Murmansk Airport: The Gateway to the Russian Arctic with a Rich History and a Modern Future
Located just 4 kilometers southwest of Murmashi settlement in Kolsky District, Murmansk Airport is far more than a transportation hub at Russia’s extreme northwest—it is a vital component of Arctic Zone infrastructure. Its strategic location, historical significance, and rapid modernization make it one of the country’s most compelling regional airports.
History: From Military Airfield to Civilian Hub
Originally named
Murmashi, the airfield played a pivotal role in defending the North during the Great Patriotic War (World War II). It was home to the
147th Fighter Aviation Regiment, which from the very first days of the war protected Murmansk and the critically important Kirov Railway from German air raids.
The regiment began the war flying legendary aircraft such as the I-15bis, I-16, and I-153. By mid-1941, it had received the then-newest Soviet fighters—the
MiG-3. In January 1942, American-made
P-40 “Tomahawk” fighters arrived via Lend-Lease. For courage and heroism displayed in combat, the regiment was awarded the prestigious title of
Guards (becoming the 20th Guards Fighter Aviation Regiment) and honored with the
Order of the Red Banner. The unit remained stationed at the airfield until the spring of 1945.
This legacy of wartime valor laid the foundation for today’s civilian airport, which now connects the Russian Arctic with central regions of Russia and international destinations.
The Airport’s Name: Between History and Public Opinion
In 2018, as part of the nationwide contest
“Great Names of Russia,” the name of
Emperor Nicholas II—recognized as the founder of the city—was proposed for Murmansk Airport. The suggestion was supported by Cossack representatives, and in May 2019, President Vladimir Putin signed a decree officially assigning the name.
However, the decision sparked mixed reactions among locals. According to the Civic Chamber of Murmansk Oblast,
86% of residents opposed the renaming and advocated retaining the official title—
“Hero City Murmansk Airport.” Nevertheless, since 2019, the airport has been officially designated
“Murmansk (Nicholas II).”
Airfield Complex: Capacity and Capabilities
The airport features a single artificial runway,
2,500 meters long and
42 meters wide, oriented northwest–southeast. The runway meets
ICAO Category I standards and can accommodate aircraft up to the size of the
Airbus A321,
Boeing 757,
Tu-214,
Il-76, and other Class 3–4 aircraft, as well as helicopters of all types.
The Pavement Classification Number (PCN) is
41/R/B/X/T, indicating a robust surface capable of reliable operation even under harsh Arctic conditions.
New Terminal: A Step into the Future
In November
2025, a
new international terminal opened at Murmansk Airport—a result of large-scale reconstruction supported by
VEB.RF and
Sberbank. The project was implemented by the
Novaport holding company, which has controlled the airport since 2015.
Designed to accommodate growing passenger traffic, the terminal meets modern standards of comfort and security. It includes:
- Separate arrival zones (“Arrivals Hall A” and “Arrivals Hall B”);
- A sterile area with cafés, shops, and a Duty Free store (in the international zone);
- A VIP lounge with dedicated check-in and security screening;
- Convenient self-service kiosks and mobile check-in via Reprint technology.
Accessibility and Technology for All Passengers
Murmansk Airport prioritizes an
accessible, barrier-free environment:
- Designated parking spaces for passengers with disabilities;
- 24/7 medical stations;
- Ambulifts available for passengers with reduced mobility;
- Information desks adapted to the needs of people with disabilities.
Technology is also state-of-the-art: since 2018, an
automated passenger information system broadcasts announcements in three languages—Russian, English, and Chinese—supporting the growing “Arctic tourism” initiative.
Destinations: From Moscow to Minsk
As of 2025, the airport serves regular flights operated by leading Russian carriers:
-
Aeroflot,
S7 Airlines,
Utair,
Pobeda,
Smartavia,
Rossiya Airlines,
Red Wings,
Azimuth,
Nordwind,
Azur Air, and others.
Popular destinations include:
- Moscow (Sheremetyevo, Domodedovo, Vnukovo);
- Saint Petersburg;
- Sochi, Anapa, Simferopol (seasonal);
- Kaliningrad, Kazan, Petrozavodsk;
- International flights to
Antalya and
Minsk (resumed in 2023 after a nearly 30-year hiatus).
Additionally,
helicopter services operated by Vologda Aviation Enterprise connect remote settlements in Murmansk Oblast—including Kovdor, Kirovsk, and Ostrovnoy—especially when sea routes are impassable due to weather.
Ownership and Development
Since 2015, a controlling stake in the airport has belonged to the
Novaport holding company—one of Russia’s largest private airport operators. Previously, Gazpromneft-Aero held a minority share, but today the airport’s development is led by professionals specializing in civil aviation.
Murmansk Airport is more than just a dot on the map. It symbolizes the connection between the rugged North and the rest of the country—a place where military valor, civic responsibility, and ambitious plans for Arctic development converge. With its new terminal and expanding route network, it is becoming the true gateway to the Russian Arctic: convenient, modern, and ready for the future.
