The new air terminal complex at Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk Airport celebrated its first year of operation on 7 August. During this period, the air harbour served more than 1.36 million passengers, and about 6,500 aircraft departures were made. The volume of cargo and mail amounted to more than 13,000 tonnes. This was reported in the press service of the airport.
“During the year we gradually increased capacity. Every month in the new terminal recorded a 10-12% increase in performance compared to previous years. The quality of passenger and board service has reached a new level. With the opening of the modern terminal, telescopic gangways were introduced at the airport, which from the first days were used to service both wide- and narrow-body aircraft. 24 automated counters were installed in the check-in area, and a five-level security system was launched in the baggage claim area. Five escalators and 23 lifts were equipped for passenger convenience,” an airport representative told the Russian Aviation website.
By the end of 2023 all necessary infrastructure was fully launched in the airport terminal. A spacious car park with short-term and long-term parking spaces was built on the station square. A business lounge equipped with individual armchairs, sofa areas, a meeting room, a game room and a buffet line was opened in the domestic airlines’ waiting area. The terminal’s production systems have been digitised, speeding up processes and eliminating human error.
In 2024, passenger services were improved at the air terminal complex. An additional lounge with increased comfort was opened in the waiting area, a lounge space with a capsule hotel and a VIP lounge with a separate check-in desk and boarding gate were launched in the general operating area. The first prayer area has been set up for devout passengers. The space for domestic airline services was expanded with the opening of a third rotunda. A free car park for 170 parking spaces has been set up for the convenience of welcoming passengers.
In the summer of this year, the airport served 27-30 flights a day every month, which is twice as many as in the winter period. The flight schedule was expanded with new flights to Yekaterinburg, St. Petersburg, Irkutsk, as well as additional flights to Moscow, Vladivostok, Khabarovsk and on intra-regional routes.
In honour of the air harbour’s birthday, the employees who achieved success in their work were awarded with certificates of honour from the Ministry of Transport and Road Management of the Sakhalin Region, as well as letters of thanks from the air terminal’s management. An entertainment programme was organised for passengers in the terminal, including a raffle, a dance flash mob, a quiz, and the opportunity to leave wishes for the air hub’s services on heart-shaped cards.
