โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
International โ Domestic
90
minutes
International โ International
120
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Ihor Sikorsky Kyiv International Airport (IEV), also known as Zhuliany Airport, is a primary international aviation facility located within the city limits of Kyiv, Ukraine. As the city's secondary international gateway, it acts as a critical hub for low-cost carriers, regional domestic flights, and business aviation. The airport features a sophisticated infrastructure with three passenger terminals, including the modern Terminal A, which handles the majority of international traffic, and Terminal D, which serves domestic and regional services.
The terminal facilities at Zhuliany are designed for high efficiency and passenger comfort, offering a comprehensive range of services. Within the terminals, travelers can find numerous check-in counters, streamlined security screening areas, and spacious departure lounges. Amenities include duty-free shopping, several restaurants serving traditional Ukrainian and international cuisine, and comfortable waiting zones. The airport is also notable for its proximity to the State Aviation Museum of Ukraine, one of the world's largest aviation museums, which is located immediately adjacent to the airfield.
Ground transportation at IEV is exceptionally well-coordinated, featuring direct links to Kyiv's central districts via public buses, trolleybuses, and several authorized taxi services. Its location just 7 kilometers from the urban core provides rapid access to the city's commercial, historical, and governmental centers. For visitors exploring the rich cultural heritage of Kyiv, Zhuliany Airport offers a professional and highly accessible gateway, significantly reducing travel time compared to the larger and more distant Boryspil International Airport.
๐ Connection Tips
Connecting through Ihor Sikorsky Kyiv International Airport (IEV) is generally a smooth and efficient process, as the facility handles a manageable volume of domestic and regional international traffic, primarily linked to major European cities and regional Ukrainian hubs. If you are traveling on a single ticket with an airline like Wizz Air or Vueling, your checked baggage will typically be transferred automatically to your final destination, allowing you to remain in the secure transit area for your onward journey. However, always confirm this at your initial check-in point. For self-transfers or passengers traveling on separate tickets, it is recommended to allow at least 90 to 120 minutes for domestic-to-domestic connections and at least three hours for any connection involving an international flight.
This provides an essential buffer to clear immigration, collect your luggage from the arrivals hall, move between the terminal buildings (which are within walking distance), and proceed back through security and check-in. The immigration process at Zhuliany is known for its efficiency, but travelers should still be prepared for potential queues during peak travel times. While waiting for your onward flight, the terminals offer several comfortable seating areas and free Wi-Fi throughout the passenger zones.
While there are no dedicated high-end international business lounges, several cafes and snack bars in the departure lounge provide a pleasant place to relax. If you have a layover exceeding four hours, a quick trip into downtown Kyiv to see the historic Sophia Cathedral or the Independence Square is an excellent way to spend your time, provided you have the appropriate documentation for entry. Always keep your boarding pass and a valid passport (with any necessary Ukrainian visas) easily accessible throughout your time
โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Hostomel Airport (GML), also known as Antonov Airport, is a significant international cargo and testing facility located in the town of Hostomel, approximately 25 kilometers northwest of Kyiv, Ukraine. Owned and operated by the Antonov State Enterprise, the airport has long served as the primary hub for Antonov Airlines, one of the world's leading heavy-lift cargo carriers. The airport operated a substantial 3,500-meter concrete runway and has been a critical center for aircraft development, flight testing, and international logistics.
The airport gained worldwide recognition as the home base of the Antonov An-225 Mriya, the largest and heaviest cargo aircraft ever built. The facilities at Hostomel were specifically designed to accommodate such massive aircraft, featuring large hangars and specialized ground handling equipment. However, the airport was a major strategic target during the Battle of Hostomel in early 2022, resulting in significant damage to its infrastructure, including the destruction of the control tower and several administration buildings. Most tragically, the An-225 Mriya was also destroyed during the conflict while undergoing maintenance.
As a dedicated cargo and testing hub, GML does not host regularly scheduled commercial passenger airline services. Its operations have historically been focused on oversized and heavy-lift freight, serving as a vital link for global industries ranging from aerospace to energy. The airport also served as a primary testing site for new Antonov aircraft designs. Since the 2022 conflict, the facility has been undergoing salvage and stabilization efforts, with plans for its eventual reconstruction as a symbol of Ukraine's resilient aviation industry.
Ground transportation to Hostomel Airport is typically managed via private vehicles or specialized cargo transport, as there are no regular public passenger shuttle services to the terminal area. The town of Hostomel is located near the major highways connecting Kyiv to the western regions of the country. Visitors to the area are advised to be mindful of the current security situation and the ongoing reconstruction efforts. Despite its extensive damage, Hostomel Airport remains an iconic site in global aviation history and a cornerstone of Ukraine's long-term aviation strategy.
๐ Connection Tips
Gostomel Airport (GML), also known as Antonov Airport, is a specialized international cargo hub and flight testing facility located in Hostomel, near Kiev, Ukraine. It was world-renowned as the primary base for the Antonov Airlines fleet and the home of the legendary An-225 Mriya. A critical and sobering tip for travelers is that as of early 2026, the airport remains non-operational for civilian or commercial traffic due to the catastrophic damage sustained during the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. For all travel to the Kiev region, the primary and only functional commercial gateways are Kiev Boryspil International (KBP) and Igor Sikorsky Kiev (IEV), though their operational statuses are also highly subject to the ongoing security situation.
Historically, GML served as a major point of entry for high-value and oversized cargo and did not host regular passenger airline 'connections' in the traditional sense. For those involved in the reconstruction efforts or visiting for administrative purposes, ground transportation to central Kiev (approximately 25 kilometers to the southeast) is best managed through official government or organization-provided secure vehicles. Public transit options, such as regional buses from the Svyatoshyn metro station, may have significantly altered schedules. The environment around Hostomel is currently a focus of significant restoration and security protocols.
Travelers to this region should be aware of the high density of security checkpoints and the potential for unexploded ordnance in non-cleared areas. When planning any travel to Ukraine, always consult the latest advisories from your national embassy and maintain a flexible and security-focused mindset. This facility, while currently a site of immense historical and tragic significance, remains a vital symbol of Ukraine's aviation resilience and its future reconstruction goals.
โ Back to Ihor Sikorsky Kyiv International Airport (Zhuliany)