Moscow Vnukovo International Airport (VKO): Moscow’s Historical and Strategically Important Aviation Hub
Vnukovo International Airport (VKO/UUWW) is one of the four principal commercial airports serving Moscow and is recognized globally for its dual role as a critical gateway for low-cost domestic travel and the primary air base for the Russian government’s VIP and private aviation flights. Located strategically close to the city, VKO offers efficiency and accessibility, distinguishing it from other Moscow hubs.
Updated General Airport Information and Overview
VKO’s importance in the Russian aviation sector continues to grow, marked by recent passenger traffic performance.
- Location: The airport is situated in the Vnukovo District, approximately 28 km (17 miles) southwest of the Moscow city center, providing a time advantage for travelers. The airport’s coordinates are 55° 34′ 59” N, 37° 16′ 0” E.
- Capacity & Rank: As one of Russia’s largest and most modern airports, VKO boasts an annual passenger capacity of 35 million. In terms of volume, VKO has demonstrated significant growth, becoming the 3rd busiest airport in Russia in 2024, handling over 16 million passengers and facilitating more than 170,000 domestic and international flights annually.
- Strategic Role: VKO is uniquely known for handling government, presidential, and private aviation, a factor that ensures high security and operational standards.
- Key Airlines: The airport serves as the primary base for Russia’s largest low-cost carrier, Pobeda Airlines, and is a significant hub for international partners like Turkish Airlines and Utair.
Terminals, Facilities, and Premium Passenger Services
Vnukovo Airport features a modern, extensive terminal infrastructure spanning over 300,000 m², designed to maximize passenger flow and comfort.
- Terminal Structure: The airport primarily operates out of a single, expansive main terminal complex (Terminal A), which efficiently handles both domestic and international traffic. It also includes dedicated areas for its VIP operations.
- Modern Features & Connectivity: VKO is committed to technological advancement, including the implementation of systems like electronic boarding passes for all flights and a dedicated slot-coordination system—one of the first in Eastern Europe—to enhance operational efficiency. Complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal.
- Shopping & Dining: Passengers can enjoy a wide array of options, from extensive duty-free shopping for international travelers to various cafes and restaurants, including global brands like Costa Coffee.
- Lounges & Comfort: Access to exclusive Business Lounges is available for business and premium class passengers, with standard access fees starting around 3,000 RUB.
- On-site Accommodation: For maximum convenience, the DoubleTree by Hilton Vnukovo is situated directly at the airport complex. The Sunflower Park Hotel is also located a short distance away (3 km).
- Lost & Found: For inquiries regarding lost baggage or items, passengers should contact the dedicated desk at +7 (495) 436-22-07.
Airlines and Expanding Destinations (Current 2024/2025 Network)
Moscow Vnukovo continues to strengthen its international connectivity, hosting approximately 30 scheduled passenger airlines that link Moscow to over 95 non-stop destinations across multiple countries, with a significant emphasis on low-cost, regional, and emerging international routes.
- Low-Cost Dominance: Pobeda remains the airline with the highest number of departures, offering a vast network of affordable domestic and international flights.
- Key International Carriers: Major operators include Turkish Airlines, Pegasus Airlines, flydubai, AJet, Uzbekistan Airways, and Azur Air.
- Top International Routes: The most popular foreign destinations include the Turkish hubs of Istanbul (IST/SAW) and Antalya (AYT), Dubai (DXB), Yerevan (EVN), and Tbilisi (TBS).
- Long-Haul Routes: VKO facilitates significant long-haul travel, notably the longest scheduled non-stop route to Malé (MLE), taking approximately 9 hours and 5 minutes.
- New & Expanded Routes (2024/2025 Updates): The airport has seen strategic expansion, particularly into the Middle East and CIS countries:
- Saudi Arabia: New services to Riyadh and Jeddah were introduced by Flynas (Jeddah begins late 2025).
- Iran: Iran Airtour Airlines launched a new flight program to Tehran in mid-2024.
- Turkey: Red Wings Airlines introduced a premium holiday program to Antalya and Bodrum in 2024. AJet (formerly AnadoluJet) also commenced daily flights to Istanbul.
- North Africa: Red Sea Airlines and Nouvelair Tunisia expanded seasonal charter and direct services to Egyptian and Tunisian holiday destinations like Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh.
- CIS Region: Services by Belavia to cities in Belarus and the continued expansion of Uzbekistan Airways services connect VKO to important Central Asian destinations.
Efficient Transportation Options to Moscow
VKO benefits from excellent, multi-modal transport links, providing passengers with quick and reliable options for reaching the city center and surrounding areas.
| Mode of Transport | Route/Destination | Journey Time (Approx.) | Estimated Cost (RUB) | Notes |
| Aeroexpress Train | Direct to Kievsky Station | 35 minutes | 500 RUB | The fastest and most reliable direct rail link. |
| Bus | Route 911 to Salaryevo Metro Station | 20 minutes | 100 RUB | The most cost-effective option, connecting directly to the Moscow Metro system. |
| Taxi | To Moscow City Center | 25 minutes | 1,200 – 1,800 RUB | Time is highly dependent on Moscow’s traffic conditions. |
| Car Rental | On-site services | N/A | Varies | International providers like Hertz, Avis, and Europcar are available. Online booking is recommended for better rates. |
| Parking | Short-term and Long-term | N/A | From 300 RUB/day | Ample parking spaces are available for both short and extended stays. |
Airport Contact and Official Information
For comprehensive and real-time flight information, passengers should always refer to the official airport website.
- Address: 1st Reisovaya Str 12, 119027 Moscow, Russia.
- Telephone (Help Desk): +7 (495) 436-22-07.
- Fax: +7 (495) 436-78-48.
- Official Website: www.vnukovo.ru
- Owner: ОАО «Аэропорт Внуково».