Moscow Sheremetyevo International Airport (SVO) stands as one of Russia’s most significant transportation landmarks, with a history that spans over six decades. Originally constructed as a military airbase for the Soviet Air Force, the facility was converted into a civilian airport in 1959. The airport’s transformation into a commercial travel hub began on August 11, 1959, when the first Tupolev Tu-104B carrying 100 passengers landed from Leningrad (now St. Petersburg), marking its official opening.
The airport’s international operations began quickly, with the first international flight taking off for Berlin on June 1, 1960. By 1964, the airport had established itself as an international gateway with 18 foreign airlines operating regular flights to Sheremetyevo, and by the end of that year, it had handled 822,000 passengers along with substantial mail and cargo.
A significant milestone in Sheremetyevo’s development came in 1980 when the airport welcomed participants of the Moscow Summer Olympics to the new international airport complex Sheremetyevo-2. This terminal, with its numerous cafes and duty-free shops, became the airport’s hallmark and served more than 460,000 international passengers during the Olympic Games alone.
The early 2000s saw Sheremetyevo facing increasing competition from Moscow’s rapidly expanding Domodedovo International Airport, prompting SVO to initiate significant expansion plans. On March 12, 2007, the airport opened Terminal C to maximize international passenger capacity, and on March 5, 2008, renovations to its second runway were completed to accommodate all types of aircraft, including the Airbus A380 and Boeing 787 Dreamliner.
More recent developments include the construction of Terminal D, which opened in 2009, Terminal E in 2010, and the reconstruction of Terminal B, completed in May 2018 in time for the 2018 FIFA World Cup. In December 2018, following the results of the “Great Names of Russia” contest, the airport was officially named after the great Russian poet Alexander Pushkin, becoming Sheremetyevo Alexander S. Pushkin International Airport.
SVO Statistics and Quick Facts
Sheremetyevo International Airport has established itself as a crucial aviation center not just in Russia but across Europe:
- Located 29 km (18 miles) northwest of central Moscow, between the towns of Lobnya and Khimki in Moscow Oblast
- Operates as the busiest airport in Russia and the post-Soviet states
- Ranked as the ninth-busiest airport in Europe
- Handled approximately 49.9 million passengers in 2019 (pre-pandemic figure)
- Comprises six terminals: four international terminals (one under construction), one domestic terminal, and one private aviation terminal
- Operates with three runways capable of handling all types of modern aircraft
- Serves as the main hub for Russian flag carrier Aeroflot and as a focus airport for several other airlines
The airport complex covers a significant area and features modern infrastructure to accommodate its high volume of passengers and flights. Its air traffic control tower, standing at a height of 70.34 meters (231 feet), is one of the tallest in Asia and provides controllers with excellent visibility over the entire airfield.
Sheremetyevo’s comprehensive master plan for development extends to 2030, making it the first airport in Russia to create such a long-term vision. The plan aims to increase the airport’s capacity to accommodate up to 100 million passengers annually by the mid-2020s.
Terminal Facilities
Sheremetyevo International Airport’s terminal facilities are organized into two main complexes: the Northern Terminal Complex and the Southern Terminal Complex.
Northern Terminal Complex
- Terminal B: Reopened in 2018 after reconstruction, this terminal serves domestic flights. It features modern amenities and has significantly increased the airport’s domestic passenger capacity.
- Terminal C: Recently constructed as part of the airport’s expansion plans, this terminal primarily handles international flights.
Southern Terminal Complex
- Terminal D: Opened in 2009, this terminal serves as the primary terminal for Aeroflot and its SkyTeam partners. It features 22 gates and handles both domestic and international flights.
- Terminal E: Opened in 2010, this terminal connects Terminals D and F, allowing passengers to move freely between the southern complex terminals via pedestrian walkways with travelators. It has 8 jetway-equipped gates and primarily serves international flights.
- Terminal F: Originally opened in 1980 for the Moscow Summer Olympics as Sheremetyevo-2, this terminal has 15 jetways and 21 remote aircraft stands. It was closed for reconstruction in December 2021.
The terminals are well-equipped with amenities to enhance the passenger experience:
- Duty-free shops and retail outlets featuring international brands such as Hugo Boss, Calvin Klein, COACH, Swarovski, and Bvlgari
- Various dining options, including cafes, restaurants, and bars
- VIP lounges in multiple terminals, with the Rublev Lounge in Terminal B holding the record for the longest buffet of any business lounge globally
- The History Museum of Sheremetyevo located on the fifth floor of Terminal F, showcasing exhibits and aviation paraphernalia
- A spa in Terminal D offering treatments for men and women
- Shower rooms and a salon in the arrivals hall on the first floor of Terminal E
- GettSleep facilities in Terminal D providing individual sleep capsules with flexible hourly rates, free Wi-Fi, shower cabins, and co-working areas
A unique feature of Sheremetyevo Airport is its Automated Passenger Transportation System (APTS), which connects the Northern and Southern Terminal Complexes through an underground tunnel. This system includes an automated people mover for passenger transport and a separate tunnel for automated baggage transportation, making connections between terminals more efficient.
Major Airlines and Destinations
Sheremetyevo International Airport serves as a central hub for numerous airlines and offers an extensive network of destinations around the world:
Major Airlines
Sheremetyevo serves as the main base for:
- Aeroflot (Russian flag carrier)
- Rossiya Airlines (Aeroflot subsidiary)
- Nordwind Airlines
- Pegas Fly
- Royal Flight
Other major airlines operating at SVO include:
- Air France
- KLM
- Delta Airlines
- Emirates
- British Airways
- Air China
- China Southern Airlines
- China Eastern Airlines
- Turkish Airlines
- Various SkyTeam, Star Alliance, and Oneworld members
Ground Transportation
Sheremetyevo International Airport offers various transportation options to connect passengers with Moscow city center and surrounding areas:
Rail
The most convenient and reliable option for reaching central Moscow is the Aeroexpress train service:
- Operated by a subsidiary of Russian Railways
- Connects the airport directly to Belorussky Railway Station in downtown Moscow
- Journey time of approximately 35 minutes
- Trains run every 30 minutes
- Features comfortable coaches with adjustable seats, luggage compartments, restrooms, and electrical outlets
- Business-class coaches available
The Aeroexpress terminal is located in front of Terminal F in the Southern Terminal Complex, with pedestrian connections to other terminals.
Bus
Several municipal Mosgortrans bus lines connect the airport to different parts of Moscow:
- Line 817: To Planernaya station (Moscow Metro Tagansko-Krasnopresnenskaya Line #7)
- Line 851: To Rechnoy Vokzal station (Zamoskvoretskaya Line #2)
- Night bus N1: Operates between 3 AM and 5:40 AM, connecting the airport to Moscow’s Leningradsky Avenue, downtown area, and Leninsky Avenue
These buses depart every 10-30 minutes depending on the line and time of day, with journey times varying from 33 to 55 minutes based on traffic conditions.
Taxi
Taxis are readily available outside all terminals:
- The trip to central Moscow takes approximately 30-45 minutes, depending on traffic
- Costs vary but typically range from 1,500 to 2,500 rubles (approximately $20-35)
- Official airport taxis provide more reliable service with fixed rates
- Ride-sharing services like Yandex Taxi (similar to Uber) are also popular options
Car Rental
Car rental facilities are available at Terminal D, with major providers such as Avis, Europcar, Hertz, and Sixt offering services. This option provides flexibility for travelers wanting to explore Moscow and the surrounding regions independently.
Inter-terminal Transportation
For passengers needing to transfer between the Northern and Southern Terminal Complexes, the airport provides:
- A complimentary shuttle bus service
- The underground Automated Passenger Transportation System (APTS)
- Pedestrian walkways with travelators between terminals in the same complex
The Future of SVO
Despite challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic and international sanctions, Sheremetyevo Airport continues to develop ambitious plans for the future, positioning itself for long-term growth and enhanced passenger experience.
Terminal Expansion
Several major expansion projects are underway or planned:
- Terminal G: Announced in November 2019, with construction planned to begin in 2024-2025
- Terminal C2: An expansion of Terminal C planned to start construction in 2024, which will help create capacity to serve up to 100 million passengers per year
Cargo Development
The airport has presented a “2030 Master Plan” for expanding its cargo complex:
- Focused on capturing growing Chinese cross-border e-commerce demand
- Addition of a third runway that will double available airfield capacity
- Expansion of Moscow Cargo’s handling and storage facilities
This plan recognizes the significant growth in trade between Russia and China, which increased by 28% in 2018, reaching a record high of over US$100 billion. Imports of goods from China to SVO increased by more than 40% during the same period.
Technological Advancements
Sheremetyevo aims to become a more technologically advanced airport with initiatives such as:
- Implementation of biometric-based self-boarding solutions
- Process automation and analytics platforms
- Enhanced security systems, including an automated passport control system tested by the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB)
Infrastructure Improvements
Beyond terminal expansions, the airport is investing in infrastructure enhancements:
- Upgrading existing runways and taxiways
- Improving ground transportation connections
- Expanding parking facilities
- Enhancing the airport’s energy efficiency and sustainability
As Sheremetyevo continues to evolve, it’s positioning itself not just as Russia’s leading airport but as one of the premier aviation hubs in Europe. The airport’s strategic location between Europe and Asia gives it a natural advantage as a transfer point for international travelers, while its expanding facilities and service improvements aim to provide a world-class experience for all passengers.
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