Russia mandates 24/7 medical stations at its busiest airports by 2026

Russia’s Ministry of Health has introduced new regulations for medical services at busy airports. The rules will apply to terminals handling over 39,000 passengers each month. They aim to ensure faster and more reliable emergency care for travellers and staff alike. Starting September 1, 2026, airport operators must set up paramedic first-aid stations across their premises. These stations will provide round-the-clock emergency and primary care, with urgent treatment guaranteed within 30 minutes of a patient’s arrival. The number of stations will depend on the airport’s size and passenger flow.

The new requirements include fully equipped facilities. Each station must have a waiting area, a procedure room, an office for the supervisor, and workstations for medical personnel. Additional spaces—such as a rest area, dining space, and separate restrooms for staff and patients—are also mandatory. Not all airports will need to establish these stations if another primary care unit already operates nearby. However, if emergency medical teams cannot reach the airport within 20 minutes, an on-site rapid-response team must be available. The rules ensure that specialised help arrives quickly, reducing delays in critical situations.

The updated regulations focus on improving medical response times and patient care in high-traffic airports. Operators must comply by September 2026, ensuring that both travellers and employees have access to timely emergency services. The changes reflect an effort to standardise medical support across Russia’s busiest transport hubs.