1st ever filmmaking-oriented airport opens in Russia's city of Vologda

By Elena Teslova

MOSCOW (AA) - Russia's first-ever filmmaking-oriented airport officially opened on Saturday in the city of Vologda after undergoing a renovation process.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Governor of the Vologda region Georgy Filimonov said that now Vologda possesses a meaningful transport hub, which will also serve cinematographic purposes.

"A meaningful transport hub was built in the regional capital. We really need a center for transport and logistics infrastructure," he said, noting that it will also contribute to the development of tourism.

The airport’s interior has been meticulously styled to reflect the Soviet era, offering an authentic setting for films set in that period.

This redesign aims to cater to the needs of filmmakers while preserving the airport’s historical features, which have long been valued for their retro aesthetic.

The renovations retained iconic Soviet-era features, including buffets with period-accurate decor, vintage slot machines, telephone booths equipped with payphones, stained glass windows, and murals.

These design elements were specifically chosen to immerse visitors in the Soviet Union’s distinctive ambiance while celebrating aviation history and the cultural heritage of the Vologda region.

At the heart of the revamped terminal is a model of the Yak-40, a legendary symbol of Soviet aviation and the world’s first regional jet.

First introduced in 1968, the Yak-40 was a revolutionary aircraft, designed for short-haul routes with the capability to operate on smaller, unpaved airstrips. Its tri-jet configuration and rugged construction made it a reliable workhorse, fulfilling various roles such as passenger transport, cargo delivery, and military missions.

Over 1,000 units were produced, and the aircraft gained recognition for its versatility and durability across remote regions and international markets. The Yak-40 model displayed in the terminal underscores its historical significance and contribution to Soviet aviation engineering.

According to film industry experts, Vologda Airport is among the very few facilities in Russia that have preserved their original Soviet aesthetic for over four decades.

This makes it a sought-after location for movie productions. In recent years, numerous films and TV series have been shot at the airport, utilizing its retro charm to bring historical settings to life.

To celebrate the opening of the renovated terminal, a preview screening of the new TV series Lilies of the Valley was held. This event marked a fitting tribute to the airport’s evolution into a hub for both aviation and cinematic storytelling.