Putin unveils Blagoveshchensk's new 'Ignatyevo' airport terminal in Far East upgrade

Blagoveshchensk airport has officially opened its new terminal, marking a major upgrade for the region. President Vladimir Putin attended the ceremony for the expanded facility, now named the 'Ignatyevo' complex. The project aims to transform travel in the Far East and support local economic growth. Construction of the new terminal began on 27 May 2023. By December, it had already handled its first test flight. The rebuilt facility now covers four times the area of the old terminal, with capacity doubled to serve up to 1,000 passengers per hour.

The project cost 12.7 billion rubles, including 4 billion in preferential financing. It was developed under a 30-year concession agreement between ABS Holding and the Amur region. VEB.RF, led by Igor Shuvalov, played a key role in funding the upgrade as part of broader infrastructure plans for the Far East. Once fully operational, the terminal will handle around 2 million passengers annually. Officials expect it to exceed 1 million travellers by 2025—a first in the airport's history. The expansion is also set to strengthen international connections and boost the local economy.

The new terminal will increase passenger numbers and improve transport links in the Amur region. Its completion aligns with wider efforts to develop infrastructure in Russia's Far East. The project's long-term concession ensures continued investment in the area for decades to come.