Vladikavkaz International Airport (Beslan) is a strategically important object of federal significance, occupying an extremely advantageous geographical position in the center of the Caucasus. Air routes connect North Ossetia (Alania) with the largest cities of the CIS countries, as well as with a number of European countries.
Description
Vladikavkaz Airport is located in the north of the republic, near the city of Beslan. Therefore, in the press and official documents it is sometimes called the Beslan airport complex.
The aerodrome is equipped with a 09/27 runway with a concrete coating of 3000 m long and 45 m wide. These sizes are quite sufficient for receiving medium-range aircraft (and less), including Boeing 737, Airbus A-319/320, CRJ 100/200, Tu-154 and others, as well as 3-4 class helicopters.
During the period of armed conflict, the airport was (along with the military airfield in Mozdok) one of the main air gates in the Caucasus. As it turned out, the runway allows you to take heavy transport aircraft, including the IL-76.
Becoming
The Soviet authorities appreciated the strategic importance of North Ossetia in 1930, creating one of the first airfields in the North Caucasus. Passenger traffic with Astrakhan and Rostov-on-Don was established in 1936. As a vehicle, a civilian-modified Po-2 aircraft was used.
Hot war years stood out. German troops unsuccessfully stormed Ossetia, but they never managed to capture either Vladikavkaz or the airport. An air regiment was based at the airfield itself, mainly fighter aircraft.
Development
Significant changes awaited the Vladikavkaz airport in 1979. The government allocated significant amounts for the reconstruction and expansion of the complex. The runway update allowed the acceptance of 1st class aircraft, including the Tu-154. By the end of the 1980s, flights to many republics of the USSR were carried out from Vladikavkaz:
- Tbilisi, Georgia).
- Yerevan, Armenia).
- Kiev, Ukraine).
- Dushanbe (Tajikistan).
- Baku, Azerbaijan).
Also in this list were the large cities of the RSFSR: Rostov, Kazan, Krasnodar, Volgograd, Leningrad, Sochi.
At the end of 1990, the airport received international status. During this period, significant steps were taken to modernize the economy, despite the problems with financing that existed in those years. The airfield has been the base of Alania Airlines for 11 years.
Over 2.5 billion rubles were allocated for reconstruction to increase the volume of freight and passenger transportation and improve the quality of service for aircraft, passengers, baggage and cargo, including international air transportation, within the framework of the federal target program “Development of the Russian transport system for 2010-2015” the airport complex "Beslan" (Vladikavkaz). The last step was the modernization of light-signaling equipment, which made the airfield all-weather and able to take flights at night.
Aviation security
Vladikavkaz International Airport is one of the most important transport hubs of the entire North Caucasus. Here take an average of 4 flights per day, more than 400 passengers. Given the situation in the region, increased attention is paid to security. Close monitoring begins even at the entrance to the object. The 50-meter zone in front of the airfield is monitored every second with the use of video surveillance cameras: entry is limited. A special security unit of 60 people controls the territory and the building.
Preflight inspection of both cargo and passengers is carried out. Using the inspection technique, the contents of hand luggage and bulky luggage are revealed. Moreover, regardless of whether a citizen is going to fly or someone escorts. The first inspection point is located at the entrance to the terminal building. The second item is located inside the building. Here people and luggage are checked more carefully. By the way, alcohol-containing liquids are not allowed for transportation.
The airport of Vladikavkaz is the second level of security. This implies a 100% search. Passengers themselves are aware of the inconvenience, because in this way they will feel safe during the flight.
Services
Vladikavkaz Airport is a modern complex. Although in terms of architecture, the terminal building does not stand out among the "relatives" from other regions of Russia, they try to maintain cleanliness and timely repair.
For the convenience of passengers, the drive has been significantly expanded. And the new inspection equipment has reduced the time of inspections. The passenger terminal has shops and cafes. In the Vladikavkaz airport information desk, you can get comprehensive information both on the spot and by phone numbers indicated on the official website.
For 5000 rubles, in anticipation of departure, you can stay in the VIP-hall. In a cozy room there are soft chairs, there is a counter with a press. Movies and TV shows are shown on a large LCD TV.
Air traffic
Flights from Vladikavkaz airport are carried out both within Russia and abroad. However, a number of them are seasonal. Regular flights are served by three carriers.
Flight number | Airline | Type of aircraft | Schedule | Arrival Point |
DP-195 / DP-196 | "Victory" | Boeing 737-800 | daily | Moscow, Vnukovo |
DP-507 / DP-508 | "Victory" | Boeing 737-800 | Mon, Wed, Thu, Sun | Petersburg, Pulkovo |
UT-395 / UT-396 | UTair | Boeing 737-500 | daily | Moscow, Vnukovo |
S7-881 S7-882 | S7 Airlines | Airbus A319 Boeing 737-800 | daily | Moscow, Domodedovo |
How to get there
Vladikavkaz airport is actually located at a considerable distance from the administrative center of North Ossetia (Alania) - 30 km to the north, near the city of Beslan. However, transport links are well established. In the immediate vicinity runs the Kavkaz (R-217) highway, from which the road leaves for the airport terminal.
It is most convenient to travel either by private transport or by taxi. It is more reasonable for economical travelers to use the special bus route Vladikavkaz - airport. From the city towards the airfield, the bus leaves from bus station No. 1 at 12:00 and 18:00. Return flight departs at 13:30 and 19:30.
Reviews
Vladikavkaz Airport daily receives several hundred people. The administration regularly monitors customers' opinions about the actions of airport employees, identifies issues that need to be addressed.
Passengers primarily note the courtesy and professionalism of the staff. An undoubted advantage is a large waiting room. Although the distance from the runway to the airport terminal is small, upon arrival, a bus awaits visitors at the gangway, which will take you to the terminal gate. This is especially convenient for people with disabilities or in bad weather.
The main complaints arise about the insufficient size of the drive. In the case of a large number of passengers, it becomes quite crowded. The baggage claim is also small. But these are the design features of the station building, and workers cannot influence this situation.