Novosibirsk Tolmachevo Airport (OVB)

Common Complaints

• Long Immigration and Passport Control Wait Times: This is a frequent and significant complaint, with travelers reporting slow and tedious processing that can lead to waits of an hour or more, particularly for international arrivals.
• Limited Seating Areas: There are often insufficient seating options in terminal spaces.
• High Prices: Food and drinks at the airport are considered expensive, and taxi services can also be costly, especially for foreign travelers.
• Language Barrier: Non-Russian speaking travelers often face challenges with communication as staff may not speak English. Signage in English can also be an issue.
• Inconsistent Service and Check-in: Reviewers mention tedious check-in processes and inconsistent service quality, with check-in systems sometimes being slow or temperamental.
• Problematic Wi-Fi Access: While available, the free Wi-Fi can be of poor quality and often requires a local cell phone number for access.
• Difficult Taxi Boarding: The arrangement of airport taxis can make boarding a taxi inconvenient, as private cars are sometimes forced to navigate around them.

Overall, Novosibirsk Tolmachevo Airport offers a modern and clean environment with good transit connections. However, travelers should be prepared for potentially long waits at immigration and customs, be aware of higher prices for amenities, and consider language barriers, particularly if not proficient in Russian. The ongoing terminal expansion aims to further improve capacity and passenger experience.