To Ease the Load on Sheremetyevo and Domodedovo: An Airport with a 2,500-Meter Runway Will Be Built in Smolensk

The Smolensk Region is beginning the implementation of a major infrastructure project — the construction of the Smolensk (Severny) airfield. This was announced by Governor Vasily Anokhin after a meeting with the head of Rosaviatsiya, Dmitry Yadrov. The project is being carried out on the president's instructions as part of the national project "Efficient Transport System".

At present, the design and estimate documentation is ready, including the purchase of modern radio engineering equipment, the construction of a modular command and control tower, the installation of utility networks, and the improvement of the surrounding area. The documentation is undergoing state expert review, after which the active phase of implementation will begin.

Funding from the investment program of the State Corporation for Air Traffic Management is planned to be used for the construction of facilities within the Unified Air Traffic Management System.

The first stage of reconstruction of the airfield itself is starting: a runway measuring 2,500 by 42 meters and a passenger terminal. The project documentation for this part has already been developed. The air hub will be designed for a passenger flow of about 200 people per hour.

The formation of the infrastructure of the Unified Air Traffic Management System is planned to be completed by the end of 2028. The governor's press service noted that the project will open up new opportunities for the region to develop tourism and business activity and will increase its investment attractiveness.

The appearance of an airfield in the Smolensk Region could partially reduce the load on Moscow airports on regional routes and improve transport accessibility for the western regions of Russia. A capacity of 200 passengers per hour will make it possible to serve small regional flights and business aviation.