Saratov Central Airport

The airport was closed due to its replacement by the new, modern Saratov Gagarin Airport (IATA: GSV, ICAO: UWSG). The old Saratov Central Airport was located entirely within the city limits, which created several significant problems: 1) Safety concerns and noise pollution for surrounding residential areas. 2) An inability to expand or modernize due to the urban encroachment. The runway was too short to handle larger, modern aircraft, and extending it was impossible. 3) The terminal and infrastructure were outdated. The construction of a new, larger airport outside the city was deemed the necessary solution to serve the region's needs.

The airport is permanently closed and is being completely redeveloped. After the final flight, the land was transferred from federal to regional ownership. The site is currently undergoing a large-scale urban redevelopment project to build a new residential microdistrict. Plans include the construction of apartment buildings, schools, kindergartens, parks, and other commercial and social infrastructure. The old airport buildings, runways, and aprons have been or are in the process of being dismantled to clear the land for new construction.

Opened in 1931, Saratov Central Airport (which used the IATA code RTW and ICAO code UWSS during its operation) was the primary airport for Saratov and the Saratov Oblast for 88 years. It was a key hub for the local airline, Saratov Airlines (Saravia), until the airline ceased operations in 2018. The airport handled domestic passenger flights to major Russian destinations such as Moscow, St. Petersburg, and Sochi, as well as some seasonal international charter flights. Its convenient location within the city was a major advantage for travelers but ultimately became the primary reason for its permanent closure.

There are zero prospects for reopening the site as an airport. The closure is permanent, and its aviation functions have been entirely superseded by the new Saratov Gagarin Airport. The land is being irrevocably repurposed for urban development, and construction of the new city district is underway.