Chelyabinsk Balandino Airport (CEK)

Chelyabinsk, RU 🇷🇺 Medium Airport Scheduled Service

ICAO

USCC

IATA

CEK

Elevation

769 ft

Region

RU-CHE

Local Time

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Airport Information

GPS Code: USCC

Local Code: Not available

Location: 55.305801° N, 61.5033° E

Continent: EU

Type: Medium Airport

Keywords: УСЦЦ Челябинск

External Links

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

What Travelers Say

AI-Generated Summary Based on web research

Chelyabinsk Balandino Airport (CEK) receives mixed but generally satisfactory reviews from recent travelers. Many appreciate its small-town charm and recent modernization efforts, transforming it into a more visually appealing space. However, some aspects, particularly the business lounge and certain operational inconsistencies, draw criticism.

What Travelers Love
  • Pleasant Local Atmosphere: Travelers frequently commend the airport's small-town atmosphere and unique charm, offering a more relaxed travel experience.
  • Efficient Duty-Free: The airport is noted for its efficient duty-free shopping options.
  • Organized Layout and Friendly Staff: Despite its modest size, the airport is described as having an organized layout and friendly staff, which positively contributes to the overall travel experience.
  • Modernization and Aesthetics: Recent renovations have significantly improved the airport's appearance, with some travelers describing it as a "colorful, historical work of art" featuring thematic zones.
  • Good Basic Functionality: Many essential services are reported to be operational throughout the night, making it "doable" for overnight stays.
Common Complaints
  • Confusing Terminal and Gate Assignments: Some travelers have found the airport confusing, with potentially misleading gate information, which could lead to missed flights in busier conditions.
  • Subpar Business Lounge: The business lounge is a significant point of dissatisfaction, frequently cited as being poorly stocked with limited drinks, broken coffee machines, and inadequate food offerings.
  • Baggage Handling Issues: There have been reports of baggage being mishandled, such as being unloaded onto incorrect belts, or priority luggage being delivered last. Concerns about baggage security and theft incidents have also been mentioned.
  • Overpriced Amenities: Some travelers have found basic amenities like coffee to be overpriced.
  • Challenging Transportation Connections: Taxis may be reluctant to make quick return trips due to paid re-entry within an hour, and public transportation can be inconvenient or require advance booking.

Overall, Chelyabinsk Balandino Airport appears to be a functional and recently upgraded regional airport with a pleasant atmosphere, particularly for domestic travel. While it excels in its local charm and duty-free offerings, improvements are needed in its business lounge, baggage handling, and clarity of terminal navigation to enhance the international traveler experience. Specific feedback on security wait times and customs/immigration is limited, though overall "Immigration/customs" satisfaction is rated lower than other services. Reviews on airport parking facilities directly operated by the airport are not extensively detailed in recent traveler experiences, but third-party services for parking and transfers are available.

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

Popular Flight Routes
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Top Airlines

Operating at Chelyabinsk Balandino Airport
Airlines by Flight Activity
Based on observed flight operations and route network
Airline Routes Flights Destinations Last Activity
Aeroflot
AFL / SU
3 236 3 Dec 10, 2025
6 149 6 Dec 10, 2025
S7 Airlines
SBI / S7
2 88 2 Dec 10, 2025
Ural
SVR / U6
4 54 4 Dec 10, 2025
Smartavia
AUL / 5N
3 32 3 Dec 10, 2025
4 29 4 Nov 29, 2025
1 24 1 Nov 8, 2025
Nordstar
TYA / Y7
4 15 4 Dec 10, 2025
Azur Air
AZV / ZF
2 13 2 Dec 10, 2025
2 12 2 Dec 10, 2025
For Pilots

Designation Length Width Surface Status
09/27 10499 ft 197 ft CON Active Lighted

Type Description Frequency
APP CHELYABINSK APP 124.7 MHz
PMSV CHELYABINSK METEO 128.3 MHz
TWR CHELYABINSK START 125.2 MHz

Ident Name Type Frequency
GO Gorevoye NDB 106 kHz
KS Chelyabinsk NDB 412 kHz
LB Chelyabinsk NDB 452 kHz
LBN Chelyabinsk VOR-DME 113300 kHz

Ground Transportation

Last updated: Nov 21, 2025
Taxis

Taxis are readily available at the airport. You can use the official taxi desk inside the arrivals hall or book a ride through popular ride-hailing apps like Yandex.Go (the most common in the region). The taxi stand is located just outside the terminal exit. The journey to Chelyabinsk city center typically takes 30-40 minutes, depending on traffic.

Rental Cars

Car rental services are available at the airport. Desks for several local and national rental companies can be found in the arrivals area of the terminal. It is highly recommended to book a vehicle in advance, especially during peak travel seasons, to ensure availability and better rates.

Public Transportation

The airport is connected to the city by several bus routes. The bus stop is conveniently located directly in front of the terminal building. Key routes include:
- Express Bus №1: A fast service to the main Chelyabinsk Railway Station (Ж/д вокзал).
- Bus №41: Connects the airport with the Metallurgists' district (ЧМЗ).
- Bus №45: Runs to the North Gate Bus Station (Автовокзал «Северные ворота»).
Buses run frequently from early morning until late evening.

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Distances are approximate and calculated as straight-line distances.