The opening of the new terminal at Novokuznetsk Airport has been described as a significant milestone for the regional infrastructure, promising to transform travel and tourism dynamics within the Kemerovo Oblast.
On February 25, 2025, the terminal officially opened, with festivities punctuated by the attendance of notable figures, including cosmonaut Boris Volynov, for whom the airport is named. The ceremony, held at 5 PM, was broadcast live on social media, allowing many to partake virtually.
The redesigned terminal showcases modern architecture and embodies local cultural themes, particularly appealing to tourists heading to the famed ski resort of Sheregesh. Enhanced features like nature-inspired murals depicting the area's top tourist spots are part of its charm. The terminal creatively uses eco-friendly materials, creating safe and thoughtful spaces such as mother-and-child rooms adorned with tranquil, snowy landscapes.
Capacity-wise, the new terminal doubles the airport's previous limit, accommodating up to 580 passengers per hour and boasting the ability to handle around 2 million travelers annually. This dramatic increase is anticipated to bolster Kemerovo's economic viability, especially as Novokuznetsk stands as one of Siberia's key industrial hubs.
At the heart of the terminal's innovative facilities lies Russia's first automated oversized baggage loading system, particularly useful for skiers carrying bulky equipment. The new system streamlines the storage process, minimizing wait times and improving customer experience.
Ilya Seryedyuk, the Governor of Kuzbass, outlined the transformational effects of this project: "This is an important step in the development of Novokuznetsk and the entire Kuzbass region. The increase of the airport's capacity will surely catalyze local business activity and attract more tourists to our renowned resort."0;
Highlights during the opening included the introduction of new structures such as three jet bridges, six boarding gates, and thirteen check-in counters. These improvements significantly advance the travel experience compared to the airport's former layout. Attendees experienced traditional Shorski rituals to welcome passengers, instilling regional pride and cultural appreciation right from the airport.
During the event, additional discussions surrounded future plans, including the creation of a museum dedicated to Boris Volynov, who was present at the celebration. "We agreed to create a museum dedicated to the legendary Kuzbass resident," Seryedyuk announced, emphasizing the desire to revive local history and honor the community's heroes.
Sergey Tsivilev, Russia's Minister of Energy who joined via video call, exclaimed how the terminal offers significant growth potential for the region's hospitality and service sectors. He remarked, "I am confident the residents and guests of Kuzbass will appreciate the hospitality of the region and the convenience and comfort of the new airport."
Notably, the terminal is equipped with modern amenities for families, including dedicated relaxation zones, nursing rooms, and play areas, underscoring the inclusive approach embraced by the airport’s design team. Future developments include creating comfortable public spaces around the airport and modern service utilities to improve operational efficiency and meet environmental standards.
The overwhelming investment for the new terminal—exceeding 10 billion rubles—signals the level of commitment both from the regional government and private sector stakeholders, aiming to integrate high standards of service and infrastructure.
This opening marks not only the completion of the terminal but also opens new avenues for economic development, tourism, and cultural enrichment for Novokuznetsk and surrounding areas. Locals and visitors alike can look forward to leveraging this upgraded airport as their gateway to the region's natural valleys and skiing celebrations.