Minsk National Airport is linked to the capital by the M2 motorway. By 1981 the aerodrome «Minsk-2» was able to handle aircraft and the airport opened in 1982. "Minsk Airport" redirects here. Construction of Minsk-2 airport began in 1977. For the former small city airport "Minsk-1", see In 1979, a new runway 3,640-m-long and 60-m-wide became operational. Free short term parking is available in front of the terminal. The first passenger flight was operated with a On 1 July 1983, «The Second Joint Aviation Division of Minsk» was established in accordance with the decision of the Regular flights began in 1983; by 1990 passenger traffic reached 2.2 million passengers. The airport serves as hub of the Belarusian flag carrier Belavia and the cargo carriers TransAVIAexport Airlines, Genex and Rubystar Airways. Minsk National Airport is the main international airport in Belarus, located 42 km to the east of the capital Minsk, geographically lying in the territory of Smalyavichy Raion but administratively being subordinated to Kastrychnitski District of Minsk. Bus, train, taxi and parking services are provided. From 1991, the number of flights began to decline due to the The following airlines operate regular scheduled and charter flights to and from Minsk:The airport is located 42 km (26 mi) east of Minsk, and is linked with the city with a toll-free (for non-BY registered cars) highway.