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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Loading...Airport Information
GPS Code: USCC
Local Code: Not available
Location: 55.305801° N, 61.5033° E
Continent: Europe
Type: Medium Airport
Keywords: УСЦЦ Челябинск
What Travelers Say
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Online Reviews Summary
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.
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Airport Routes
Chelyabinsk Balandino Airport (CEK) offers 44 flight routes operated by 10 airlines. Major carriers include Aeroflot, Rossiya Airlines, S7 Airlines and others. Popular destinations from Chelyabinsk include Adler-Sochi Int'l, Pulkovo, Antalya, Sheremetyevo Int'l and Norilsk.
Route Network Map
Top Routes (by observations)
Newly Discovered
- Novosibirsk Tolmachevo (OVB) new
- Sheremetyevo Int'l (SVO) new
- Khanty-Mansiysk (HMA) new
- Dushanbe (DYU) new
- Pulkovo (LED) new
- Sharm El Sheikh (SSH) new
- Cam Ranh (CXR) new
- Surgut (SGC) new
- Adler-Sochi Int'l (AER) new
- Phuket Int'l (HKT) new
- Pashkovsky (KRR) new
- Minsk Int'l (MSQ) new
Popular Flight Routes
| Destination | IATA | City | Aircraft Type | Airline | Details | Route Map |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Top Airlines
Operating at Chelyabinsk Balandino AirportAirlines by Flight Activity
Based on observed flight operations and route network| Airline | Routes | Flights | Destinations | Last Activity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Aeroflot
AFL
/ SU
|
3 | 327 | 3 | Feb 6, 2026 |
Rossiya Airlines
SDM
/ FV
|
6 | 189 | 6 | Feb 6, 2026 |
S7 Airlines
SBI
/ S7
|
2 | 118 | 2 | Feb 6, 2026 |
Ural
SVR
/ U6
|
4 | 73 | 4 | Feb 6, 2026 |
|
Smartavia
AUL
/ 5N
|
3 | 47 | 3 | Feb 6, 2026 |
Red Wings Airlines
RWZ
/ WZ
|
5 | 38 | 5 | Jan 24, 2026 |
|
Southwind Airlines
STW
/ 2S
|
1 | 24 | 1 | Nov 8, 2025 |
|
Nordstar
TYA
/ Y7
|
5 | 23 | 5 | Jan 24, 2026 |
|
Azur Air
AZV
/ ZF
|
3 | 16 | 3 | Feb 1, 2026 |
Nordwind Airlines
NWS
/ N4
|
3 | 15 | 3 | Jan 10, 2026 |
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 |
Ground Transportation
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.