I've been living in Moscow for almost a decade now, but I still get stoked whenever I can make it back to my hometown of Irkutsk – which is usually about once every two years.

My trips to and from Irkutsk always start and end at the airport, and I'm excited to share my thoughts on it with you. Hopefully, this review will be helpful for anyone planning a trip to the Irkutsk region, or for those heading to Lake Baikal.

Irkutsk's population has been growing steadily over the years, and the latest numbers put it at over 600,000 people. I've noticed that new buildings are popping up all the time, and the traffic is getting worse. But despite all the changes, the airport remains the same – and it's definitely showing its age. It's tiny and unimpressive, especially for a city of this size.

Irkutsk Airport

There's been talk about building a new airport and relocating it outside the city for years now, but nothing ever seems to happen. The current airport is a safety hazard, and the runway is notoriously difficult to navigate. Irkutsk has even earned the nickname 'the city of falling planes' due to the number of major aviation disasters that have occurred there. But despite all this, the authorities seem to be doing nothing to address the issue.

Of course, the airport's location in the city is convenient for passengers – it's easy to get to the city center using public transportation. But that's about where the positives end.

Now, let's talk about the airport itself. It's ridiculously small and cramped, clearly designed for quick turnover rather than comfort. The check-in counters are on the first floor, and when passengers start lining up, the space gets tight. If there are multiple flights checking in at the same time, it's chaos. There's no decent waiting area for passengers – just a tiny space on the second floor that only experienced travelers seem to know about. The shops and cafes are tiny and uninviting, and I'm not even sure who goes there.

Irkutsk AirportIrkutsk Airport
Let me tell you, the flight info screens at the airport are super tiny and honestly, a real pain for people with bad eyesight. You'll be squinting to try and read them.

After checking in, you've got to navigate through security, which is conveniently located on the second floor. I've gotta give it to them - they've got the whole process down to a science, and you never see a huge crowd. They move people through pretty quickly, and the staff are super friendly and helpful. I've had nothing but good experiences with them.

Next up, you'll head into the departure lounge, and that's where things get really nice. There are tons of seats, so you can grab a spot and wait for your flight. Plus, there are a few cafes where you can grab a bite to eat. I've never actually eaten there, but it's nice to have the option.

Irkutsk AirportIrkutsk AirportAnd then there are all the shops. If you haven't picked up any souvenirs for your loved ones yet, you can do it here. The selection is huge - everything from tacky trinkets to nice pieces of clothing. You can find all sorts of stuff, from fur to dishes to jewelry to toys. It's a bit overwhelming, but it's nice to have the option to grab something last-minute.

Souvenirs from Lake Baikal Souvenirs from Lake Baikal Souvenirs from Irkutsk Souvenirs from Irkutsk Souvenirs from Irkutsk Souvenirs from Lake Baikal I've noticed that tourists really love the Baikal seal, so it's no surprise that many of them want to take some souvenirs home. You can find heaps of them at the airport.

Souvenirs from Irkutsk Souvenirs from Irkutsk I'm a total sucker for trying local treats when I'm traveling, and Siberia's got some amazing goodies. I'm talking pine nuts, honey from pine cones, chocolate, jam, and candies - the works. If you haven't tried Baikal pine nut brittle yet, you're missing out. It's a game-changer, and I always end up buying a few boxes to bring back to my friends and family. It's a great way to share your love for the region.

Souvenirs from Lake Baikal Souvenirs from Irkutsk Souvenirs from Irkutsk Souvenirs from Lake Baikal I've been traveling around Russia a lot, and I've noticed that local brands are popping up everywhere. In Irkutsk, you can find all sorts of goodies like cosmetics, healing balms, food supplements, herbal blends, and teas in the little shops at the airport.

Souvenirs from Lake Baikal Souvenirs from Lake Baikal I've had friends bring back the famous Baikal omul fish from the airport, and they swear it's just as fresh as buying it in the city. I've had it delivered to me in Moscow a few times, and it's always been fine. But to be honest, I'm a bit hesitant to buy fish and transport it - I'm worried it'll go bad and I'll end up serving someone rotten fish or poisoning myself. That's just not a risk I'm willing to take.

Irkutsk Airport Souvenirs from Lake Baikal I've learned my lesson the hard way - it's way cheaper to buy souvenirs before you hit the airport. I mean, who wants to overpay for a bunch of stuff just because you're in a rush?

Souvenirs from Irkutsk Souvenirs from Lake Baikal Souvenirs from Lake Baikal Souvenirs from Lake Baikal Souvenirs from Irkutsk And honestly, I'm still not a fan of this airport. It's just too small for a city like Irkutsk - I think they really need to upgrade or build a new one.

Editor's Summary

I've been to Irkutsk Airport a few times, and I gotta say, it's a total letdown. The airport is tiny and unimpressive, especially for a city of over 600,000 people. The facilities are outdated, and the security checks are slow and inefficient. Despite the friendly staff, I wouldn't recommend this airport to anyone.

Featured FAQ

Is Irkutsk Airport easy to navigate?Unfortunately, no. The airport's layout is confusing, and it's easy to get lost or turned around.

Are the security checks at Irkutsk Airport slow?Yes, they can be. I've experienced slow security checks on multiple occasions.

Are there any good restaurants at Irkutsk Airport?Yes, there are a few decent options for trying traditional Siberian cuisine.

Can I buy souvenirs at Irkutsk Airport?Yes, the airport has a nice selection of souvenirs, including some unique local items.

Is Irkutsk Airport close to the city center?Yes, it's relatively close, making it easy to get to and from.

Is the airport staff friendly?Yes, the staff are super friendly and helpful, even if the airport itself is a bit of a mess.