Minsk Airport 1 was the first and main air harbor of the capital of Belarus until 1984. To date, all flights previously operated from it have been transferred to the national airport (Minsk 2). The territory of the first air harbor is considered for the construction of a modern residential and business district of the city.
History
The first civil and international airport Minsk 1 is located in the city, very close to the center of the capital. He first began his work in 1933 and at first served only national flights.
The status of the international airport Minsk 1 acquired in 1955 and until 1984 remained the main airport of Belarus. Despite the presence of only one runway and limited technical characteristics, at one time the airport served a large number of flights and passengers.
However, by the beginning of the 70s. the technical characteristics and length of the runway began to limit the ability to receive and service large-sized aircraft, and it was decided to build a new airport - Minsk 2.
Minsk Airport 1 no longer serves regular flights and will cease to exist from the beginning of 2016. The airport building is planned to be preserved as a monument of architecture of the city.
Specifications
The airport runway is 2,000 meters long and 60 meters wide. The airport operates the Minsk Aircraft Repair Plant, which offers maintenance and repair of small aircraft, as well as the re-equipment of some aircraft models, including the Tu-134.
Airport Minsk 1 has everything you need for the acceptance and departure of international flights. The infrastructure, consisting of customs and border posts, the consular department, the ticket office, cafe, first-aid post, waiting rooms and VIP terminal, as well as the possibility of handling luggage and cargo, allows you to accept international flights of small civil aviation.
The airport is able to serve aircraft weighing up to 61 tons, as well as all types and models of helicopters. That is why, and also due to its location in the very center of the city, Minsk 1 Airport is the center of business and VIP aviation.
Location
The airport is located at the intersection of Chkalov and Aerodromnaya streets, 10 minutes. drive from Minsk Passenger Train Station and the central bus station, 20 min. walking distance from the University of Transport and 10 minutes. walk from the Museum of the Belarusian Railway.
The historical center of the capital is surrounded by Minsk 1 airport, the terminal address is ul. Chkalova, 38. The official mailing address of the airport is 220039, ul. Korotkevich, 7.
The convenient location of the airport Minsk 1 allows you to very quickly and inexpensively get to it both by public transport, and by taxi and private car.
Any public transport passing on the street. Airfield, takes passengers almost to the door of the airport building.
Minsk Airport 1: how to get there by public transport
You can get directly to the airport building both by bus and by city taxi. Trolleybuses do not go either on the street. Chkalov, not on the street Airfield; the nearest trolleybus stop, Korotkevicha, is three minutes walk from the legal address of the airport, on ul. Korotkevich, and in 5 minutes. walk from the terminal itself. At this stop there are trolleybus routes No. 11, 19, 27, 43, 51 and 59.
The bus stop closest to the terminal serves routes No. 4, 84, 100, 111, 124, 82s and 118s. There is a stop of routes No. 45, 53 and 93 across the road from the airport. A shuttle bus No. 1211 will also take you directly to the airport door.
Airport work
Being a practical and convenient center of business aviation, due to its location in the city, Minsk 1 does not lose its significance as an air harbor.
Despite the cancellation of regular civil aviation flights, Minsk 1 accepts diplomatic, business and VIP flights. In addition, the aircraft repair plant is engaged in the maintenance and repair of aircraft arriving at the airport Minsk 1. The official website of the company offers a number of services, including charter flights, rental of premises and video recording.
In addition to direct functions, the airport runway and apron often become the venue for official races of the Belarusian Automobile Federation. In 2015, the airport will host races of the second stage of the Eastern European Drifting Championship and 500+ drag racing.
Airport Future
The territory of the airport was allocated for the construction of a new, modern residential area and the Minsk City business center, with skyscrapers and high-rise residential quarters, which was not previously possible due to the limited buildings in height.
It was planned to remove all functioning enterprises from the territory by the end of 2011, however, due to difficulties with financing the project, the construction of Minsk City had to be postponed.
Today Minsk 1 is the oldest airport in the republic and is a monument not only of urban architecture, but also of Belarusian aviation.