Cherskiy Airport (CYX)

Cherskiy Airport (CYX), also known by its ICAO code UESS, is a critical Arctic aviation facility located just south of the settlement of Chersky in the Sakha Republic (Yakutia), Russia. Situated in the extreme northeast of Siberia near the mouth of the Kolyma River, the airport serves as a primary lifeline for this remote region, providing essential year-round connectivity that is often impossible by road or sea. Its strategic position makes it a vital hub for regional transport, logistics, and emergency services in the Russian Arctic. The airport's physical infrastructure is centered around a single concrete runway designated as 13/31, which measures approximately 1,700 meters (5,577 feet) in length. This runway is capable of handling small to medium-sized transport aircraft and regional turboprops, ensuring that the community remains connected to major provincial centers. The facility is equipped with low-intensity runway lighting and a control tower that typically operates during daylight hours, supporting the safe arrival and departure of flights in the challenging weather conditions of the high north. The passenger terminal at Cherskiy is a modest, single-story building designed for functional efficiency rather than luxury. Inside, travelers will find a common waiting hall that serves as both the departure and arrival area. Basic amenities include check-in counters, a small snack bar offering hot tea and light refreshments, and essential services such as a medical point and a mother-and-child room. Due to the airport's small size and low traffic volume, passenger processing is typically very rapid, often taking less than 30 minutes from arrival to boarding. Beyond its role in commercial travel, Cherskiy Airport is a key logistical point for scientific expeditions and industrial operations in the Yakutia region. It provides a crucial link for the delivery of mail, fresh supplies, and technical equipment to the isolated Arctic settlements along the Kolyma River. For those traveling to Chersky, the airport offers a unique entry point to one of the most remote and scientifically significant areas of the world, including the nearby Pleistocene Park and various Arctic research stations.