Sheremetyevo International Airport

Location and layout

Sheremetyevo is located to the northwest of central Moscow, in the city of Khimki. The airport complex comprises multiple passenger terminals, cargo areas, maintenance facilities and apron space. Its terminal complex has been developed in stages over several decades to separate international and domestic traffic and to provide dedicated infrastructure for transit and transfer passengers.

Terminals and facilities

The airport has historically operated several terminals serving distinct functions—international arrivals and departures, domestic flights and business or general aviation. Modern terminals provide the usual range of amenities found at large international airports, including immigration and customs processing, baggage handling systems, lounges, retail and dining, and facilities for disabled passengers. Groundside services include long‑term parking, car rental centers and dedicated areas for freight and mail handling.

History and development

Sheremetyevo began as a military airfield and was converted into a civilian airport in 1959. Since then the site has expanded in response to growing air travel demand, Cold War and post‑Soviet aviation developments, and the needs of flag and low‑cost carriers. Over time the airport has undergone reconstruction and modernization to improve passenger capacity, runway and taxiway arrangements, and inter‑terminal connections.

Airlines, traffic and transport links

The airport serves as a principal hub for major Russian carriers, providing long‑haul international links as well as an extensive domestic network. Ground transportation connections include express rail services, regular bus and coach lines, highway links and taxi services that connect the airport with central Moscow and surrounding suburbs. Cargo operators also use Sheremetyevo as a freight gateway for the region.

Importance and notable facts

• Its status as the busiest airport in Russia reflects high passenger and cargo throughput compared with other national airports.
• As a principal hub, it plays a key role in connecting Moscow to Europe, Asia and the rest of the world.
• The airport’s renaming in 2019 honored the literary figure Alexander Pushkin, a change that appears in official references and signage.
• Passenger experience and infrastructure have been periodically upgraded to meet international safety, security and service standards.

Sheremetyevo remains a central element of Russia’s civil aviation network: a large, evolving complex that links the capital to domestic regions and overseas destinations, while continuing to adapt to changing traffic patterns and industry requirements.