Poltava

Below are the current contact details to help you get in touch with the administration and information service of Poltava Airport (PLV). We recommend using the telephone connection for the latest information before your flight.

• Official Airport Website: aeroport.poltava.ua
• Information Service and Passenger Support Phone: +38 (0532) 50-24-15
• Airport Address: 66 Kyivska St., Suprunivka village, Poltava Raion, Poltava Oblast, Ukraine, 38714
• Social Media: Official Facebook page (Міжнародний Аеропорт «Полтава»)
• Lost Luggage Information: For issues regarding luggage tracing, please contact the main information service number.

Thanks to the compact size of the city and the convenient location of the terminal, getting to Poltava Airport is effortless. The air harbour is located in the village of Suprunivka, practically adjacent to the city limits and a highway of international importance, making the trip fast and convenient from any point in the city.

Public Transport

Since the airport is located in immediate proximity to the M-03 highway (Kyiv — Kharkiv), it can be reached by suburban and transit buses.

• Route Taxis and Buses: Any route heading from the bus station or city centre towards the village of Suprunivka will suit you. The stop is located on the highway, from which you will need to walk a short distance to the terminal (about 5–10 minutes). This is the most budget-friendly option, but it may not be entirely convenient if you have heavy luggage.
• Railway: There is no direct rail connection to the terminal. Tourists arriving in the city by train disembark at "Poltava-Kyivska" or "Poltava-Pivdenna" (Southern) stations, from where it is most convenient to order a taxi or transfer to the airport.

Taxi and Transfer

This is the most popular and comfortable way to reach the departure point. Local dispatch services operate in the city, as do popular mobile ride-hailing apps (such as Bolt or Uklon).

• Travel Time: A trip from the city centre (Korpusny Garden) usually takes 15–20 minutes, depending on traffic congestion.
• Cost: Taxi prices in Poltava are quite democratic. The trip will be inexpensive compared to capital city tariffs, while providing "door-to-door" delivery.

Private Car and Rental

For those who prefer freedom of movement, travelling by car is an excellent choice. The airport is located along the M-03 (E40) highway. Driving from the centre of Poltava along Kyivske Shose street, you will reach the turnoff to the airport in less than half an hour.

Car Park

A parking zone for vehicles is equipped on the territory in front of the terminal. Since passenger traffic here is moderate, finding a free space is usually not a problem. The car park is located within walking distance of the entrance to the departure hall, which is especially convenient for those seeing off or meeting passengers.

Alternative Routes via Neighbouring Airports

If you are planning a complex international journey and cannot find a direct flight from Poltava, travellers often use major aviation hubs in neighbouring regions, reaching Poltava by ground transport (Intercity train or bus).

• The nearest major hub to the east is Kharkiv Airport, located approximately 140 km away.
• For international flights around the world, people often choose Boryspil International Airport, which is 265 km away via a high-speed highway.
• You can also consider Dnipro International Airport or the capital's Kyiv International Airport (Zhuliany).

Recommendations for Tourists

Despite the proximity to the city, we recommend leaving in advance, especially if your flight is international. During morning and evening peak hours, traffic leaving the city along Kyivske Shose may be slow. If you use public transport, check the schedule of buses to Suprunivka in advance, as intervals may vary.

The infrastructure of Poltava (PLV) Airport is distinguished by maximum compactness and functionality. Unlike large capital aviation hubs, travellers here do not have to cover long distances or use internal transport. The entire complex is designed to make the process of passing pre-flight formalities intuitively clear and fast.

Terminal Structure

The airport has one passenger terminal, which serves both domestic and international flights. It is a two-storey building that has undergone modernization to meet modern passenger service standards. Thanks to the unified space, there are absolutely no complicated transitions here, and navigation is reduced to simply following the signs.

The internal space of the terminal is zoned as follows:

• Check-in Zone: Located on the ground floor immediately upon entering the building. Here you will find passenger check-in counters and baggage drop-off. Due to the small passenger flow, queues here are a rare phenomenon.
• Security Control and Customs Zone: Customs and passport control points are provided for international flights. Aviation security screening also takes place in a dedicated sector on the ground floor.
• Waiting Hall (Departure): After passing all checks, passengers enter the "sterile area". This is a comfortable space where you can wait for boarding. The hall has seating, sanitary rooms, and a minimal set of services for snacks.
• Arrival Zone: Located in a separate wing of the terminal. It is equipped with a baggage claim belt. Passport control booths are also organised here for international flights.

Features and Speed of Service

The main feature of the PLV terminal is efficiency. The compact dimensions of the building play into the hands of tourists:

• Check-in and Screening: The time taken to pass all procedures here is significantly less than in million-passenger hubs. Usually, the entire path from the airport entrance to the boarding gate takes from 20 to 40 minutes.
• Absence of Transit Zones: Since there is only one terminal, there are no complex transfer schemes. Departure and arrival zones are clearly demarcated but are within walking distance of each other.

Recommendations on Navigation and Arrival Time

Despite the high speed of service, for international departures it is recommended to arrive at the airport 2 hours before the departure time indicated on the ticket. This is necessary for a calm passage through customs and border control. For domestic flights, it is usually sufficient to arrive 1–1.5 hours in advance.

Navigation inside the building is extremely simple: all key zones are marked with information boards. If you have any questions, airport staff are in the immediate vicinity and are always ready to help you orient yourself. Boarding the aircraft is generally carried out on foot: liners park on the apron not far from the terminal exit, which adds a special atmosphere to the trip.

The history of aviation in the Poltava region spans almost a century, but the modern history of Poltava (PLV) Airport is inextricably linked with the development of civil transport in the second half of the 20th century. This aviation hub has gone from a dirt runway to an international airport capable of receiving modern medium-haul liners.

Inception and Soviet Period

Civil aviation in the city took its first steps back in the 1920s, but the airfield settled in its current location, near the village of Suprunivka, in the 1950s. Initially, it was used for postal transport and the needs of agricultural aviation, which was extremely developed in this fertile region.

A most important milestone in development was 1985, when a new air terminal building was put into operation. This allowed for a significant increase in passenger flow: in Soviet times, one could fly from Poltava to many major cities, including Kyiv, Moscow, Simferopol, and Odesa. The airport served hundreds of thousands of passengers annually, being an important transport hub of the region.

Period of Quiet and "Second Wind"

In the 1990s and early 2000s, the airport experienced difficult times, characteristic of many regional air harbours of that period. Regular flights ceased, and the airport was used primarily for charter flights, flight crew training, and the basing of private aircraft.

A new chapter in the airport's history began in 2017–2018, when regional authorities decided on a large-scale reconstruction. The goal of the project was to return Poltava to the status of an active international airport.

2018 Reconstruction and New Records

During the modernization, a major overhaul of the terminal was carried out, the runway and taxiways were updated, and modern equipment for passenger and baggage handling was purchased. The efforts were crowned with success: in 2018, the airport officially received international status.

A key historical event of recent times was 26 March 2019, when the renovated airport accepted its first international flight after a hiatus of many years. And already in May of the same year, a medium-haul Boeing 737-700 aircraft of SkyUp airline landed here for the first time in history. This became a real technical and image breakthrough, proving the runway's ability to accept heavy modern vessels. The first international charter departed with tourists to the popular resort of Sharm El Sheikh (Egypt).

Interesting Facts

• For a long time, the airport served as a training base for pilots. Cadets of flight schools honed their skills here, creating a special atmosphere of "aviation brotherhood".
• The terminal building, built in the 80s, has preserved unique architectural features of Soviet modernism, which were carefully adapted to modern requirements during reconstruction.
• Poltava Airport is considered one of the most conveniently located in Ukraine relative to the city limits — the path from the aircraft steps to the exit onto the international highway takes mere minutes.

The infrastructure of Poltava (PLV) Airport corresponds to its status as a regional aviation hub: it is compact, intuitive, and oriented towards the basic needs of travellers. Here you will not find huge shopping galleries or food courts typical of capital hubs, but everything necessary for a comfortable wait for your flight is at hand. The main advantage of the local service is the absence of bustle and a personalised approach to passengers.

Dining and Shops

For passengers awaiting departure, catering and retail points are provided in the terminal:

• Cafés and Snack Bars: A small café operates in the waiting area, where you can order hot drinks (coffee, tea), soft drinks, sandwiches, and light snacks. This is an excellent place to have a bite before a flight.
• Duty Free Shops: For passengers on international flights, a duty-free shopping zone is available after passing customs control. The assortment here is classic: perfumes, alcoholic beverages, sweets, and souvenirs.

Comfort and Connectivity

The airport strives to keep up with the times by providing modern digital amenities:

• Wi-Fi: Wireless internet access is available throughout the terminal. Passengers can connect to the network for free to check email or inform loved ones about their departure.
• Charging Stations: Sockets for charging mobile devices and laptops are provided in the waiting hall.
• VIP Service: For those who value enhanced comfort and privacy, the airport offers VIP lounge services. Guests are provided with a separate space for relaxation, expedited completion of formalities, and individual transfer to the aircraft.

Banking and Financial Services

ATMs of popular Ukrainian banks are installed in the public zone of the terminal, allowing cash withdrawals in Hryvnia. There may not be full-fledged bank branches or currency exchange points inside the small building, so we recommend taking care of currency exchange in advance, in the city, or using a card.

Services for Passengers with Children

Travelling with little tourists in Poltava passes calmly thanks to the presence of a Mother and Child Room. This is a specially equipped room where parents can change clothes, feed the baby, or simply let them rest in silence before the flight. The service is provided free of charge to passengers with preschool-age children.

Medical Assistance and Safety

A medical point functions in the air terminal building, equipped with the necessary means for providing first aid. If you feel unwell before a flight, qualified personnel are always ready to come to your aid.

Accessible Environment

After reconstruction, special attention was paid to passengers with reduced mobility. Entrance groups are equipped with ramps, and doorways have been widened. If necessary, airport staff provide escort from the terminal entrance to boarding the aircraft (ambulift or assistance with boarding), however, this need should be reported to the airline in advance when booking a ticket.

Accommodation: Hotels Nearby

There is no hotel directly on the airport territory, which is due to its close location to the city. However, transit passengers or those with an early departure have convenient accommodation options:

• Motels on the M-03 Highway: Literally a 5–10 minute drive from the airport, along the Kyiv—Kharkiv highway, comfortable motels and hotel complexes are located. This is a convenient option for those travelling by car.
• Hotels in Poltava: Since the city centre is only a 15–20 minute taxi ride away, tourists most often choose hotels in Poltava itself, where the choice of accommodation varies from budget hostels to high-level boutique hotels.

Car Park

An open car park is equipped on the station square. It is within walking distance of the terminal entrance, which is very convenient for unloading luggage.

The gastronomic infrastructure of Poltava (PLV) Airport fully corresponds to its concept of a "boutique" regional aviation hub. Here you will not encounter noisy food courts or chain fast-food restaurants characteristic of capital hubs. Instead, passengers are offered a "coffee and snack" format, which fits perfectly into the scheme of passing pre-flight procedures quickly.

Cafés and Bars: Where to Have a Snack

In the airport's single terminal, food points are located compactly and conveniently:

• General Zone (Landside): In the waiting hall on the ground floor, even before passing security control, a cosy cafeteria operates. This is the main place where those seeing off and those flying out can drink a cup of coffee. A calm atmosphere reigns here, and the assortment offers hot and soft drinks, fresh pastries, and confectionery.
• "Sterile" Zone (Airside): After passing passport and customs control (for international flights), the choice is limited to the assortment of the Duty Free shop and a small buffet. Here you can purchase water, juices, chocolate, snacks, or premium beverages.

Menu and Assortment

The choice of food at the airport is oriented towards a quick snack. There is no full-service kitchen with hot dishes (soups, side dishes) in the terminal.

• What You Can Find: Sandwiches, panini, croissants, packaged snacks (nuts, crisps, biscuits), chocolate. Among drinks — good bean coffee, tea, bottled water, and fizzy drinks.
• Local Cuisine: You will not be able to try the famous Poltava dumplings (galushki) or borsch in the airport building itself due to the lack of a full-cycle restaurant. These gastronomic delights are best tasted in city establishments before the trip.

Special Meals (Vegetarian, Halal, Gluten-Free)

Given the limited assortment, specialised menus for vegans or people with gluten intolerance are not provided in the cafeteria.

• For Vegetarians: Meat-free pastries, chocolate, or nuts are available.
• Strict Diet: If you follow a strict diet (Halal, gluten-free, vegan), it is highly recommended to bring food with you. The short waiting time for the flight and the loyalty of the security service to baby or dietary food (within reasonable limits and factory packaging) allow you to solve this issue comfortably.

Prices and Opening Hours

• Schedule: Food and retail points are tied to the flight schedule. The café and Duty Free open by the start of check-in for a flight and work until the last passenger departs. On days when there are no flights, service may not be provided.
• Price Range: Prices at Poltava Airport are moderate. They may be slightly higher than in ordinary city shops, but significantly lower than in large international airports (Boryspil or European hubs). A cup of coffee and a sandwich will cost an amount accessible to any traveller.

Expert Recommendations

Since the airport is located just a 20-minute drive from the city centre, the best strategy for tourists would be a full lunch or dinner in one of the colourful restaurants of Poltava before leaving.

The airport is ideal for drinking a final cup of coffee on home soil or buying water for the road, but one should not plan a substantial meal here. If you are flying with children, we recommend taking care of a snack for them in advance.

Travelling through a regional airport has its own specifics, and Poltava is a vivid example of this. There are no endless queues or huge distances typical of capital hubs here, which makes departure calmer. However, for your trip to go flawlessly, it is worth considering a number of important nuances specific to this aviation hub.

Optimal Arrival Time

Although the terminal is distinguished by compactness and fast service, rules should not be neglected. Check-in for international charter flights usually closes 40–60 minutes before departure.

• For International Flights: We recommend arriving at the airport 2–2.5 hours before the departure time. This will allow you to calmly pass customs control and security checks without unnecessary haste.
• For Domestic Flights: It is sufficient to arrive 1.5 hours in advance. This time is enough with a margin to check in luggage and drink a coffee before boarding.

Check-in and Security Control

Poltava Airport operates a classic check-in scheme at counters. There may be no Self Check-in kiosks in the terminal, therefore:

• Documents: Keep your passport and itinerary receipt close at hand. Although electronic tickets are accepted everywhere, experienced travellers advise having a printed copy of the ticket in case your phone runs out of battery or there are network failures.
• Screening: There is only one security control line here, so the process proceeds sequentially. Be ready to remove outerwear, belts, and take all metal objects out of your pockets. Electronics (laptops, tablets) need to be taken out of the bag and placed in a separate tray.

Choosing a Seat on the Plane

Since the airport primarily receives medium-haul aircraft of the Boeing 737 type, the cabin layout is most often standard (3+3). To make the flight more comfortable:

• Check in Online: Most airlines open online check-in 24–48 hours before departure. This is the best way to choose a convenient seat for free (or for a small surcharge).
• Views from the Window: When departing from Poltava in the daytime, try to take a window seat. Take-off often passes over the picturesque bends of the Vorskla River and the green fields of the Poltava region, which guarantees beautiful photos.

Hand Luggage: What to Take and What to Leave

Requirements for hand luggage are standard for international aviation, but control here can be quite thorough.

• Liquids: Permitted only in containers up to 100 ml, packed in one transparent resealable bag with a volume of no more than 1 litre.
• Electronics: Power banks (portable charging devices) and lithium-ion batteries can be transported only in hand luggage. Putting them in checked luggage is strictly prohibited by safety rules.
• Food: You can take solid food with you into the cabin (biscuits, nuts, fruits, sandwiches), which is especially relevant given the absence of a restaurant in the "clean zone".

For Passengers with Transfers

Poltava Airport is most often used as a point of direct departure (Point-to-Point), however, if your route involves a connection in another hub:

• Single Ticket: Try to buy the flight as a single ticket. In this case, your luggage will be checked through to the final destination immediately, and you will not have to collect it at the transfer point.
• Time Margin: If you are flying with different airlines (self-transfer), allow at least 3–4 hours for the connection, as any delays of the first flight can become critical.

Customs Nuances

When crossing the border at Poltava Airport, remember the customs rules in force in Ukraine:

• Currency: Cash funds equivalent to up to 10,000 Euros per person can be taken out without written declaration.
• Medicines: If you are carrying specific medications, be sure to have a prescription from a doctor with a stamp to avoid questions from the customs service.
• Art: The export of antiques or art objects requires special permit documents.

Tips for Saving Money

• Transfer: Do not overpay for private unlicensed drivers at the entrance. Use popular mobile taxi apps — the price will be fixed and significantly lower.
• Luggage: Weigh your suitcases at home. In small airports, staff at the check-in counter may strictly monitor excess weight, and the surcharge for extra kilograms at the airport will be high.
• Water: An empty water bottle can be carried through security control and filled from a cooler in the waiting hall (if available) or you can ask flight attendants for water already on the plane, so as not to buy expensive drinks in Duty Free.

What to Do in Case of Flight Delay

Delays happen, and in a small airport, this can be felt more acutely due to limited space.

• Follow Information: Listen to voice announcements and watch the boards. In a small terminal, information spreads very quickly.
• Know Your Rights: If the flight is delayed for more than 2 hours, you are entitled to soft drinks and the opportunity to make two calls. For a delay of more than 4 hours, the airline is obliged to provide a hot meal.
• Alternative: If a long delay is announced (for many hours), the advantage of Poltava is that the city is very close. It often makes sense (having agreed with the airline representative) to return to the city to a café or hotel rather than waiting in the small waiting hall.