Russia, the largest country in the world, has an extensive aviation network, connecting its vast territories and linking it with global destinations. Due to long distances and harsh weather conditions, air travel is essential for both domestic and international transportation. Russia has over 200 airports, with Moscow and Saint Petersburg serving as the main air hubs.

Major International Airports in Russia

Russia has several major international airports, with Moscow and Saint Petersburg being the most important. These airports serve as hubs for both domestic and international flights, handling millions of passengers annually.

1. Sheremetyevo International Airport (SVO) – Moscow

Sheremetyevo International Airport (SVO) is the largest and busiest airport in Russia, handling over 30 million passengers annually. Located in Moscow, it serves as a key hub for Aeroflot, Nordwind Airlines, and Pegas Fly, connecting travelers to major destinations across Europe, Asia, North America, and the Middle East. Operated by Sheremetyevo International Airport JSC, it features modern terminals, advanced passenger facilities, and efficient transport links, making it a crucial gateway for international and domestic travel in Russia.

Key Features of Sheremetyevo International Airport

Sheremetyevo International Airport is Russia’s largest and busiest airport, known for its extensive connectivity and modern facilities. It serves as a major international gateway, handling millions of passengers annually.

✅ Largest airport in Russia by passenger traffic – Handles over 30 million passengers annually, making it the busiest airport in the country.

✅ Six terminals, including a luxury VIP terminal – Features Terminals A, B, C, D, E, and F, catering to different types of travelers, including premium services for VIPs.

✅ Direct flights to major global destinations – Offers nonstop flights to key cities like New York, Beijing, Paris, London, and Istanbul, ensuring global connectivity.

✅ Connected to Moscow by high-speed Aeroexpress train – Passengers can reach Moscow city center in just 35 minutes, providing seamless transportation.

✅ Hub for Aeroflot and SkyTeam alliance – Serves as the primary hub for Aeroflot and a key airport for SkyTeam member airlines.

✅ Advanced baggage handling system – Uses state-of-the-art baggage sorting technology, ensuring faster and more efficient luggage processing.

✅ Extensive shopping and dining options – Features a wide range of duty-free shops, international restaurants, and lounges, catering to travelers’ needs.

2. Domodedovo International Airport (DME) – Moscow

Domodedovo International Airport (DME) is Moscow’s second-largest airport and a major gateway for both domestic and international travel. Operated by the East Line Group, it serves as a key hub for S7 Airlines and Ural Airlines, offering connections to destinations across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Known for its modern infrastructure and efficient services, the airport handles millions of passengers annually and features state-of-the-art terminals, extensive shopping and dining options, and convenient transportation links to Moscow’s city center.

Key Features of Domodedovo International Airport

Domodedovo International Airport is one of Moscow’s major airports, known for its efficient operations and connectivity to domestic and international destinations.

✅ Handles over 20 million passengers annually – One of Russia’s busiest airports, serving millions of travelers each year.

✅ Serves domestic, European, and Asian destinations – Offers flights to key cities across Russia, Europe, and Asia, making it a crucial travel hub.

✅ Popular for business travel and regional connections – Frequently used by business travelers due to its modern facilities and efficient services.

✅ Hub for S7 Airlines and Ural Airlines – A key airport for Russia’s second-largest airline, S7 Airlines, and an important base for Ural Airlines.

✅ Convenient transport links to Moscow – Connected to the city by Aeroexpress trains, buses, and taxis, ensuring easy access.

✅ Modern terminal infrastructure – Equipped with spacious lounges, duty-free shopping, and premium services for a comfortable travel experience.

3. Vnukovo International Airport (VKO) – Moscow

Vnukovo International Airport (VKO) is one of Moscow’s major airports, serving both domestic and international flights. Located in Moscow, it is operated by Vnukovo International Airport JSC and functions as a key hub for Pobeda Airlines and Azur Air. The airport is known for its modern facilities, advanced passenger services, and strategic location, offering convenient access to the city center. With a well-developed infrastructure, Vnukovo handles millions of passengers annually and provides a range of amenities, including shopping, dining, lounges, and efficient transport connections.

Key Features of Vnukovo International Airport (VKO)

Vnukovo International Airport is one of Moscow’s key airports, known for handling both commercial and government flights while serving as a major hub for low-cost carriers.

✅ Handles over 15 million passengers annually – A significant airport in Russia’s aviation network, accommodating millions of travelers each year.

✅ Major hub for low-cost carriers like Pobeda Airlines – A primary base for Pobeda Airlines (Aeroflot’s low-cost subsidiary) and other budget airlines, making it a popular choice for affordable travel.

✅ Features a VIP terminal for government and private flights – Used by Russian government officials, foreign dignitaries, and private jet passengers, offering exclusive services.

✅ Strategic location with easy access to Moscow – Located closer to central Moscow than other major airports, with Aeroexpress train and highway connections for quick transport.

✅ Advanced infrastructure with modern terminals – Equipped with spacious waiting areas, duty-free shopping, and business lounges, ensuring a comfortable passenger experience.

✅ Efficient winter operations – Known for its advanced de-icing facilities, making it a reliable airport even in extreme weather conditions.

4. Pulkovo International Airport (LED) – Saint Petersburg

Pulkovo International Airport (LED) is the main airport serving Saint Petersburg, Russia’s cultural capital. As Russia’s second-busiest airport after Sheremetyevo, it plays a crucial role in both domestic and international air travel. Operated by Northern Capital Gateway, the airport is a key hub for Rossiya Airlines, offering connections to destinations across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Pulkovo features modern terminals, efficient passenger services, and a wide range of facilities, including shopping, dining, and VIP lounges, ensuring a comfortable travel experience for millions of passengers annually.

Key Features of Pulkovo International Airport

Pulkovo International Airport is the main gateway to Saint Petersburg, Russia’s cultural capital, offering extensive domestic and international connections.

✅ Handles over 19 million passengers annually – One of Russia’s busiest airports, efficiently serving millions of travelers each year.

✅ Major hub for Rossiya Airlines – The primary base for Rossiya Airlines, a key carrier for domestic and international routes.

✅ Direct flights to Europe, the Middle East, and Asia – Provides non-stop connections to major cities, including Berlin, Dubai, Istanbul, and Beijing.

✅ Modern terminal with state-of-the-art facilities – Equipped with spacious lounges, duty-free shopping, and diverse dining options for a comfortable passenger experience.

✅ Strategic location for international tourism – Serves as a key entry point for tourists visiting Saint Petersburg’s historic landmarks, such as the Hermitage Museum and Peterhof Palace.

✅ Efficient transport links to the city – Offers bus, taxi, and ride-sharing services, ensuring easy access to central Saint Petersburg.

5. Koltsovo International Airport (SVX) – Yekaterinburg

Koltsovo International Airport (SVX) is the primary airport serving Yekaterinburg and the Ural region, acting as a crucial link between Europe and Asia. As one of Russia’s busiest airports, it facilitates both domestic and international flights, connecting passengers to major cities across Russia, Europe, and Asia. Operated by Koltsovo Airport JSC, the airport features modern terminals, advanced passenger services, and extensive cargo facilities. With a growing number of airlines operating from Koltsovo, it continues to expand its role as a key transportation hub in the region.

Key Features of Koltsovo International Airport 

Koltsovo International Airport is the largest airport in Russia’s Ural region, serving as a key transit hub between Europe and Asia.

✅ Handles over 6 million passengers annually – A major aviation center in Yekaterinburg, efficiently managing both domestic and international traffic.

✅ Offers flights to Moscow, Dubai, Frankfurt, and Beijing – Provides direct connections to important business and tourist destinations.

✅ Serves as a key gateway to the Ural Mountains – An important airport for travelers heading to the Urals for business, tourism, and outdoor activities.

✅ Modern passenger terminals with advanced amenities – Features VIP lounges, duty-free shopping, restaurants, and business facilities.

✅ Strong cargo and logistics operations – Supports freight transport, playing a vital role in trade and industry in the region.

✅ Convenient transportation options – Well-connected to Yekaterinburg by rail, bus, and taxi, making travel to and from the airport easy.

Other Major Airports in Russia

Apart from the Moscow and Saint Petersburg airports, Russia has several other important international airports:

Active Civil and Military Airports in Russia

These airports and air bases are operational and serve either civil aviation, military purposes, or both. Russia has one of the largest military aviation networks in the world, with several restricted airbases.

• Chelyabinsk Shagol Airport – Chelyabinsk: A dual-use airport primarily serving military operations, but also used for emergency civilian flights.
• Mys Shmidta Airport – Chukotka: A remote Arctic airport providing air connectivity to the isolated Chukotka region, mainly serving local flights and emergency landings.
• Burevestnik Airport (BVV) – Iturup: Located on Iturup Island, this military airport also supports limited civilian flights and logistics for the Kuril Islands.
• Dzyomgi Airport – Komsomolsk-on-Amur: A significant military airbase used for the testing and operation of Russian Air Force aircraft in the Far East.
• Kubinka Air Base – Kubinka: A major military airbase near Moscow, known for hosting airshows and as the home of the Russian aerobatic team, the "Russian Knights."
• Magdagachi Airport (GDG) – Magdagachi: A regional airport in the Amur Oblast, used for both military and limited civil aviation purposes.
• Chkalovsky Airport (CKL) – Moscow: A military airfield near Moscow, mainly used by the Russian Air Force and government aviation.
• Bakharevka Airport – Perm: Formerly a major airfield, now primarily serving military needs and aviation training.
• Pushkin Airport – Saint Petersburg: A military airfield used by the Russian Aerospace Forces, with historical significance dating back to the Soviet era.
• Migalovo Air Base (KLD) – Tver: One of Russia’s key air bases, primarily used for military cargo and transport aircraft operations.
• Yevpatoria Airport – Yevpatoria: A strategic airfield in Crimea, historically used for military and government aviation.

Top Airports in Russia by Federal Districts

Russia's vast expanse is served by numerous airports, facilitating connectivity across its diverse regions. Below is a categorized list of the top airports in Russia, organized by federal districts:

Central Federal District

The Central Federal District is home to Russia’s busiest and most significant airports, primarily serving Moscow and its surrounding regions. These airports act as key international hubs, connecting Russia to Europe, Asia, and North America. The district also includes several regional airports, supporting domestic travel and economic activities.

Northwestern Federal District

The Northwestern Federal District includes Saint Petersburg, Russia’s second-largest city and a major cultural and economic hub. Airports in this district serve both international and domestic travelers, providing crucial links between Russia and Northern Europe. The district also features airports in remote Arctic and Baltic regions, facilitating connectivity for residents and industries.

Southern Federal District

The Southern Federal District covers Russia’s Black Sea coast and key economic centers, making its airports essential for tourism, trade, and domestic travel. This district is a major destination for both leisure and business travelers, with airports serving cities like Rostov-on-Don and Krasnodar, as well as popular seaside resorts.

North Caucasian Federal District

The North Caucasian Federal District features airports that primarily serve domestic and regional travel, catering to mountainous and culturally diverse regions. These airports provide access to popular tourism destinations such as resorts in the Caucasus Mountains, as well as key economic centers.

Volga Federal District

The Volga Federal District is an important industrial and economic region, with airports serving cities like Kazan, Samara, and Nizhny Novgorod. The district's airports support both domestic and international flights, contributing to business, trade, and tourism. Many of these airports also function as key regional hubs, connecting smaller cities to Russia’s major transport networks.

Future Developments & Airport Modernization in Russia

Russia is investing heavily in its aviation infrastructure to accommodate increasing passenger traffic, improve efficiency, and support economic growth. These modernization efforts focus on airport expansion, the construction of new airports, and the integration of high-speed rail for seamless connectivity.

Expansion Projects Include:

• Sheremetyevo International Airport – The airport is undergoing a major expansion, including the extension of Terminal C and the addition of new runways to handle increased passenger traffic. These developments aim to strengthen Sheremetyevo’s position as Russia’s primary international gateway.
• Pulkovo International Airport (Saint Petersburg) – Expansion plans are underway to increase the airport’s capacity to handle 25 million passengers per year, improving connectivity with Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.

New Airports

Arctic Airports Initiative – To improve accessibility in Russia’s remote Arctic regions, several new airports are being planned to support local communities and industries, including energy and logistics. These airports will play a key role in Russia’s Arctic development strategy.

Siberian Airport Network Expansion – Given Siberia’s rich natural resources, airport infrastructure is being expanded to support the oil and gas industry. This includes upgrading existing airports and constructing new ones to facilitate both passenger and cargo transportation.

High-Speed Rail & Air Connectivity

Russia is integrating high-speed rail networks with major airports to reduce travel time between key cities. This includes high-speed train connections between Moscow, Kazan, and Saint Petersburg, allowing for faster and more convenient transfers between air and rail travel. This initiative aims to improve passenger experience and ease congestion at major airports.

These developments highlight Russia’s commitment to enhancing its aviation sector, ensuring modernized infrastructure, and supporting economic growth through improved connectivity.

Russia’s Airports as a Global Aviation Hub

With over 200 airports, Russia boasts one of the world’s most extensive aviation networks, playing a crucial role in global air travel. The country’s strategic location between Europe and Asia makes it a key transit hub for international flights.

✅ Moscow’s Airports as International Hubs – The capital’s three main airports—Sheremetyevo (SVO), Domodedovo (DME), and Vnukovo (VKO)—handle the bulk of Russia’s international traffic. These airports connect passengers to destinations across Europe, Asia, North America, and the Middle East, making Moscow a critical aviation center.

✅ Regional Airports & Domestic Connectivity – Beyond Moscow, Saint Petersburg’s Pulkovo Airport (LED) serves as Russia’s second-largest international gateway. Meanwhile, airports in Siberia and the Russian Far East provide essential domestic connections, linking remote regions with major economic hubs. Cities like Yekaterinburg, Novosibirsk, and Vladivostok have growing international airports that support business and tourism.

✅ Russia’s Role in Global Air Transit – Due to its geographic position, Russia is an important transit hub for flights between Europe and Asia, with many airlines using Russian airports for stopovers or refueling. The country’s aviation sector continues to expand, with modernization projects aimed at increasing passenger capacity and improving global connectivity.

As Russia continues investing in airport infrastructure and air traffic expansion, its role in international aviation is expected to grow, strengthening its position as a key hub for global travel.