The primary airport for international traffic in Moscow is the Sheremetyevo International Airport (SVO). The airport is equipped with facilities for the disabled and persons in wheelchairs.
Upon arrival at the airport, disabled passengers should not expect to have their gate-checked mobility equipment, wheelchairs included, returned to them prior to arriving at baggage claim. If you have arrived to Moscow on a direct flight from an airport in the United States or were a passenger on a U.S. carrier (American, Delta or United), file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Transportation for a violation of your rights under the ACAA.
For passengers departing from SVO, it is possible to gate-check your wheelchair, no matter what excuses your airline’s staff offer. Stand firm and you will be able to take your wheelchair, manual OR powered, to the gate and aircraft door. I have personally tested this on departures from terminals D and E, with both SkyTeam and Oneworld airlines.
The airport terminals themselves are well configured for disabled travelers, with accessible restroom facilities throughout the terminal. On the pre-security, public side of Terminal D, the Saturn Lounge is open around the clock for the use of passengers with disabilities. Airside, within the secure area, the Sirius Lounge is available for passengers departing from terminals D, E and F. For more information about these lounges for disabled travelers or the Sheremetyevo Airport, visit svo.aero.
The City of Moscow is served by two additional airports, Domodedovo International Airport (DME) and Vnukovo International Airport (VKO). Although I have not reviewed or flown to/from these airports, information is available on the official airport websites at the following links:
Domodedovo (DME): www.domodedovo.ru
Vnukovo (VKO): www.vnukovo.ru
All passengers, especially disabled travelers, should arrive at the airport for check-in two hours prior to the departure of their flight. If you will require a loaner wheelchair to traverse the airport and terminal or need another type of disability assistance, contact your airline directly. For more information, or to read frequently asked questions about air travel with a mobility disability, consult my Wheelchair Users’ Guide to Air Travel.
