Airports in Russia
Russia has a vast aviation network, with around 170-180 active airports and over 225 airfields.
However, Russia eVisa travellers can enter only through designated airports and checkpoints, not all airports. Travellers must use an approved eVisa entry point to ensure smooth entry.
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 continues to be Russia’s largest and busiest airport and a major global hub. In 2025, it handled over 43 million passengers, a significant increase over prior years.
Key Features of Sheremetyevo International Airport
Busiest airport in Russia with ~43.7M passengers in 2024.
- Serves as a hub for Aeroflot, Rossiya Airlines, Nordwind, and Pegas Fly.
- Six terminals and strong global connectivity.
- Direct flights worldwide (Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and North America)
- High-speed Aeroexpress rail to the city centre.
2. Domodedovo International Airport (DME), Moscow
Domodedovo remains one of Moscow’s key airports but has seen lower traffic recently.
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.
- One of Russia’s busiest airports, serving millions of travellers each year.
- Serves domestic, European, and Asian destinations
- Popular for business travel and regional connections
- Hub for S7 Airlines and Ural Airlines.
- Connected to the city by Aeroexpress trains, buses, and taxis, ensuring easy access.
- Modern infrastructure and reliable transport links.
3. Vnukovo International Airport (VKO), Moscow
Vnukovo International Airport remains one of Moscow’s main airports, serving domestic and international flights. It is operated by Vnukovo International Airport JSC and remains a significant hub for low-cost carriers such as Pobeda Airlines. In 2025, Vnukovo’s passenger traffic was estimated at about 16.5 million people, slightly higher than in 2024 and reflecting continued growth.
Key Features of Vnukovo International Airport (VKO)
- About ~16.5 million passengers in 2025.
- One of Moscow’s major hubs for Pobeda Airlines and other carriers.
- Strategic location with direct access to central Moscow via road and Aeroexpress rail connections.
- Offers modern terminals with shopping, dining, lounges, and general passenger amenities.
- Supports both commercial and private/VIP operations.
- Known for efficient operations, including support in winter conditions.
4. Pulkovo International Airport (LED), Saint Petersburg
Pulkovo International Airport is the main international gateway for Saint Petersburg. It remains Russia’s second-busiest airport after Sheremetyevo, with a 2025 passenger count of about 20.8-20.9 million, stable compared with 2024.
Key Features of Pulkovo International Airport
- About ~20.8 million passengers in 2025.
- Major hub for Rossiya Airlines.
- Direct flights to Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and key Russian cities.
- Modern facilities, lounges, duty-free dining, and transport connections.
- Provides easy access to Saint Petersburg cultural and tourism destinations.
5. Koltsovo International Airport (SVX), Yekaterinburg
Koltsovo International Airport remains the main airport for Yekaterinburg and the Ural region, connecting Russia to major domestic and international destinations. The most recent figures (2024) show it handled over 8 million passengers, and it is expected to remain steady or grow modestly in 2025-2026.
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.
- ~8 million passengers.
- Offers flights to major Russian cities and international destinations (e.g., Dubai, Frankfurt, Beijing).
- Key gateway to the Ural region for business, tourism, and cargo.
- Modern terminals with duty-free lounges and services.
- Good transport links with Yekaterinburg by taxi, bus, and rail.
Other Major Airports in Russia
Apart from the Moscow and Saint Petersburg airports, Russia has several other important international airports:
|
Airport Name |
City/Region |
IATA Code |
Annual Passenger Traffic |
|
Kazan International Airport |
Kazan |
KZN |
5.4M |
|
Sochi International Airport |
Sochi |
AER |
13.7M |
|
Novosibirsk Tolmachevo Airport |
Novosibirsk |
OVB |
9.3M |
|
Vladivostok International Airport |
Vladivostok |
VVO |
Traffic growing into 2026 |
|
Krasnoyarsk International Airport |
Krasnoyarsk |
KJA |
4.3M |
|
Ufa International Airport |
Ufa |
UFA |
4-5M |
|
Samara Kurumoch International Airport |
Samara |
KUF |
~3.5M |
|
Nizhny Novgorod Strigino Airport |
Nizhny Novgorod |
GOJ |
~1.5-2M |
|
Volgograd International Airport |
Volgograd |
VOG |
~1M |
|
Mineralnye Vody Airport |
Stavropol Region |
MRV |
~3M |
|
Irkutsk International Airport |
Irkutsk |
IKT |
~3-4M |
|
Ulan-Ude Airport |
Buryatia |
UUD |
~0.6M |
|
Chita Kadala Airport |
Chita |
HTA |
~0.7M |
Border Entry Requirements for Russia eVisa
- Enter only through approved border checkpoints (air, land, or sea)
- Carry a printed copy of the eVisa
- Hold a valid passport (as used in the application)
- Keep supporting documents ready if requested (travel details, accommodation, etc.)
- Entry via a non-approved checkpoint may lead to denial of entry
Content Disclaimer: Travellers are strongly advised to verify all details with the official authorities, embassies, airlines, or immigration services before making travel plans.