Odessa International Airport

Odesa International Airport is the main air gateway to southern Ukraine, welcoming travelers at the threshold of the famous "pearl by the sea". People fly here to enjoy the Black Sea beaches, the colorful architecture, and the unique atmosphere of the city. Having undergone a large-scale reconstruction, the airport has transformed into a modern and comfortable hub, ready to ensure a quick and pleasant start to any journey through the region.

One of the main features of the airport is its new terminal, which has significantly increased capacity and comfort levels for passengers. Spacious waiting halls, clear navigation, numerous cafes and restaurants, as well as Duty Free shops make waiting for a flight pleasant and tireless. Thanks to its convenient location, getting to the city center or main attractions is quick and affordable by taxi or public transport.

• Official airport website: odesa.aero
• Help desk phone: +380 48 239 30 25
• Airport address: 25 Tsentralnyi Aeroport St., Odesa, Ukraine, 65054
• Email: office@odesa.aero
• Airport social media: Official pages are available on Facebook and Instagram (search for Odesa International Airport)
• Lost baggage information: +380 48 239 38 19 (baggage tracing group)
• Passenger support service contacts: +380 48 239 31 11

Odesa International Airport (ODS) is conveniently located just 7 kilometers southwest of the city center, making it easily accessible for travelers. There are several ways to get from the city to the airport, and the choice depends on your budget, time, and personal preferences. Whether you are planning your trip around Ukraine or returning home, you will easily find a suitable option.

Public transport is the most economical way to get to the terminal. From the railway station and the city center, Trolleybus No. 14 runs regularly to the airport, as well as route taxis (minibuses, e.g., No. 117). This is the most budget-friendly option: the fare is usually around 8-15 UAH. This method is ideal for travelers without large luggage. The trip usually takes about 30-40 minutes, but the time may vary depending on the traffic situation.

Taxi or private transfer is the most comfortable and fastest way. A trip from the center of Odesa to the airport will take approximately 20-30 minutes. The cost of a trip via popular mobile apps usually ranges from 150–250 UAH, depending on the car class and demand. This is the best choice for those traveling with heavy luggage, small children, or those who simply value their time. To ensure a fair price, it is recommended to use online booking services.

For those who prefer complete freedom of movement, car rental is a good solution. Several rental company offices are located at the airport. If you are getting to the airport in your own or a rented car, several parking zones are at your service. There are both short-term parking lots for quick drop-offs or picking up passengers, and long-term guarded parking lots where you can leave the car for the entire duration of your trip.

Odesa International Airport (ODS) has undergone a large-scale reconstruction, resulting in the construction of a modern passenger terminal, which today serves all flights. The old terminal, built in 1961, is currently practically unused for passenger transport, so all navigation for travelers is concentrated in the new building.

The new terminal is a four-story building designed for comfortable and fast passenger service. Its structure is quite simple and intuitive:

• First floor: Arrivals area. Here you will find passport control counters for arriving passengers, baggage claim belts, and customs control. Also on this level is a spacious meeting hall with exits to the parking lot and public transport stops.
• Second floor: Registration area. Here are the airline check-in counters and self-service kiosks. This is the main level for departing passengers, where their journey begins.
• Third floor: Control and departure area. After check-in, passengers go up to this floor to pass through aviation security control and passport control (for international flights). Immediately after the control zone are the boarding gates, Duty Free shops, cafes, and waiting lounges.

Since all operations are concentrated in one building, transfers between terminals are not required. The airport layout is logical: flows of arriving and departing passengers are separated on different floors, which minimizes confusion and crowding. Navigation inside the terminal is facilitated by clear signs in Ukrainian and English.

The time required for pre-flight formalities at Odesa airport depends on the workload. On average, check-in and security screening take about 30-40 minutes during normal times. However, queues may occur during peak hours (morning and evening departures, start of the holiday season). It is recommended to arrive at the airport 2 hours before a domestic flight and 2.5-3 hours before an international one to go through all procedures without rushing.

The history of Odesa International Airport (ODS) is a chronicle of aviation development in southern Ukraine, closely linked to the rise of Odesa as a major tourist and business center. The airport was founded in 1924 based on the "Shkolny" military airfield, from where some of the country's first regular passenger flights began.

A significant stage in the airport's development occurred in the post-war years. In 1961, a new terminal complex was built and put into operation, capable of serving up to 400 passengers per hour. The runway was reconstructed, allowing it to receive turbojet aircraft such as the Tu-104. During the Soviet period, Odesa Airport was one of the key hubs connecting the city with dozens of destinations.

After Ukraine gained independence, the airport received international status, opening new opportunities for development. However, the real breakthrough was the large-scale reconstruction that began in 2013. Within the framework of this project, a completely new, modern terminal was built. Its opening took place in stages: the arrivals hall opened in 2017, and later the departures area. The new terminal significantly increased capacity and comfort levels for passengers.

Simultaneously with the construction of the terminal, work was carried out to build a new runway. This project allowed the airport to receive heavy long-haul aircraft without restrictions, making Odesa even more accessible to tourists from all over the world. Over its long history, the airport has gone from a small airfield to a modern air gateway playing a key role in the transport system of the Black Sea region.

Odesa International Airport (ODS) offers passengers a full range of modern services to make the wait for a flight productive and comfortable. In the terminal, you will find various cafes and restaurants where you can have a quick snack or a full lunch. For those planning to shop, Duty Free stores operate with a wide assortment of perfumes, cosmetics, beverages, sweets, and souvenirs.

For passengers preferring privacy and increased comfort, business and VIP lounges operate at the airport. They offer a cozy atmosphere, complimentary snacks and drinks, as well as fresh press. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, and numerous charging stations for gadgets allow you to stay connected at all times.

The terminal building houses bank branches, ATMs, and currency exchange points, making it easy to solve any financial matters before departure. In case of necessity, passengers can contact the 24-hour medical point, where qualified first aid will be provided.

Families with children can use the mother and child room, which is equipped with everything necessary for a comfortable stay with little ones. A barrier-free environment has been created for passengers with reduced mobility: ramps, special elevators, and restrooms are provided. You can also book an escort service around the airport territory in advance.

Although hotels are not located directly in the terminal building, there are many hotels for every taste and budget in the immediate vicinity, which can be quickly reached by taxi. For business travelers, conference halls and business centers providing all conditions for meetings and work may be available at the airport.

At Odesa International Airport (ODS), passengers will find several decent options for a snack or a full meal, concentrated mainly in the modern terminal. Whether you are rushing for a flight or have time to spare, you can comfortably refresh yourself here.

In the public area (Landside), before security control, a coffee shop, such as "Kava & Croissant", is an excellent choice for a quick bite. Here you can drink a cup of aromatic coffee with fresh pastries, a sandwich, or dessert. This is an ideal place for those seeing someone off and those who have just arrived and want to quickly satisfy their hunger before traveling into the city.

In the departure area (Airside), after passing all formalities, the choice of establishments becomes significantly wider. Here travelers can choose a place according to their taste and time:

• Cafe "Polet" (Flight): An ideal place for a quick but filling snack. The menu usually features fresh sandwiches, panini, salads, as well as hot and cold drinks. A great choice if there is not much time left before boarding.
• Restaurant "Chorne More" (Black Sea): For those who prefer a leisurely lunch or dinner, this establishment offers à la carte service. Here you can find both European cuisine dishes and notes of local flavor — for example, forshmak as an appetizer or Black Sea flounder. This is a wonderful opportunity to get acquainted with the cuisine of Ukraine in a modern presentation.
• "Sky Bar": A cozy bar where you can relax before your flight with a refreshing beverage or a specialty drink. In addition to drinks, they offer light snacks.

Regarding dietary preferences, vegetarians will easily find salads and vegetable sandwiches. As for gluten-free or Halal dishes, it is best to verify directly with the staff at the specific establishment, as specialized menus are rare. Please note that prices at the airport are generally significantly higher than the city average. Most cafes and restaurants operate in accordance with the flight schedule, opening early in the morning and closing after the departure of the last aircraft.

To ensure your journey through Odesa International Airport goes smoothly, it is worth considering a few useful tips. Planning is the key to success, especially when it comes to flights. These recommendations will help you save time, stress, and money, making the start of your adventure in Ukraine or abroad as comfortable as possible.

Arrival time and check-in. It is recommended to arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before domestic flights and 3 hours before international ones. This will give you enough time to go through all formalities without rushing. To save time, use online check-in, which most airlines open 24 hours before departure. This way, you can choose a seat and receive your boarding pass in advance.

Hand luggage. Carefully study your airline's hand luggage rules. Standard restrictions include a ban on liquids in containers larger than 100 ml (all must be packed in one transparent bag), as well as sharp, piercing, and cutting objects. Power banks, laptops, and other electronics are usually requested to be removed from the bag during security control.

Choosing a seat on the plane. If you have the opportunity to choose a seat, consider your preferences. Window seats (`A`, `F`) will offer beautiful views during takeoff and landing. Aisle seats (`C`, `D`) allow you to stand up freely without disturbing your neighbors. If you want to leave the plane faster upon arrival, choose rows in the front part of the cabin.

Passengers with transfers. If you have a connecting flight, clarify at check-in whether you will need to collect your luggage at the intermediate airport. Leave enough time between flights — at least 1.5-2 hours, to calmly go through all necessary procedures and find the right boarding gate.

Customs control. When passing through customs, follow the signs for the "green" channel (if you have nothing to declare) or the "red" channel (if you are carrying goods subject to declaration). If you are unsure which rules apply to your items, it is better to consult with a customs officer.

Economy and comfort. To save money, bring an empty water bottle with you and fill it at drinking fountains after passing security control. A light snack brought from home will also help avoid extra spending at airport cafes. Don't forget to charge all your devices before leaving home.

In case of flight delay. If your flight is delayed, the first thing to do is contact your airline representative for information about the new departure time and your rights. Depending on the length of the delay, the airline may be obliged to provide you with drinks, meals, or even hotel accommodation. Keep all receipts for unforeseen expenses.