The aviation sector in Belarus is made up of an array of airports that play an essential hub for both domestic and international travel. Airports in Belarus link the destination with major global destinations, servicing millions of passengers every year. Such airports are mainly used for domestic flights, seasonal charters, and a limited scope of international operations. Many began as military airfields that were later adapted for civilian use, serving both passenger and cargo transportation. Their proximity to national borders and major metropolitan areas fosters easier access for business, trade, and tourism.
Major Airports In Belarus
Take a closer look at some of the main airports in Belarus, their importance, airport facilities and connectivity in the country for air travel.
1. Brest Airport (BQT / UMBB)
Photo: DCheretovich / Wikimedia Commons
Brest Airport mainly serves domestic and short-haul international flights and has a single runway and a modest terminal that can accommodate moderate passenger traffic. It was once a military airfield that was later repurposed for civilian use. Located only 12 km east of Brest city centre, the airport is easily accessed by road. Though primarily supporting seasonal charter and regional traffic, it provides an important link between Brest and other cities in Belarus and to a few international destinations. The airport has minimal facilities for passengers, such as a small waiting area and customs.
Location: Brest, Brest Region, Belarus
2. Gomel Airport (GME / UMGG)
Photo: LLHZ2805 / Wikimedia Commons
Gomel Airport is an airport serving the city of Gomel in Belarus. It is a major transport hub for southeastern Belarus and operates domestic and some international flights. The airport consists of one single asphalt runway for medium-sized aeroplanes. Originally built as a military airbase, it was subsequently converted for civilian use. Although small, the airport offers basic passenger services, such as baggage handling and some limited catering. Gomel Airport specialises in charter operations and seasonal tourism traffic. It also connects the surrounding populations and transports people from Russian and Ukrainian borders, which is even more strategically important for regional connectivity.
Location: Аэропорт Гомель, Homieĺ, Gomel Region 247000, Belarus
3. Grodno (Hrodna) Airport (GNA / UMMG)
Photo: Anna Zvereva / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Grodno Airport is a regional airport serving Grodno, Belarus, mainly for domestic flights, seasonal international charters, and cargo operations. Originally built as a military airstrip, it later transitioned to civilian service, serving as a vital hub for regional travel and commerce. The airport serves business and tourism particularly because it’s close to Poland and Lithuania and enables cross-border travel. While not a significant international centre, it helps regional connectivity, as it serves charter airlines and freight carriers. The airport is also strategically significant for cargo transport, especially for exports to the European Union.
Location: Hrodna Region, Belarus
4. Minsk National Airport (MSQ / UMMS)
Photo: Vasyatka1 / Wikimedia Commons
Belarus’s main international airport is Minsk National Airport, the state’s largest and busiest. Among other airports, it serves the majority of international and domestic air traffic. It has two large aircraft-capable runways and is home to the primary hub of Belavia, the national carrier. Modern passenger facilities, including duty-free shops, lounges, and business services, are available in the terminal. Minsk National Airport is connected by road and rail and frequently shuttles visitors to the city centre. Located in between major European, Asian and CIS destinations, the airport is a logistically critical hub in the Belarus aviation sector.
Location: Мінск, Minsk Region, Belarus
5. Mogilev Airport (MVQ / UMOO)
Photo: Aeroprints.com / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Mogilev Airport is a small regional airport located in the overlying city of Mogilev, Belarus. It was acquired as a military airfield, later repurposed and used mainly for domestic and seasonal charter flights. While it is not a major hub, the airport has the important function of connecting Mogilev with other cities in Belarus and some international destinations. The airport, due to low passenger traffic, serves mainly flying schools and is sometimes used for charter flights by business travellers, so flights are often limited. The use of this airport promotes regional air transport with cargo and occasional jet flights. Its strategic location allows easy access to industries in the area.
Location: Могилевская область/п/о Княжицы, р-н, Lubnishche 213125, Belarus
6. Polotsk Airport
Photo: Marcus Zymmer / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
It is a regional airport in the city of Polotsk, Belarus. Initially designed for military and cargo applications, the plane has been adapted for a limited number of civilian uses since. Notably, the airport is known for supporting private flights, some charters, and flight training much more than regular operations. With its small capacity and no major airline services, it is still one of the least-used airports. Direct flights originate from this very small airport, which, in the absence of adequate infrastructure, is widely used by locals who need to fly without depending on big hubs.
Location: Polotsk, Belarus
7. Vitebsk Vostochny Airport (VTB / UMII)
Photo: Aeroprints.com / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Vitebsk Vostochny Airport is the regional airport serving Vitebsk, Belarus. Initially established as a military airfield, it was subsequently modified for civilian air travel, accommodating both passengers and freight operations. It is one of the regional airports, with mostly domestic services and seasonal charters. It is an important transit point for businesses and tourism due to its strategic location near the Russian border. Passenger amenities are limited, but the airport serves numerous chartered and special-purpose flights. Cargo transport is a major part of its business as well, linking trade and logistics with northeastern Belarus.
Location: Vitebsk, Vitebsk Region 210035, Belarus
The airports in Belarus are former military airfields that were converted for civilian use, but they still serve a strategic purpose for travel and commerce across the region. This makes it easier to fly to the regions and you can avoid having to go through the busy hub. Improvements and impacts on airline connectivity can further advance their presence in the country’s aviation domain.
Cover Photo: DCheretovich / Wikimedia Commons