Kyiv International Airport

Igor Sikorsky Kyiv International Airport (often referred to simply as "Zhuliany") is the true aerial gateway to the heart of the Ukrainian capital. Unlike the larger Boryspil, this airport offers travellers a unique advantage: upon landing here, you are just a few minutes' drive from the bustling city centre. This location combines the cosy atmosphere of business aviation with a rich history, as this is where civil aviation in Kyiv began. Today, the compact terminal allows you to complete all formalities as quickly and smoothly as possible.

Features and Advantages of the Airport:

The main pride of "Zhuliany" is its location. Being within the city limits, the airport allows you to reach Khreshchatyk or the business districts in just 15–20 minutes by taxi or public transport, which is a huge plus for business travellers and tourists who value their time.

The airport is known for its specialisation in business aviation and servicing small private jets, creating a special atmosphere of privacy and comfort here. For passengers on scheduled flights, modern yet compact terminals are in operation, where everything is within walking distance, eliminating long transfers.

Another unique feature is its proximity to the largest State Aviation Museum in Ukraine. It is located right behind the airfield fence, and many tourists specifically arrive early to view the impressive open-air collection of dozens of real aircraft and helicopters before their flight.

• Official Website: iev.aero
• Information Desk Phone: +380 44 364 45 14 (24/7)
• Address: Ukraine, Kyiv, Medova Str., 2
• Email: info@iev.aero
• Social Media: Official airport pages can be found on popular social networks, such as Facebook and Instagram, for operational news and updates.
• Lost & Found: If you have lost items within the terminal building, please contact the baggage tracing service. Phone: +380 44 339 26 84, email: lost-and-found@iev.aero.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For general inquiries and assistance, you may contact the main airport information number.

Kyiv International Airport (Igor Sikorsky), also known as Zhuliany (IEV), is conveniently located within the city limits, making the journey there quick and accessible. It is important not to confuse it with the country's main airport — Boryspil International Airport (KBP), which is located outside the capital of Ukraine. Here are the main ways to get to Kyiv (Zhuliany) Airport.

Public Transport

This is the most budget-friendly method. Several public transport routes go directly to the airport terminals:

• Trolleybuses: Route No. 22 runs from the airport via "Dorohozhychi" metro station to Olzhycha Street. Route No. 9 connects the airport with the Central Railway Station ("Vokzalna" metro station) and the city centre (terminating at Leo Tolstoy Square, "Palats Sportu" metro station).
• Route Taxis (Marshrutkas): Many minibuses run from the airport to various districts of Kyiv. For example, marshrutka No. 565 will take you to "Shuliavska", "Dorohozhychi", and "Petrivka" metro stations. Marshrutka No. 368 goes to "Vokzalna" metro station.

A trip by public transport from the city centre will take approximately 40-60 minutes depending on the route and traffic conditions. The fare is the lowest of all options.

Taxi and Transfer

A taxi is the optimal combination of comfort and speed. Many car-hailing app services operate in Kyiv (e.g., Uber, Bolt, Uklon). A trip from the city centre to the airport will take 20-40 minutes excluding traffic jams. This is a convenient option, especially if you are travelling with luggage or at night. The cost will be moderate, though higher than public transport. For maximum convenience, you can book a private transfer in advance — the driver will meet you at the specified location at the required time.

Car Rental and Private Transport

If you plan to move actively around the city and its surroundings, renting a car can be a good solution. Many rental companies have counters right in the airport terminal. For those arriving in their own vehicle, parking is provided on the airport territory. There are zones for short-term and long-term parking, which is convenient if you are leaving your car for the duration of your trip.

Recommendations for Travellers

When planning a trip to Kyiv Airport, be sure to consider the time of day and potential traffic jams, especially during morning and evening rush hours. To save money, choose public transport, but allow extra time for the journey. For maximum comfort and predictability, a taxi ordered via an official app or a pre-booked transfer is best.

Kyiv International Airport (IEV), also known as "Zhuliany", is distinguished by a compact and clear structure, making it convenient for passengers. The airport consists of three terminals, but only two are relevant for most travellers: Terminal A for international flights and Terminal D for domestic flights. The third, Terminal B, is used for business aviation.

Terminal A is the modern main building of the airport, serving all international destinations. Its layout is simple and intuitive: check-in counters, the arrival area, and baggage claim points are located on the ground floor. After check-in, passengers proceed to the first floor, where they pass through aviation security and passport control, after which they enter a spacious departure area with Duty Free shops, cafés, and waiting lounges. Thanks to the terminal's small size, navigation is effortless, and all signs are easy to read.

Terminal D serves domestic flights within Ukraine. It is located in the immediate vicinity of Terminal A, literally a few minutes' walk away. Transferring between them does not require transport — simply follow the signs. This is particularly convenient for passengers transferring from an international flight to a domestic one and vice versa.

Completing all formalities at Kyiv Airport usually takes little time. For international flights, it is recommended to arrive 2–2.5 hours before departure, and for domestic flights — 1.5 hours. This time is usually sufficient for a calm check-in and security screening. Overall, IEV airport is an example of effective space organisation, where everything is designed for traveller comfort, and getting lost here is practically impossible.

Igor Sikorsky Kyiv International Airport (IEV), also known as "Zhuliany", is one of the oldest and the second-largest airport in Ukraine. Its history is closely intertwined with the development of aviation in the capital and the country as a whole. Located just 8 kilometres from the centre of Kyiv, it offers passengers unique convenience that many other capital city airports around the world lack.

The airport's history began in 1924, when the civil airport "Zhuliany" was opened on the basis of a military airfield. From that moment, it began serving the first regular passenger and cargo flights. In the first decades of its existence, the airport played a key role in the development of air communication, connecting Kyiv with other major cities.

Up until the 1960s, "Zhuliany" remained the capital's main airport. After the opening of the new "Boryspil" airport, it refocused on domestic flights within Ukraine, retaining its status as an important transport hub. This period was characterised by stable operation and a gradual increase in passenger traffic on regional routes.

A true renaissance for the airport came with a large-scale reconstruction ahead of the EURO 2012 football championship. As part of the modernisation, the modern international Terminal "A" was built, significantly increasing throughput capacity. The runway was also lengthened and strengthened, allowing it to accommodate larger aircraft, such as the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320. These changes turned "Kyiv" into a modern and comfortable airport ready to handle international traffic.

One of the interesting facts in the airport's history is the naming in 2018 after the world-famous aircraft designer Igor Sikorsky, who was born in Kyiv. This became a tribute to the great engineer and highlighted the city's aviation history. In recent years prior to the suspension of flights, Kyiv Airport became a main hub for many budget airlines, offering affordable flights to dozens of cities in Europe and the Middle East.

Kyiv International Airport (IEV) offers passengers all necessary services for a comfortable wait for their flight. In the airport terminals, you will find a variety of cafés, lounges, and restaurants where you can have a snack or a full meal. For shopping enthusiasts, there are Duty Free shops, as well as souvenir stalls and points selling travel essentials.

For a more comfortable wait, you can use the services of business lounges, which offer a cosy atmosphere, snacks, beverages, and fresh press. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport, and numerous charging stations for gadgets will allow you to stay connected at all times. Financial matters are easily resolved thanks to the presence of ATMs and currency exchange points.

The airport cares for all categories of passengers. For travellers with children, mother and child rooms are equipped, where you can feed and change your baby in a quiet environment. Passengers with reduced mobility are provided with special assistance and escort. In case of necessity, you can contact the medical point operating on the airport territory. Conference rooms are available for business travellers, and for those who need to rest between flights, several hotels are located near the airport.

At Kyiv International Airport (IEV), passengers will find several options for a snack or a full meal, although the choice of establishments depends on the departure terminal. The majority of cafés and restaurants are concentrated in Terminal A, which serves international flights.

In Terminal D, intended for domestic flights, the choice of dining establishments is quite limited. Typically, you can find a small café or vending machines for a quick snack here. If you are flying on a domestic flight and have time, it is better to have a bite in the public area of Terminal A before passing through control.

In Terminal A, establishments are located both in the public zone (landside) and in the departure zone after passing control (airside). In the area before security control, there are several coffee shops where it is convenient to drink coffee with those seeing you off or have a quick snack upon arrival. However, the largest selection awaits passengers in the departure zone. Here, cosy cafés offering fresh pastries, sandwiches, and desserts operate, as well as restaurants with à la carte service and lounges with a wide assortment of beverages. Some establishments boast a view of the runway.

For those wishing to get acquainted with local cuisine, some restaurants at the airport offer traditional dishes. This is a wonderful opportunity to taste authentic borscht, hearty varenyky (dumplings), or tender syrnyky (cottage cheese pancakes) without leaving the airport, and get a first impression of the gastronomic culture of Ukraine.

For a quick snack, coffee shops with ready-made sandwiches and salads are ideal, and for a full lunch — restaurants in the departure zone of Terminal A. Regarding dietary needs, vegetarian options are usually available, but the selection of specialized vegan, gluten-free, or halal dishes may be limited. It is recommended to check the ingredients with the staff. Prices at the airport are expectedly higher than in the city. Most cafés and restaurants operate on a schedule synchronised with the flight timetable, opening early in the morning and closing after the departure of the last aircraft.

Travelling through Kyiv International Airport (Zhuliany) will be a pleasant start or end to your trip to Ukraine if you plan all the details in advance. To avoid unnecessary haste, arrive at the airport in good time: 2 hours before a domestic flight departure and 3 hours before an international one. This time is enough to calmly go through all procedures, have a coffee, and find your boarding gate.

To save time, use online check-in for your flight, which usually opens 24 hours before departure. This will allow you to head straight to baggage drop-off or, if you are travelling light, to security control. Prepare liquids in advance (in containers up to 100 ml, packed in a transparent bag) and take your laptop out of your hand luggage — this will make the screening much faster. Remember that sharp objects, weapons, and flammable substances are prohibited in hand luggage.

When choosing a seat on the plane, consider your preferences. A seat by the window will offer beautiful views during takeoff and landing, a seat by the aisle provides more legroom and the ability to stand up freely, while seats by emergency exits often offer extra space but may have restrictions.

If you have a transfer in Kyiv, check in advance whether you need to collect and re-check your baggage. Also, check visa requirements if your next flight is international. When passing through customs control, follow the signs: "Green Channel" if you have no goods to declare, and "Red Channel" if you are carrying valuables or goods exceeding established limits.

To save money, book a taxi or transfer from the airport in advance via online services — this is often cheaper than taking a car on the spot. You can also use public transport. In case of a flight delay, first contact your airline representative for information on the new departure time and your rights, which may include the provision of beverages, meals, or even a hotel depending on the duration of the wait.