfortunately, delays happen. If your flight is postponed, first contact your airline representative for information about the reasons and the estimated departure time. Depending on the duration of the delay, the airline is obliged to provide drinks, meals, and for long waits — hotel accommodation. It is useful to have a portable charger, a book, or downloaded movies with you to pass the waiting time.