Iturup Airport (ITU)

Iturup Airport (IATA: ITU, ICAO: UHSI), also known as Yasny, serves as the primary modern air gateway to Iturup Island in the Kuril Islands of Russia. It provides an essential, all-weather transportation link for residents, military personnel, and a growing number of tourists, connecting the remote island with Sakhalin and mainland Russia. Its role is critical for the region's economic development and accessibility, ensuring a reliable alternative to sea travel, which can be limited by harsh weather conditions.

Opened on September 22, 2014, the airport is a significant piece of modern infrastructure in the region. It was constructed to replace the older, military-run Burevestnik Airport, which was located in a valley frequently plagued by fog, leading to regular and prolonged flight cancellations. The construction of Iturup Airport in a more meteorologically favorable location marked a major improvement in the island's connectivity, representing the first airport built entirely from scratch in post-Soviet Russia.

The airport is situated near the village of Reydovo, approximately 7 kilometers northeast of the island's administrative center, Kurilsk. Travelers typically reach the airport via a 15-20 minute drive by road. The most common forms of transportation are local taxi services or pre-arranged private transfers, as public bus services can be infrequent.

Operations at Iturup are exclusively domestic. The sole scheduled route connects the island with Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk (UUS), the regional capital. This vital air bridge is operated primarily by the airline Aurora, often utilizing Bombardier Q400 turboprop aircraft well-suited for regional flights. The airport handles tens of thousands of passengers annually, facilitating both essential travel and tourism.

The facility consists of a single, modern terminal building designed for efficiency. As a small regional airport, its amenities are functional but limited. Inside, passengers will find a main waiting hall, check-in counters, a baggage claim area, and basic security screening. A small cafe or snack bar is generally available, but extensive retail or dining options are not present.

For those traveling through Iturup Airport, it is advisable to arrive at least 90 minutes before departure. Pre-booking a taxi for transport to or from the airport is highly recommended due to limited on-demand availability. Given the volatile weather of the Kuril Islands, travelers should maintain a flexible schedule, as flights can still be delayed. When booking connecting flights from Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, allowing for a generous layover is a prudent measure to accommodate potential disruptions.