Zhukovsky International airport (ZIA)

Zhukovsky International Airport (IATA: ZIA, ICAO: UUBW) is situated in the town of Zhukovsky, Moscow Oblast, Russia. Located approximately 40 kilometers southeast of Moscow's city center, it serves as both an international and domestic airport, providing an important gateway for passengers traveling to and from the Russian capital. The airport is named after the prominent Soviet-era scientist and founder of modern aerodynamics, Nikolai Zhukovsky.

Zhukovsky International officially began its commercial operations in 2016. However, its origins trace back to the Soviet era when it primarily served as a testing facility for Russia's aerospace and defense industries, managed by the Gromov Flight Research Institute. The transition from a specialized aeronautics center to a public airport marked a significant expansion of its role, aiming to alleviate congestion at Moscow’s other major airports: Sheremetyevo, Domodedovo, and Vnukovo.

The airport features a single, extensive runway, one of the longest in Europe, which comfortably accommodates a wide range of aircraft. As of recent years, Zhukovsky International has been experiencing steady growth. It caters to an increasing volume of passengers and airlines, including both Russian carriers like Ural Airlines and international ones. Though smaller in scale compared to Moscow's primary airports, Zhukovsky handled approximately 2 million passengers and over 10,000 flights annually.

Zhukovsky International continues to play a crucial role in the Moscow aviation landscape, reflecting modern advancements while honoring its historical significance in Russia's aerospace heritage. The airport's ongoing development signifies its commitment to enhancing connectivity and bolstering both regional and international travel.