RuAviation

In recent years, the Sheregesh ski resort in Kuzbass has become one of the most popular destinations for outdoor enthusiasts in Russia. Its dynamic growth has necessitated improved transport links, which has spurred discussions about plans to build its own airport in the resort area. The project involves the construction of a modern complex capable of handling domestic flights and ensuring comfort for travellers.

The principal investor, Novaport Holding, plans to erect a two-storey terminal building, incorporating waiting lounges, cafés, restaurants, and retail outlets. The architectural design of the building, overseen by lead architect Andrei Belyaev, takes into account the region’s seismic activity, mountainous terrain, snow depth, and hydrogeological conditions, rendering the project technically complex, with a need for innovative engineering solutions.

Construction of the airport is scheduled to commence in 2026, with commissioning expected by 2028. Private investment in the project is estimated at 15 billion roubles. However, the funding for the construction of the runway is, as yet, undecided. Authorities are considering a public-private partnership to address this issue.

The Sheregesh airport will be the third in the Kemerovo Oblast, after Kemerovo city and Novokuznetsk. The terminal building, with a total area of approximately 14,000 square metres, is designed to serve up to 200 passengers per hour and around 200,000 per year. In the long term, throughput could be increased to 1.7 million passengers per year. The length of the runway will be 2,700 metres, corresponding to ICAO Aerodrome Reference Code “B”, allowing it to accommodate aircraft types such as the A320/B737, MC-21-310, SJ-100 and lighter aircraft.

In Kemerovo, officials emphasize that the airport will be a vital element in the development of the region’s tourism infrastructure. It will be located just seven kilometres from the village of Sheregesh. The new infrastructure will provide local residents with jobs and employment, and make the ski resort even more convenient for tourists. The project is also part of the creation of the “Mountain Shoria” special economic zone, which includes the development of hotel, business and ski resort complexes.

Despite optimistic plans, the project faces challenges. The postponement of design work to 2025 is due to the need to conduct complex surveys in the mountainous and taiga terrain. It is expected that a positive assessment from Glavgosekspertiza (the state expert appraisal department) will be obtained by mid-year, a document that will permit construction to begin.