Chulman Airport

Neryungri Airport, also known as Chulman Airport, sits 7 kilometres north of the town of Neryungri in the Sakha Republic, serving the coal mining region of southern Yakutia. The airport operates as a regional hub for flights to Moscow, Novosibirsk, and other Siberian destinations, with a single runway and a compact terminal that handles a modest but consistent flow of passengers. Its IATA code is CNN. The airport’s location, on a plateau near the Chulman River, places it about 30 kilometres from the larger town of Neryungri and roughly 700 kilometres south of Yakutsk. Most passengers are either coal industry workers or residents of Neryungri and nearby settlements, making travel patterns predictable around shift changes and holiday periods.

Getting There

Neryungri Airport is accessible by road from the town of Neryungri, which lies about 30 kilometres to the south. The drive takes roughly 30 to 40 minutes along the A360 Lena Highway, a paved road that connects the region to Yakutsk and beyond. Taxis are the most common option, costing roughly 1,500 to 2,000 rubles (US$15–20) for a one-way trip. Some hotels in Neryungri offer shuttle services for guests, but advance booking is recommended. For those driving themselves, parking at the airport is free and generally available, though the lot is small and fills quickly during peak times. Public buses do not operate directly to the airport; the nearest bus stop is in the village of Chulman, about 7 kilometres away, from which a taxi is required. Alternatively, passengers travelling from further afield, such as from Yakutsk or Aldan, can reach Neryungri by train or long-distance bus and then take a taxi to the airport. Train services run to Neryungri-Passazhirskaya station, about 20 kilometres from the town centre. From there, a taxi to the airport takes around 40 minutes. Given the region's harsh winter climate, road conditions can deteriorate between November and March, so extra travel time should be factored in during snowstorms or ice events.

Inside the Terminal

The terminal at Neryungri Airport is a single-story building with a functional, utilitarian feel. Upon arrival, passengers enter a small check-in hall with a row of counters and a few basic waiting seats. The only confirmed facility is a toilet, located near the departure area. There are no shops, cafes, or duty-free outlets within the terminal, so passengers should bring their own food and water for longer waits. Security screening is efficient and rarely crowded, but delays can occur during the busiest times: Monday at 10 am, Tuesday at 9 am, Wednesday at 8 am, and Thursday at 8 am. These times coincide with the morning departures to Moscow and Novosibirsk, so arriving at least 90 minutes early is advisable. The departure lounge offers limited seating and no charging points for electronic devices. Boarding is typically by bus to the aircraft, as there are no jet bridges. The atmosphere is calm and unpretentious, with staff known to be helpful but not always fluent in English. For passengers connecting to onward flights, note that there is no transit area; all passengers must exit and re-enter the terminal for connecting flights. The baggage claim area consists of a single carousel, and luggage usually arrives quickly. Overall, the terminal is basic but functional — it covers the essentials without any frills.

Neryungri Airport and Chulman

Chulman, the village adjacent to the airport, and the town of Neryungri together form the heart of southern Yakutia’s coal mining industry. The region sits on one of the largest coal deposits in Russia — the South Yakutia coal basin — which drives much of the local economy. Neryungri itself was founded in 1975 as a planned industrial city to support the mining operations, and its population of around 55,000 includes many workers from the nearby Neryungri open-pit coal mine, one of the largest in Russia. Beyond industry, the area offers rugged natural beauty. The Chulman River, which runs through the region, provides fishing and rafting opportunities during the short summer months. The nearby Stanovoy Range offers hiking and wildlife viewing, with brown bears, reindeer, and sable inhabiting the taiga forests. Winters are severe, with temperatures often dropping below -40°C in January, so many visitors come only for business. Yet the region has a distinct cultural character: the local population includes a mix of ethnic Yakuts, Russians, and Evenks, and traditional festivals such as Ysyakh (Yakut summer solstice) are celebrated in Neryungri's central park. For travellers with time to spare, the open-pit mine is a dramatic sight — an enormous terraced hole in the earth visible from the air. The town also has a modest museum of local lore and a number of Soviet-era monuments. Most visitors, however, pass through the airport en route to the mines or onward to Yakutsk. The airport’s role as a lifeline for the region cannot be overstated: without it, the coal industry’s workforce would rely on a two-day train journey from Yakutsk. The combination of heavy industry and remote taiga makes Chulman a uniquely utilitarian destination, but one with its own unpolished appeal.

Practical Information

Neryungri Airport is open daily from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm local time (Yakutsk time, UTC+9). All flights operate within these hours. The website is http://sever.aero/neryungri/ and the phone number is +7 411 473-50-85. The airport has no ATM or currency exchange; bring sufficient cash in rubles before arriving. The only confirmed facility is a toilet, so plan accordingly. For refreshments, the vending machine in the check-in hall may be available but is not guaranteed. Mobile phone reception in the terminal is generally good. One concrete piece of advice: if flying out during the busy Monday to Thursday morning times, book a taxi in Neryungri the night before, as local drivers are in high demand and hail-to-order apps are unreliable.