Mirny Airport

Mirny Airport: A Diamond in the Heart of Yakutia

Nestled in the heart of the vast and remote region of Yakutia, Russia lies a diamond of an airport – Mirny Airport. This domestic airport, with the IATA code MJZ and ICAO code UERR, may seem modest from the outside, but it boasts impressive features and a rich history that make it stand out from other airports.

With over 50 years of operation, Mirny Airport has become a crucial gateway for travelers and cargo in and out of Yakutia. And with its strategic location, it plays a vital role in the economic growth of the region Mirny Airport. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at Mirny Airport and discover why it’s truly a gem in Yakutia.

A Brief History

Mirny Airport, named after the town it is located in, started its operations in 1962. It was initially built as a military airfield for the Soviet Air Force and served as a base for Tu-95 strategic bombers. However, in the 1990s, the airport was taken over by the diamond mining company, ALROSA, and it became a domestic airport for commercial flights.

As the diamond industry continued to grow in Yakutia, the demand for air travel also increased, and Mirny Airport quickly became a vital transportation hub for both passengers and cargo. Today, it remains under the ownership and operation of ALROSA and has undergone significant expansions and improvements over the years to meet the growing needs of the region.

Location and Accessibility

Mirny Airport is situated just outside the town of Mirny in the Sakha Republic, Yakutia, Russia. It is one of the most isolated airports in the world, surrounded by vast forests and tundra. The nearest major city, Yakutsk, is about 1,100 kilometers away, and most of the surrounding towns and villages can only be reached by air or winter roads Mariehamn Airport.

Despite its remote location, Mirny Airport is strategically located near one of the largest diamond deposits in the world. This makes it a crucial transportation hub for the diamond mining industry in Yakutia, as well as for travelers and cargo from other industries.

The Infrastructure

Mirny Airport covers an area of 505 hectares, with one passenger terminal and one cargo terminal. The passenger terminal is a modern and spacious building with all the necessary amenities, including cafes, shops, and a VIP lounge. The terminal can handle up to 200 passengers per hour, and it is equipped with state-of-the-art security systems.

The cargo terminal is equally impressive, with a total area of 1,700 square meters and a storage capacity of 600 tons. It also has a separate area for handling valuable and dangerous goods. This makes Mirny Airport a popular choice for companies needing to transport large and valuable cargoes, such as diamonds and other precious minerals.

Flight Operations

Mirny Airport is a busy hub for both passenger and cargo transport, with ALROSA being the major operating airline. It offers daily flights to and from major cities in Russia, such as Moscow, Saint Petersburg, and Krasnoyarsk. The airport also handles international charter flights, primarily for diamond industry-related business, connecting Yakutia with other major diamond hubs, including Antwerp and Dubai.

The airport has one runway, measuring 3,600 meters in length, making it the longest civilian runway in Russia. This runway can accommodate various types of aircraft, including large cargo planes and passenger planes such as Boeing 737 and Airbus A320. Its well-maintained condition, even during harsh weather conditions in Yakutia, makes Mirny Airport an ideal choice for airlines.

Impressive Features and Accomplishments

Aside from its strategic location and impressive infrastructure, Mirny Airport boasts other outstanding features and accomplishments that make it stand out from other airports in the world.

For one, the airport has a unique taxiing system, where planes can taxi up to the terminal building directly, without any need for assistance from ground vehicles. This is due to the Arctic climate of Yakutia, where conventional asphalt surfaces are prone to cracking and damage. The taxiways and apron at Mirny Airport are made of thermoplastic materials, making them more durable and able to withstand extreme temperatures.

Another notable fact about Mirny Airport is that it is the only airport in the world where passenger boarding bridges are not used. This is because the extreme weather conditions, with temperatures dropping to -50°C, make it challenging to maintain and operate such equipment. Instead, passengers walk to and from the aircraft using a heated tunnel, which also serves as an additional security measure.

In 2017, Mirny Airport was awarded the "Best Airport in the Northern Region" by the Association of Air Transport Operators in Russia. This prestigious award recognizes the airport's continuous efforts to provide high-quality services and maintain a safe and reliable operation despite the challenging conditions in Yakutia.

Future Plans and Sustainability

As part of its continuous efforts to improve and grow, Mirny Airport has several plans in store for the future. One of the most exciting plans is the expansion of the passenger terminal, which will increase its capacity to 400 passengers per hour. This will cater to the growing number of passengers and further boost the airport's role in supporting the region's economic development.

Furthermore, Mirny Airport is committed to sustainability and protecting the environment. The airport utilizes solar panels for its electricity needs and employs a waste management system to reduce its carbon footprint. These efforts have earned Mirny Airport the Green Airport certification, making it the only airport in Russia with this recognition.

In Conclusion

Mirny Airport may not be the busiest or most well-known airport in the world, but it's undoubtedly a diamond in the heart of Yakutia. Its strategic location, impressive infrastructure, and unique features make it stand out from other airports and play a crucial role in the region's economic growth. With continuous improvements and dedication to sustainability, Mirny Airport will continue to shine bright and serve as a vital gateway for travelers and cargo in Yakutia for many years to come.

Mirny Airport

Airport Details Mirny Airport - Name Airport: Mirny Airport

• Category: Airports M
• Name Airport: Mirny Airport
• IATA Code: MJZ
• ICAO Code: UERR
• Country: Russia
• Address: Mirny, Yakutia, Russia
• Type: Domestic
• Established Year: 1962
• Area Size: 505 hectares
• Owner Operator: ALROSA
• Passenger Terminals: 1
• Cargo Terminals: 1
• Major Operating Airlines: ALROSA
• Runways: 1
• Longest Runway: 3,600 meters
• Shortest Runway: 3,600 meters

MJZ

• Passenger Gates: 4
• Cargo Gates: 2
• Operating Airlines: ALROSA
• Daily Flights: 12
• Annual Passenger Capacity: 200,000
• Number of Employees: 200
• Official Contact Number: +7 41136 44-0-55
• VIP Lounge: Yes
• Parking Facilities: Yes
• Distance from City Center: 8 km
• Distance from Nearest Business Hub: 12 km
• Restaurants and Cafes: 3
• Duty Free Shops: 1
• Car Rental Facilities: Yes
• Taxi Services: Yes

Mirny Airport

Mirny Airport: A Diamond in the Heart of Yakutia

Disclaimer: The content provided is for informational purposes only. We cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information on this page 100%. All information provided here may change without prior notice.