Elista Airport (ESL)

Elista, RU 🇷🇺 Medium Airport Scheduled Service

ICAO

URWI

IATA

ESL

Elevation

501 ft

Region

RU-KL

Local Time

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Airport Information

GPS Code: URWI

Local Code: Not available

Location: 46.373901° N, 44.330898° E

Continent: EU

Type: Medium Airport

Arrivals
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Departures
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External Links

Wikipedia ✓ Live Flights
Links verified by AI • Last updated: Nov 21, 2025
Nearby Points of Interest

What Travelers Say

AI-Generated Summary Based on web research

Elista Airport (URWI/ESL) has seen a resurgence in traveler activity following its reopening in May 2024 after a two-year closure. Overall traveler sentiment is mixed but generally positive, with passengers appreciating the return of essential air service to the region and the improved terminal facilities. The airport holds an average rating of 3.9 out of 5 on Wanderlog and 4.3 out of 5 on Yandex Maps.

What Travelers Love
  • Reopened and Functional: Travelers are positive about the airport being back in operation as a vital air service for the region, especially after its closure until May 2024.
  • Improved Terminal Facilities: A significant overhaul completed in September 2023 modernized the passenger terminal, equipping it with modern check-in, control, and baggage handling systems, and improving passenger navigation. The terminal's capacity doubled to 100 passengers per hour.
  • High Safety Standards: Reviewers consistently praise the top-notch safety measures and thorough security checks for hand luggage. Flight safety has been confirmed by relevant authorities.
  • Convenient for a Small Airport: Despite its small size, the terminal is described as tidy and designed with convenience in mind.
Common Complaints
  • Limited Amenities: The airport offers basic amenities, including only a tiny cafe and a single restroom.
  • Inconsistent Cafe Availability: The only cafe may not always be open, which can be inconvenient for travelers.
  • Poor Winter Heating: Some past reviews mention poor heating during the winter months.
  • Limited Destinations: The airport primarily serves domestic flights, with Aeroflot flying to Moscow-Sheremetyevo and Red Wings Airlines to Sochi and Yekaterinburg, plus a seasonal route to Antalya. Currently, only one non-stop passenger flight destination (Moscow Sheremetyevo) is regularly scheduled.

Elista Airport is recognized as a crucial regional hub, and its recent upgrades and reopening have been well-received, despite its inherent limitations as a smaller airport. Travelers appreciate its functionality and safety, although the range of services and destinations remains modest.

Generated False weeks ago

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This summary is automatically generated by AI based on web research of traveler reviews and experiences. AI-generated content may not always be 100% accurate.

Current Weather Conditions

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Airport Routes

Top Routes (by observations)
Newly Discovered
Popular Flight Routes
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Destination IATA City Aircraft Type Airline Details Route Map
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Top Airlines

Operating at Elista Airport
Airlines by Flight Activity
Based on observed flight operations and route network
Airline Routes Flights Destinations Last Activity
Aeroflot
AFL / SU
1 1 1 Dec 7, 2025
1 1 1 Jul 23, 2025
Showing top 2 airlines by flight activity. Data includes observed departures and route networks from this airport.
For Pilots

Designation Length Width Surface Status
09/27 10499 ft 148 ft ASP Active Lighted
09L/27R 7555 ft 280 ft GRE Active

Type Description Frequency
APP APP 124.2 MHz
TWR TWR 118.3 MHz

Ident Name Type Frequency
BV Elista NDB 311 kHz
SA Elista NDB 311 kHz

Ground Transportation

Last updated: Nov 21, 2025
Taxis

The most common and reliable way to get a taxi is by using a ride-hailing app, primarily Yandex.Go. You may also find local private taxi drivers outside the terminal. The trip to the city center takes approximately 15-20 minutes.

Rental Cars

There are no dedicated car rental desks located inside the airport terminal. Car rentals must be pre-arranged with companies based in the city of Elista, which may offer airport delivery and collection services upon request.

Public Transportation

Public transit is served by Marshrutka (routed minibus) No. 112. This route connects the airport with the city's main railway station (Vokzal). The bus schedule is typically aligned with flight arrivals and departures.

Nearby Airports

Remontnoye Airfield
RU-10081
Remontnoye, RU
Small Airport
~56 km away
Distances are approximate and calculated as straight-line distances.