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Airports in Russia play a vital role in connecting the world’s largest country. They handle millions of passengers annually, facilitating both domestic and international travel. From the major hubs in Moscow to the remote airfields in Siberia, each airport serves a specific purpose. Knowing the busiest airports in Russia helps travellers plan their journeys efficiently. This guide explores the top ten Russian airports by passenger traffic. It also highlights important airports in Eastern Russia and airports in Siberia Russia, which provide crucial access to remote regions.
The 10 Busiest Airports In Russia
Russia has a vast air transport network, but a few airports handle the majority of travellers. Below is a list of the busiest airports in Russia, ranked by annual passenger volume.
1. Sheremetyevo International Airport
Photo: Alexander Kalashnikov / Wikimedia Commons
Sheremetyevo International Airport is Russia’s busiest airport, serving over 45 million passengers each year. It is the main hub for Aeroflot, Russia’s largest airline, and an essential gateway for international travel. Located 29 km northwest of Moscow, it has six terminals and offers top-tier services, including luxury lounges, high-end shopping, and fast connections to the city. The Aeroexpress train provides direct access to central Moscow in under 40 minutes. Sheremetyevo is known for its efficiency, modern design, and high-security standards.
Location: Khimki, Moscow Oblast, Russia
Major Attraction: High-speed Aeroexpress train to Moscow
2. Domodedovo International Airport
Photo: Dmitry A. Mottl / Wikimedia Commons
Domodedovo International Airport is Moscow’s second-largest airport, handling over 29 million passengers per year. It serves as a hub for major international airlines, including British Airways and Lufthansa. The airport has a large, modern terminal that offers excellent facilities such as premium lounges, a medical centre, and extensive shopping and dining options. Located 42 km southeast of Moscow, it is well connected by train and bus. Domodedovo is known for its comfortable passenger experience and high operational efficiency.
Location: Domodedovo, Moscow Oblast, Russia
Major Attraction: VIP lounges and duty-free shopping
3. Vnukovo International Airport
Photo: Dmitry Boyarin / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Vnukovo International Airport is one of Moscow’s three major airports, serving over 21 million passengers annually. It is the highest-altitude airport in Moscow, allowing it to operate efficiently in harsh winter conditions. The airport consists of two passenger terminals and a separate terminal for government and diplomatic flights. Located just 28 km southwest of Moscow, it is accessible via the Aeroexpress train. Vnukovo is known for handling official government flights, including those for Russian and foreign leaders.
Location: Moscow, Russia
Major Attraction: Presidential Terminal for Russian government flights
4. Pulkovo Airport
Photo: Bestalex / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Pulkovo Airport is the main gateway to St. Petersburg, Russia’s cultural capital. It handles over 18 million passengers annually and serves as a major hub for domestic and international flights. The airport features a modern, architecturally unique terminal inspired by Russian landscapes. It is located 23 km from central St. Petersburg and offers quick access to the city via public transportation. Pulkovo is known for its efficiency, world-class amenities, and excellent passenger services.
Location: St. Petersburg, Leningrad Oblast, Russia
Major Attraction: Unique terminal architecture
5. Sochi International Airport
Photo: Stolbovsky / Wikimedia Commons
Sochi International Airport is a key airport in southern Russia, handling over 6 million passengers annually. It became world-famous during the 2014 Winter Olympics and continues to serve as a gateway to the Black Sea coast. Located 30 km from Sochi’s city center, it features modern terminals and advanced infrastructure. The airport is known for its scenic location, efficient service, and direct connections to major Russian and international cities. It is a crucial hub for tourists visiting Russia’s resort destinations.
Location: Adler, Krasnodar Krai, Russia
Major Attraction: Close to Sochi Olympic Park
6. Koltsovo Airport
Photo: Vyacheslav Bukharov / Wikimedia Commons
Koltsovo Airport is the primary airport for Yekaterinburg, one of Russia’s largest cities. Handling nearly 6 million passengers per year, it serves as a major transit hub between Europe and Asia. The airport offers modern facilities, including a VIP terminal, high-end shopping, and direct flights to over 130 destinations. Located 16 km southeast of Yekaterinburg, it provides quick access to the city. Koltsovo is known for its aviation museum, which showcases Soviet-era aircraft.
Location: Yekaterinburg, Sverdlovsk Oblast, Russia
Major Attraction: Aviation Museum with Soviet-era aircraft
7. Tolmachevo Airport
Photo: Vyacheslav Bukharov / Wikimedia Commons
Tolmachevo Airport is the largest airport in Siberia, handling over 5.7 million passengers annually. It acts as a major connection point between Europe and Asia. Located in Novosibirsk, it serves both domestic and international flights, with many routes to China, Kazakhstan, and Germany. The airport features two modern terminals and an extensive cargo-handling facility. It is known for its excellent winter operations and aircraft spotting area, which attracts aviation enthusiasts from around the world.
Location: Novosibirsk, Novosibirsk Oblast, Russia
Major Attraction: Aircraft spotting platform
8. Simferopol International Airport
Photo: RuED / Wikimedia Commons
Simferopol International Airport is the main airport in Crimea, serving over 5 million passengers annually. It underwent major renovations in recent years, featuring a state-of-the-art terminal with a unique wave-shaped design. The airport connects Crimea to major Russian cities, including Moscow and St. Petersburg. Located 12 km from Simferopol, it offers modern facilities, including a business lounge and expanded retail options. Simferopol Airport plays a crucial role in supporting tourism in the region.
Location: Simferopol, Republic of Crimea
Major Attraction: Wave-shaped terminal
9. Pashkovsky Airport
Photo: Obakeneko / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Pashkovsky Airport is a key regional hub in southern Russia, handling over 4 million passengers per year. It serves as a gateway to Russia’s Black Sea resorts and wine regions. The airport features a modernized terminal, expanded check-in areas, and improved baggage handling services. Located 12 km from Krasnodar, it is easily accessible by public transport. Pashkovsky is known for its comfortable passenger experience and quick connections to popular tourist destinations.
Location: Krasnodar, Krasnodar Krai, Russia
Major Attraction: Close to Russia’s wine-producing regions
10. Platov International Airport
Photo: Dmitry89 / Wikimedia Commons
Platov International Airport is one of Russia’s newest airports, built for the 2018 FIFA World Cup. It handles over 3 million passengers annually and features a modern, eco-friendly design. Located 29 km from Rostov-on-Don, it provides easy access to the city and surrounding regions. The airport is known for its state-of-the-art technology, smooth passenger flow, and efficient security checks. It continues to expand its routes, improving connectivity in southern Russia.
Location: Rostov-on-Don, Rostov Oblast, Russia
Major Attraction: Eco-friendly terminal design
Airports in Russia are essential for both domestic and international travel. The busiest airports in Russia handle millions of passengers yearly, supporting business and tourism. While Moscow and St. Petersburg have the largest hubs, airports in Eastern Russia and airports in Siberia Russia are equally vital for connectivity, linking remote regions. These airports continue to expand, providing better facilities, smoother travel experiences, and improved global connections. Whether flying to a major city or a remote destination in Russia, book your trip with TripXL.
Cover Photo: Guilhem Vellut / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
