Putin unveils Blagoveshchensk's new airport terminal to boost Far East travel

A new passenger terminal at Blagoveshchensk's Ignatyevo Airport officially opened on March 31, 2023. Russian President Vladimir Putin inaugurated the facility, marking a major upgrade for air travel in the region. The terminal, named after Nikolai Muravyov-Amursky, is now handling all domestic flights, with international services set to begin this summer. Construction of the 26,000-square-metre terminal took nearly three years. Financed with support from VEB.RF, the project was carried out under a 30-year concession led by ABS Holding—a partnership between Airports of Regions and Novaport. The new facility can process up to 1,000 passengers per hour, double the airport's previous capacity.

The terminal is equipped with 23 check-in counters and three baggage carousels. It also supports wide-body and long-haul aircraft, expanding the airport's operational capabilities. Located 15 kilometres northwest of Blagoveshchensk and just 3.5 kilometres from the Chinese border, the terminal is strategically positioned for regional connectivity. Blagoveshchensk now joins eight other regional capitals in Russia's Far Eastern Federal District with modernised air terminals. The new facility is expected to serve nearly 2 million travellers annually, a significant increase from the 1 million passengers recorded in 2022.

The terminal's opening strengthens air transport links in the Far East. Domestic flights have already moved to the new building, while international routes will follow in the coming months. The upgrade aims to meet growing demand and improve travel efficiency for both regional and long-distance passengers.