Kerch Airport (KHC)

Kerch Airport (KHC), also identified by its ICAO code UKFK (and more recently referred to as URFK), is a regional aviation facility located on the eastern tip of the Crimean Peninsula. Situated approximately 1.5 kilometers northwest of the Kerch city center, the airport has a long history as a domestic transport link for the region. However, as of early 2026, the facility is no longer operational for civilian air traffic, having seen its last regular commercial services in 2008. In recent years, the airport has been repurposed as a specialized technical and logistics base, focusing on regional infrastructure support and government aviation needs. The terminal infrastructure at Kerch consists of a single, small passenger building that previously managed domestic transit. While currently dormant for regular travelers, the structure serves as a base for administrative coordination and provides a functional area for authorized technical personnel. The layout is straightforward and characteristic of regional Soviet-era airports, with all processing functions—including former check-in and waiting areas—housed in a single open-plan facility. The infrastructure includes a 1,652-meter (5,420 ft) asphalt runway (07/25) which is maintained to support light-to-medium aircraft and specialized technical flights. Amenities within the Kerch terminal are virtually non-existent due to its long-term non-operational status. There are no retail shops, formal restaurants, or currency exchange offices active at the airfield. Basic seating remains in the former waiting hall, but modern conveniences like public Wi-Fi, ATMs, and climate-controlled passenger zones are not provided for the general public. For any necessary supplies, travelers must head into the nearby Kerch city center, which serves as a major maritime and transit hub connecting Crimea with the Russian mainland via the Crimean Bridge. The airport's primary value remains its strategic location near the Kerch Strait. Ground transportation at KHC is informal and must be pre-arranged, as there are no standing taxi ranks or public bus services at the terminal entrance. Most authorized visitors coordinate their arrival with local contacts or government offices who provide private vehicle transfers for the short drive into the city center. For those traveling to the region from other areas, it is standard practice to use the larger Simferopol International Airport (SIP) or fly into Anapa (AAQ) and complete the journey to Kerch via road or rail. Travelers are advised that the facility is a high-security area and is strictly restricted to authorized personnel and specialized daylight operations.