Irkutsk Airport: A Total Letdown

I've been living in Moscow for almost 10 years now, but I still love visiting my hometown of Irkutsk whenever I can – which is usually about once every two years.

My journey to and from Irkutsk always starts and ends 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 AirportLet 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 head through security, which is located on the second floor. It's a bit cramped, but I've got to 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. Now, this is 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 Foodies will love the Siberian treats like pine nuts, honey from pine cones, chocolate, jam, and candies. If you haven't tried Baikal pine nut brittle, you should definitely give it a go, and consider buying a box for your friends and family as well. It's a great way to show off 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 of cosmetics, healing balms, food supplements, herbal blends, and teas are popping up in regional areas. This trend hasn't missed Irkutsk either. You can find all of the above on the shelves of little shops in the airport.

Souvenirs from Lake Baikal Souvenirs from Lake Baikal My friends and acquaintances buy the famous Baikal omul fish in the airport and claim that the price is the same as in the city. I've had the fish brought to me in Moscow a few times, and it was always fine – not spoiled. To be honest, I'm a bit hesitant to buy fish and transport it over long distances. I'm worried that it'll go bad and I'll end up serving someone rotten fish or poisoning myself.

Irkutsk Airport Souvenirs from Lake Baikal Of course, the prices aren't low. It's better to think about souvenirs ahead of time and save some money, rather than buying everything at inflated prices in the airport.

Souvenirs from Irkutsk Souvenirs from Lake Baikal Souvenirs from Lake Baikal Souvenirs from Lake Baikal Souvenirs from Irkutsk And honestly, I'm at it again - I think Irkutsk really needs a new airport. This one's just too small for a city of its size.

I've been visiting Irkutsk for years, but the airport is still stuck in the past. It's tiny, outdated, and needs a serious upgrade. If you're planning a trip to the Irkutsk region or Lake Baikal, here's what you need to know.

Is the airport easy to navigate?Not really - the layout is confusing and it's easy to get lost.

Are there any good shops or restaurants at the airport?Yes, there are a few decent options, including some great local spots.

Is the airport clean and well-maintained?No, it's a bit of a mess and could use a serious upgrade.

Are the staff friendly and helpful?Yes, they're generally friendly and willing to help.

Can I buy souvenirs at the airport?Yes, there are a few shops selling local items and souvenirs.

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