Mykolaiv Airport

Mykolaiv International Airport is a vital air gateway to southern Ukraine, opening the path to the city of legendary shipbuilders and the picturesque Black Sea coast. Located in close proximity to the regional centre, it serves as a key transport hub for travellers and business people who value time and comfort. The airport is distinguished by convenient logistics and compact yet functional infrastructure, allowing it to service both domestic and international flights.

Features and Advantages of the Airport

The airport boasts a runway over 2.5 km in length, allowing it to accept various types of aircraft, including fairly large liners. The technical equipment of the airfield has been constantly improved to meet modern safety and comfort requirements.

One of the main advantages is its location: only a 15–20 minute drive separates the terminal from the centre of Mykolaiv. For passengers, this means no long transfers and the ability to quickly reach their destination. Furthermore, the airport plays an important role in developing the transport potential of the entire southern region, connecting it with other cities and countries.

Important Information: Currently, Mykolaiv International Airport (NLV) has temporarily suspended passenger flight services. Consequently, most contact channels may be inactive, and passenger support services at the airport are not functioning. The information below is based on the latest available data prior to the suspension of operations and is provided for reference purposes.

• Official Airport Website: www.nlv.aero (site may be unavailable).
• Inquiry Service Phone: +380 512 439 533, +380 512 675 800 (numbers are likely inactive).
• Airport Address: Balovne village, Nova Odesa district, Mykolaiv region, 56633, Ukraine.
• Email: info@nlv.aero (probability of receiving a response is low).
• Airport Social Media: Official airport page on Facebook (@airportnikolaev), however, information there may not be updated.
• Lost Luggage Information: The luggage tracing service at the airport is not operating. For questions related to past flights, please contact the airline you used directly.
• Passenger Support Contacts: Support regarding tickets, flight status, and other issues is not provided at the airport of Mykolaiv. Please contact your airline directly.

Getting to the Mykolaiv air gateway is quite simple thanks to its convenient location and established transport connections. The airport is located near the village of Balovne, northwest of the city centre. Travel time and cost depend on the chosen method of transport, but generally, the journey does not take much time.

Taxi and Transfer

The most convenient and fastest way to reach the terminal is to use a taxi service. Both local services and international mobile car-hailing apps (such as Uklon or Bolt) are popular in the city. A trip from the city centre (Soborna Street or Central Avenue) usually takes 20–30 minutes if there is no traffic. The estimated cost varies depending on the car class and time of day but remains quite affordable for most travellers. It is recommended to book a car in advance, especially if the flight is scheduled for early morning or night.

Public Transport

Although there is no metro in Mykolaiv, and railway tracks do not lead directly to the terminal, you can get there by bus. The main option is suburban route taxis ("marshrutkas") heading from the Bus Station or Central Market towards Nova Odesa or Voznesensk through the village of Balovne.

• Route: Look for buses passing through Balovne (for example, route No. 101 or passing intercity routes).
• Stop: Ask the driver to stop at the turn to the airport. From the highway to the terminal, you may need to walk a short distance (about 1–1.5 km), so this option is better suited for those travelling light.

Personal Car and Rental

For those who prefer independence, travelling by personal or rented car will be an excellent choice. The road from the centre of Mykolaiv follows the H-24 highway (formerly R-06). The road surface on this section is generally in good condition.

Parking

A parking zone is equipped in the area adjacent to the terminal. Here you can leave your car while seeing off or meeting passengers. The parking is located within walking distance of the terminal entrance, eliminating the need to carry luggage far.

Alternative Airports Nearby

If there is no suitable flight from Mykolaiv, travellers often use neighbouring transport hubs. The nearest major hub is Odessa International Airport, located approximately 120 km away (about 2–2.5 hours by car). This is a popular choice due to its wide geography of flights.

For international travel, Chisinau International Airport (Moldova) or Iasi Airport (Romania) may also be convenient, often used as transit points. To the east, an alternative can be Dnipro International Airport, although the distance to it is significantly greater — about 280 km.

The terminal complex of Mykolaiv Airport is notable for its compactness and functionality, which is its main advantage over large, busy hubs. The airport's infrastructure is concentrated in a single passenger terminal, which serves both domestic and international flights. Thanks to the small size of the building, passengers are spared the need to cover long distances or use intra-terminal transport.

Terminal Map and Zoning

Navigation at Mykolaiv Airport is intuitive. The building is designed so that passenger flow moves linearly and without obstruction. The main zones are located as follows:

• Check-in Zone: Located immediately at the central entrance. Here you will find counters for baggage drop-off and obtaining boarding passes. Information screens above the counters will indicate the number corresponding to your flight.
• Control Zone: Aviation security checkpoints and customs control (for international flights) are located in immediate proximity to the check-in counters.
• Departure Lounge: After completing formalities, passengers enter the "sterile area," equipped with seating and boarding gates.
• Arrival Zone: Located in a separate wing or sector of the building, ensuring the separation of arriving and departing passenger flows. The baggage claim belt is located here.

Service Features and Amenities

Despite its modest size, the terminal offers the necessary set of services for a comfortable wait for your flight. Small cafes or vending machines with drinks and snacks may operate in the public zone and departure zone. For passengers valuing enhanced comfort, a VIP lounge (business lounge) is provided, where you can spend time in a quieter atmosphere, use separate Wi-Fi, and enjoy expedited procedures (this service may require prior booking).

Procedures and Time

One of the key benefits of flying from Mykolaiv is the speed of completing pre-flight formalities. The absence of huge queues allows for more flexible time planning.

• Check-in: Usually opens 2–2.5 hours before and closes 40 minutes prior to departure.
• Security Check: The security control and passport control procedure (when crossing the border) takes on average 10–15 minutes. However, during peak hours or when servicing multiple flights simultaneously, the time may increase.

Navigation Recommendations

Since there are no transfers between terminals here, it is practically impossible to get lost. Upon arrival at the airport, simply follow the signs to the main entrance. If you arrive by car, the drop-off zone is just a few dozen metres from the terminal doors. For those meeting passengers, a waiting area is provided in the general hall, where arrived passengers exit after collecting their luggage.

The history of Mykolaiv International Airport (NLV) begins in 1944, when it was founded as a military airfield. However, a new chapter for the air harbour opened in 1960, when the airport began serving civil flights, becoming an important transport hub for the city's residents and the entire region. From that moment, it began to develop actively, connecting the "City of Shipbuilders" with many cities throughout the Soviet Union.

During the Soviet period, the airport achieved significant success. It was assigned Class "B" airfield status, allowing it to accept medium-haul aircraft such as the Tu-134, Tu-154, An-24, and Yak-42. This turned it into one of the key regional airports in southern Ukraine. The air gates played an important role not only for passenger transport but also for cargo, supporting the logistics of the city's powerful shipbuilding industry.

After a period of stagnation in the 1990s and 2000s, when regular flights were practically ceased, the airport received a second life. In 2017-2018, a large-scale reconstruction was carried out: the runway was capitally repaired, modern lighting and navigation equipment was installed, and a new passenger terminal was built. This allowed the airport to meet international standards and resume operations.

One of the main achievements of recent history was the resumption of regular flights at the end of 2018. Soon after, both Ukrainian airlines and major European low-cost carriers entered the airport, opening new travel opportunities for residents and guests of Mykolaiv. The revival of the airport became a landmark event for the economic and tourism life of the entire region, symbolising its renewal and drive for development.

Important Information: Currently, Mykolaiv International Airport (NLV) has temporarily suspended passenger flight services. The information below is for reference and describes the set of basic services the airport offered for a comfortable wait. The terminal infrastructure was compact, making it easy to orient oneself and quickly find necessary services.

A cafe operated in the terminal building, where one could have a snack, drink coffee, or enjoy soft drinks. Also, a small shop was open for passengers, selling souvenirs, travel goods, and press. A general hall was equipped for comfortable waiting, and access to a lounge with enhanced comfort could be provided for business class passengers or for a separate fee.

Free Wi-Fi was available throughout the airport, allowing passengers to stay connected. Special stands and sockets were provided in the waiting hall for charging electronic devices. Financial services were represented by ATMs and a currency exchange point. In case of necessity, passengers could visit the medical point operating within the terminal.

A mother and child room was equipped for travellers with children. Passengers with reduced mobility were provided with all necessary assistance during pre- and post-flight procedures. There were no hotels directly on the airport territory; however, the nearest hotels were located in Mykolaiv, a few minutes' drive away. Specialised conference halls were also not provided at the airport.

Important: Currently, Mykolaiv Airport (NLV) has temporarily suspended passenger flight services. The information below describes dining establishments that operated at the airport before the cessation of its activities and may be useful when planning trips in the future, once air traffic resumes.

Previously, when planning a departure from Mykolaiv Airport, passengers had to consider that it was a small regional airport, and the choice of dining establishments here was quite limited. The infrastructure was mainly focused on meeting the basic needs of travellers before departure, so one should not have expected the variety typical of large international hubs.

Typically, a small cafe or buffet operated in the single terminal building. Here one could purchase hot and cold beverages, such as coffee, tea, and juices, as well as light snacks: sandwiches, pastries, chocolate, and crisps. It was a convenient option for a quick bite if there was little time left before boarding began.

If you were counting on a full lunch or dinner, the best solution was to eat beforehand at one of the establishments in the city of Mykolaiv. Finding local cuisine dishes or special offers (for example, vegetarian, Halal, or gluten-free options) at the airport was practically impossible. Passengers with special dietary needs were strongly recommended to bring food with them.

The cafe was usually located in the public area before security control (landside), so it was accessible to both departing passengers and those seeing them off. Its operating hours were generally tied to the flight schedule — the establishment opened a few hours before departure and closed after the aircraft left. Prices for food and drinks here were higher than the city average, which was standard practice for airports in Ukraine.

Important Note: Currently, Mykolaiv Airport has temporarily suspended passenger flight services. We have preserved these useful tips to help you plan your trip and make future travel comfortable as soon as the air harbour resumes operations.

Arrive at the airport well in advance. For domestic flights within Ukraine, it is recommended to allow 1.5-2 hours before departure, and for international flights — at least 2.5-3 hours. This time will be sufficient to calmly check in, drop off luggage, and pass security control without rushing.

To save time, use online check-in if your airline provides such a service. At the security checkpoint, be ready to present liquids (in containers up to 100 ml, packed in a single transparent bag) and remove laptops, tablets, and other large electronics from your hand luggage. Preparing items in advance will speed up the screening process.

When choosing a seat on the plane, be guided by your preferences. A window seat (A, F) will give you the opportunity to enjoy the views during takeoff and landing. An aisle seat (C, D) will allow you to stand up and exit freely without disturbing neighbours. You can often book a convenient seat when buying a ticket or during online check-in.

Carefully check your airline's hand luggage rules, especially weight and size restrictions. It is forbidden to take sharp objects, weapons, and flammable liquids into the aircraft cabin. Electronic devices with lithium batteries, such as power banks, should be carried only in hand luggage.

If you have a connecting flight, clarify in advance whether your luggage will be automatically transferred to the next flight or if you need to collect it and check it in again. When passing customs control, if you have no goods to declare, use the "Green Channel". Otherwise, your path lies through the "Red Channel".

To save a little money, book a transfer from the airport online in advance — this may be more economical than a taxi on the spot. You can also bring an empty water bottle and fill it at a drinking fountain after passing security control to avoid buying water at an inflated price.

In case of a flight delay or cancellation, first contact your airline representative. Keep all receipts for food and drinks, as in some cases the air carrier is obliged to compensate these expenses. Clarify your rights as a passenger — you may be entitled to meals, drinks, or even hotel accommodation depending on the duration of the delay.