Perm International Airport

Overview

Perm International Airport, also known as Bol'shoe Savino Airport (IATA: PEE), serves as the primary air transport hub for the Perm Krai region in Russia. It handles both domestic and limited international flights, connecting the Ural region to major Russian cities such as Moscow, Saint Petersburg, and Kazan, as well as a few destinations in Central Asia and the Middle East. The airport is used by business travellers heading to the region’s industrial centres, tourists exploring the Ural Mountains and the Kama River, and locals commuting to other parts of Russia. With a single passenger terminal, the airport is relatively compact but functional, offering essential services for a efficient travel experience.

The airport operates as a base for several Russian airlines and sees a steady flow of passengers throughout the day, with noticeable peak activity around 9 to 10 pm, when multiple evening flights are scheduled. Perm International is not a 24-hour airport; its terminal hours align with flight operations, so travellers should check their flight times and plan accordingly.

Location & Access

Perm International Airport is situated approximately 16 kilometres (10 miles) southwest of downtown Perm, near the village of Bol'shoe Savino. The location lies along the Kama River valley, not far from the western foothills of the Ural Mountains. The airport is easily reachable by road:

• By car: The drive from Perm’s city centre takes about 20–30 minutes via the Perm–Ekaterinburg highway (R‑242). Taxis and ride‑hailing services are widely available—look for fixed‑rate options at the airport’s official taxi counter.
• By public transport: City bus route 35 runs from the airport to Perm’s central bus station and railway station, with departures every 30–40 minutes during daytime. Additionally, shuttle minibuses (marshrutkas) connect the airport to key points in the city.
• By private transfer: Many hotels and businesses offer pre‑booked transfers, which can be arranged through the airport’s website or travel agencies.

The airport is also accessible to travellers heading to nearby towns such as Krasnokamsk (about 20 km north) and Kungur (about 100 km south), though a car or taxi is recommended for those destinations.

Facilities

Perm International Airport provides a solid range of amenities focused on passenger comfort and accessibility. All confirmed facilities are wheelchair‑friendly:

• Wheelchair accessibility: The airport offers a wheelchair‑accessible car park, entrance, seating areas, and toilets. Wheelchair rental is available at the terminal, making it easy for passengers with limited mobility to navigate the facility.
• Baggage storage: Luggage can be left securely at the baggage storage service located in the arrivals hall, convenient for short stops or layovers.
• Wi‑Fi: Free wireless internet is available throughout the terminal, allowing passengers to stay connected.
• Restrooms: Clean toilets are provided, and some include changing tables for families with infants.
• Other services: The terminal also features a café, a duty‑free shop, and ATMs. However, given its moderate size, dining and shopping options are limited; travellers on longer waits may wish to bring snacks or entertainment.

Peak hours (9–10 pm) can lead to crowding at check‑in and security, so it is advisable to arrive at least two hours before domestic flights and three hours before international departures.

About the Region

Perm is the capital of Perm Krai, a region rich in natural resources and history. Geographically, it sits on the Kama River, one of the longest rivers in Europe, just to the west of the Ural Mountains—the natural boundary between Europe and Asia. The region is a major center for oil, gas, and chemical industries, which drive much of the business travel through the airport.

Tourists come to Perm for its cultural landmarks, such as the Perm Opera and Ballet Theatre (one of the oldest in Russia), the Perm Museum of Local Lore, and the unique collection of Perm wooden sculpture—a form of religious art found only in this area. The nearby Kungur Ice Cave, a vast karst cave system, is a popular natural attraction. In winter, the region offers skiing and snowmobiling in the Ural Mountains.

The Permian geological period—roughly 299 to 251 million years ago—was named after this region, and fossils from that era are still studied by scientists worldwide.

Practical Information

• Website: http://aviaperm.ru/ – the official site provides flight schedules, online check‑in, and service updates.
• Phone: +7 342 299‑17‑71 – a 24‑hour information line for passenger inquiries.
• Hours: The terminal operates according to the daily flight schedule. It is not open all day; doors typically open 2–3 hours before the first flight and close after the last arrival. Passengers should verify their flight time and arrive accordingly.
• Peak hours: 9 pm to 10 pm – expect longer queues during this period.

For up‑to‑date travel information, always check the airport’s official website or contact the information desk upon arrival.