Cherkasy International Airport (CKC)

Cherkasy International Airport (CKC), also known by its ICAO code UKKE, is a significant regional aviation facility serving the city of Cherkasy and the broader Cherkasy Oblast in central Ukraine. Located approximately 5.5 kilometers from the city center, the airport acts as a critical link for the region's prominent chemical, agricultural, and industrial sectors. The facility is owned by the Cherkasy City Council and has been the subject of multiple major reconstruction efforts designed to restore its status as a leading domestic and international hub. The airport complex features a single, functional passenger terminal building with a throughput capacity of approximately 400 passengers per hour. The infrastructure is designed to handle both domestic and international traffic, with integrated facilities for customs and border control. In addition to the passenger terminal, the site includes a cargo terminal with a capacity for 1,000 tons of freight and a dedicated building for aircraft maintenance. The airfield consists of a single 2,493-meter artificial runway (15/33) with an asphalt concrete surface, capable of accommodating wide-body aircraft with a maximum takeoff weight of up to 185 tons. Amenities at Cherkasy International are designed to provide a comfortable experience for regional travelers. The terminal offers free Wi-Fi, a variety of cafes serving both traditional Ukrainian and European cuisine, and a gift shop selling local souvenirs. Essential services such as a 24-hour medical point, accessible restrooms, and centralized security screening are all available on-site. The facility also provides ample car parking for both short-term and long-term stays. While the terminal has undergone various modernization phases, its current operations are heavily influenced by the ongoing security situation in the country. Historically, Cherkasy was one of the largest airports in the USSR, handling up to 80 flights daily. While it lost its international status in the early 1990s, the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine officially reinstated it in 2009, allowing for international cargo and charter operations. However, as of early 2026, all civilian aviation operations in Ukraine remain suspended due to the ongoing military conflict and the closure of the country's airspace to civilian traffic. The airport remains a vital piece of national infrastructure, ready to support the reconstruction and economic recovery of central Ukraine once the regional security environment allows for the resumption of regular commercial air travel.