Understanding the Airports in Moscow
Moscow, the capital city of Russia, is a major hub for international air travel. The city has a total of six airports serving its metropolitan area, including the largest airport in Russia. These airports are strategically located to provide easy access to the different regions of Moscow.
Understanding the different airports in Moscow is essential for travelers to plan their trips accordingly. Each airport has its unique features and facilities that cater to different types of passengers. In this article, we will explore the major airports serving Moscow and their distinctive characteristics.
Overview: Major Airports Serving Moscow
The six major airports serving Moscow are Domodedovo International Airport, Sheremetyevo International Airport, Vnukovo International Airport, Zhukovsky International Airport, Ostafyevo International Airport, and Bykovo Airport. Out of these, the first three are the most significant and handle the majority of passenger traffic.
Domodedovo International Airport, located 42 km southeast of Moscow, is the largest airport in Moscow and Russia. It is a hub for several major airlines, including the national carrier, Aeroflot, and is capable of handling up to 40 million passengers annually. Sheremetyevo International Airport, located 29 km northwest of Moscow, is the primary airport in Moscow with a capacity of handling 60 million passengers per year. Vnukovo International Airport, located 28 km southwest of Moscow, is the third busiest airport in Moscow and has a capacity of handling 25 million passengers annually.
Domodedovo International Airport: The Largest Airport in Moscow
Domodedovo International Airport is the largest airport in Moscow and Russia. It serves as a hub for several major airlines, including Aeroflot, British Airways, Emirates, and Lufthansa. The airport has two passenger terminals, with Terminal 1 serving domestic flights and Terminal 2 serving international flights. Both terminals have a wide range of facilities, including duty-free shops, restaurants, and lounges.
Domodedovo International Airport offers a wide range of transportation options for passengers, including taxis, buses, and express trains. The Aeroexpress train provides a fast and convenient way to get to Moscow city center, with a journey time of around 45 minutes.
Sheremetyevo International Airport: Moscow’s Primary Airport
Sheremetyevo International Airport is Moscow’s primary airport, handling 60 million passengers annually. The airport has four passenger terminals, with Terminal B serving domestic flights and Terminals D, E, and F serving international flights. The terminals are connected by a free shuttle bus service.
Sheremetyevo International Airport offers a wide range of facilities for passengers, including duty-free shops, restaurants, and lounges. The airport also has a hotel located within Terminal E, providing convenient accommodation for transit passengers. The airport has excellent transportation options, including taxis, buses, and trains. The Aeroexpress train provides a fast and convenient way to get to Moscow city center, with a journey time of around 35 minutes.
Vnukovo International Airport: A Strategic Airport in Moscow
Vnukovo International Airport is the third busiest airport in Moscow, handling 25 million passengers annually. The airport has three passenger terminals, with Terminal A serving domestic flights and Terminals B and D serving international flights. The terminals are connected by a free shuttle bus service.
Vnukovo International Airport offers a wide range of facilities for passengers, including duty-free shops, restaurants, and lounges. The airport also has a hotel located within Terminal A, providing convenient accommodation for transit passengers. The airport has excellent transportation options, including taxis, buses, and trains. The Aeroexpress train provides a fast and convenient way to get to Moscow city center, with a journey time of around 40 minutes.
Zhukovsky International Airport: A Growing Airport in Moscow
Zhukovsky International Airport is a growing airport in Moscow, located 40 km southeast of the city center. The airport opened in 2016 and serves as a hub for several low-cost carriers, including Wizz Air and Pobeda. The airport has one passenger terminal, which handles both domestic and international flights.
Zhukovsky International Airport offers a range of facilities for passengers, including duty-free shops and restaurants. The airport has good transportation links, including buses and taxis. The Aeroexpress train does not currently serve Zhukovsky International Airport, but plans are underway to extend the service to the airport in the future.
Ostafyevo International Airport: A Business Airport in Moscow
Ostafyevo International Airport is a business airport in Moscow, located 26 km southwest of the city center. The airport primarily serves private and business aviation and has a capacity of handling up to 400,000 passengers annually. The airport has one passenger terminal, which offers a range of facilities, including lounges and a VIP area.
Ostafyevo International Airport offers good transportation links, including taxis and buses. However, the airport is not currently served by the Aeroexpress train.
Bykovo Airport: A Closed Airport in Moscow
Bykovo Airport was a former airport in Moscow that has been closed since 2010. It was located 35 km southeast of the city center and primarily served domestic flights.
Myachkovo Airport: A Defunct Airport in Moscow
Myachkovo Airport was a former airport in Moscow that closed in 2004. It was located 25 km southeast of the city center and primarily served general aviation.
Conclusion: Moscow’s Evolving Aviation Scene
Moscow’s aviation scene is constantly evolving, with new airports opening and existing airports expanding to cater to increasing passenger demand. The city’s three major airports, Domodedovo International Airport, Sheremetyevo International Airport, and Vnukovo International Airport, continue to handle the majority of passenger traffic. However, Zhukovsky International Airport is a growing airport that is attracting more low-cost airlines, while Ostafyevo International Airport serves the private and business aviation sectors. As Moscow continues to grow as a hub for international air travel, the city’s aviation scene is likely to become even more diverse and dynamic in the years to come.
