8 new Russian airport terminals built in recent years (PHOTOS)
While designing these terminals, architects were inspired by the traditions and peculiarities of the regions.
1. Novy Urengoy
This extraordinary airport in the form of a ‘chum’ (a traditional dwelling of the Northern nomads) appeared in Novy Urengoy in 2023. This city is Russia's largest gas production center and the transport hub of Yamal.
It was designed by Alex Bitus, a Belarusian-British architect known for his airport project in Rostov-on-Don.
The terminal building in Novy Urengoy is planned to take into account the climate of the Far North: there are three heated jet bridges, a warm tunnel for access to buses, as well as modern lighting and signaling equipment.
2. Tobolsk
The airport in this ancient Siberian city opened in 2021. It bears the name of Semyon Remezov, a cartographer and traveler from the early 18th century.
Russian architect firm ‘Skimen Studio’ was responsible for the design – they also designed the airport in Chelyabinsk.
The walls are decorated with historical photos and engravings of the city, around which the Irtysh River winds in a ribbon. And, if you have free time, you can listen to an audio guide with stories about Tobolsk.
3. Saratov
Saratov's new airport opened in 2019. It is named after Soviet cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin and much of the terminal's architecture refers to the theme of space exploration. Thus, in the terminal, you can see an interactive exhibition about space, as well as a model of the ‘Foton-M’ descent vehicle.
The concept was thought up by Moscow’s ‘ASADOV’ architectural bureau.
4. Ulan-Ude
Baikal Airport in Ulan-Ude will open a new terminal at the end of 2024. Its design reflects the motifs of traditional Buddhist pagodas and the color of Buryatia.
And, inside, you can see works by Buryat artists dedicated to Baikal.
The design was realized by Moscow architects from the ‘Dialectica’ bureau.
5. Novosibirsk
A new terminal at the Tolmachevo Airport opened in Novosibirsk in early 2023. ‘SPICH’ architectural bureau from Moscow was behind the design. The main elements of the terminal are turbine-shaped columns, in which LED lighting has been installed. By the way, the Novosibirsk Art Museum also has a branch in the building, so you can study paintings while waiting for your flight.
6. Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk
The largest airport in the Far East opened on Sakhalin Island in 2023. The new terminal will be able to receive up to 5 million passengers a year, which is five times more than the previous airport.
The concept was developed by the ‘Sergey Shvedov’ architectural studio from St. Petersburg. Its symbol is the “geotag” – a geometric figure and graphic element used by travelers on maps.
7. Chelyabinsk
Chelyabinsk Airport’s new terminal has been in operation since 2021. It’s named after Soviet physicist Igor Kurchatov and designers from ‘Skiman Studio’ used the scientists' manuscripts, as well as models of atoms to decorate the terminal.
8. Kemerovo
Kemerovo airport
The newly renovated airport of the Siberian city of Kemerovo opened in 2021. It’s named after cosmonaut Alexei Leonov and the interior has many space motifs. Passengers can see a model of the ‘Voskhod-2’ spaceship, complete with glowing “stars” on the ceiling. The concept was also developed by the ‘ASADOV’ architectural bureau.
