Kazakhstan airports guide and source of informations. Kazakhstan in Asia is a country that has been rapidly growing in popularity among travelers in recent years, and its airports have been keeping up with the demand. As an expert in the aviation and travel industries, I am pleased to share with you some detailed information on Kazakhstan’s airports, arrivals, facilities, transportation, and terminal buildings.
There are several airports in Kazakhstan, but the two most commonly used by travelers are the Almaty International Airport (ALA) and the Nursultan Nazarbayev International Airport (NQZ). Here’s what you need to know about these airports:
Airports in Kazakhstan offer modern facilities and a range of transportation options to get travelers where they need to go. With a growing number of international flights to Kazakhstan, these airports are sure to continue improving to meet the needs of travelers from around the world.
Almaty International Airport (ALA)
Almaty International Airport is the busiest airport in Kazakhstan, and very busy airport in Asia. It is located in the southern part of the country. It is a modern airport with two terminals – Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. Terminal 1 is used for domestic flights, while Terminal 2 is used for international flights. Here are some key details about the airport:
Arrivals: Upon arrival, passengers will go through customs and immigration before collecting their baggage. There are several currency exchange booths and ATMs available in the arrivals area. There are also several car rental agencies located in the airport, as well as taxis and buses that can take passengers into the city.
Facilities: The airport has a wide range of facilities, including restaurants, cafes, and duty-free shops. There are also VIP lounges available for those who need them. Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport for free, and there are charging stations located throughout the terminals.
Transportation: The most common mode of transportation from the airport is by taxi. Taxis are readily available outside both terminals, and the cost to the city center is generally between 1,500 and 2,000 tenge (about $4.50 to $6 USD). Buses are also available, but they can be crowded and less convenient than taking a taxi.
Nursultan Nazarbayev International Airport (NQZ)
Nursultan Nazarbayev International Airport is located in the capital city of Nur-Sultan (formerly Astana) in the northern part of Kazakhstan. It is a modern airport with one terminal building that handles both domestic and international flights. Here are some key details about the airport:
Arrivals: Upon arrival, passengers will go through customs and immigration before collecting their baggage. There are several currency exchange booths and ATMs available in the arrivals area. Car rental agencies, taxis, and buses are available for transportation into the city.
Facilities: The airport has a range of facilities, including restaurants, cafes, and duty-free shops. There are also VIP lounges available for those who need them. Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport for free, and there are charging stations located throughout the terminal.
Transportation: Taxis are readily available outside the terminal building, and the cost to the city center is generally between 2,000 and 3,000 tenge (about $6 to $9 USD). Buses are also available, but they can be crowded and less convenient than taking a taxi.
In addition to Almaty and Nur-Sultan airports, there are several other airports in Kazakhstan that cater to domestic and regional flights, including Shymkent International Airport, Aktobe International Airport, and Aktau Airport. Here are some additional details about the facilities and services available at these airports:
Shymkent International Airport
Shymkent International Airport is located in the southern part of Kazakhstan, serving the city of Shymkent and the surrounding region. The airport has one terminal building that handles both domestic and international flights.
Facilities: The airport has several restaurants, cafes, and duty-free shops. There are also VIP lounges available for those who need them. Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport for free, and there are charging stations located throughout the terminal.
Transportation: Taxis are readily available outside the terminal building, and the cost to the city center is generally between 1,500 and 2,000 tenge (about $4.50 to $6 USD). Buses are also available, but they can be crowded and less convenient than taking a taxi.
Aktobe International Airport
Aktobe International Airport is located in the western part of Kazakhstan, serving the city of Aktobe and the surrounding region. The airport has one terminal building that handles both domestic and international flights.
Facilities: The airport has several restaurants, cafes, and duty-free shops. There are also VIP lounges available for those who need them. Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport for free, and there are charging stations located throughout the terminal.
Transportation: Taxis are readily available outside the terminal building, and the cost to the city center is generally between 1,000 and 1,500 tenge (about $3 to $4.50 USD). Buses are also available, but they can be crowded and less convenient than taking a taxi.
Aktau Airport
Aktau Airport is located in the southwestern part of Kazakhstan, serving the city of Aktau and the surrounding region. The airport has one terminal building that handles both domestic and international flights.
Facilities: The airport has several restaurants, cafes, and duty-free shops. There are also VIP lounges available for those who need them. Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport for free, and there are charging stations located throughout the terminal.
Transportation: Taxis are readily available outside the terminal building, and the cost to the city center is generally between 2,000 and 3,000 tenge (about $6 to $9 USD). Buses are also available, but they can be crowded and less convenient than taking a taxi.
ON ARRIVAL ON KAZAKHSTAN AIRPORTS
When traveling through Kazakhstan’s airports, there are a few additional things to keep in mind:
- Visa requirements: Depending on your nationality, you may need a visa to enter Kazakhstan. Be sure to check the visa requirements before you travel and obtain any necessary visas in advance to avoid any delays or issues upon arrival.
- Security: All airports in Kazakhstan have security checks, so be prepared to go through metal detectors and have your bags scanned. It’s a good idea to pack your liquids and electronics in a way that makes them easy to access for inspection.
- Language: While English is spoken at major airports like Almaty and Nur-Sultan, it may be less common at smaller regional airports. Consider downloading a translation app or bringing a phrasebook to help communicate with airport staff if needed.
- Currency: The local currency in Kazakhstan is the tenge. While major airports will likely have currency exchange services available, it’s a good idea to have some local currency on hand for taxis and other expenses.
- Time zone: Kazakhstan is spread across multiple time zones, so be sure to double-check your flight times and the local time at your destination to avoid any confusion.
Overall, Kazakhstan’s airports offer modern facilities and a range of services for travelers. With a bit of preparation and knowledge of what to expect, navigating the country’s airports should be a smooth and hassle-free experience.
ALL KAZAKHSTAN AIRPORTS
List of airports in Kazakhstan, including the smallest airports and their IATA codes:
- Nursultan Nazarbayev International Airport (NQZ) – located in Nur-Sultan, the capital city of Kazakhstan. It is the largest and busiest airport in the country.
- Almaty International Airport (ALA) – located in Almaty, the largest city in Kazakhstan. It is the second-busiest airport in the country.
- Aktau International Airport (SCO) – located in Aktau, a city on the Caspian Sea in western Kazakhstan.
- Atyrau Airport (GUW) – located in Atyrau, a city in western Kazakhstan known for its oil industry.
- Shymkent International Airport (CIT) – located in Shymkent, the third-largest city in Kazakhstan and a major transportation hub in the southern part of the country.
- Karaganda Airport (KGF) – located in Karaganda, a city in central Kazakhstan known for its coal mining industry.
- Oral Ak Zhol Airport (URA) – located in Oral, a city in western Kazakhstan.
- Semey Airport (PLX) – located in Semey, a city in eastern Kazakhstan near the border with Russia.
- Pavlodar Airport (PWQ) – located in Pavlodar, a city in northeastern Kazakhstan known for its chemical industry.
- Kostanay West Airport (KSN) – located in Kostanay, a city in northern Kazakhstan near the border with Russia.
- Zhezkazgan Airport (DZN) – located in Zhezkazgan, a city in central Kazakhstan known for its copper mining industry.
- Kokshetau Airport (KOV) – located in Kokshetau, a city in northern Kazakhstan known for its dairy industry.
- Taldykorgan Airport (TDK) – located in Taldykorgan, a city in southeastern Kazakhstan.
- Petropavlovsk Airport (PPK) – located in Petropavlovsk, a city in northern Kazakhstan near the border with Russia.
- Ust-Kamenogorsk Airport (UKK) – located in Ust-Kamenogorsk, a city in eastern Kazakhstan near the border with Russia.
- Taraz Airport (DMB) – located in the southern city of Taraz, this airport offers flights to major cities in Kazakhstan and neighboring countries.
- Zaysan Airport (SZI) – located in the eastern town of Zaysan, this airport serves as an important transportation link for the region.
- Kyzylorda Airport (KZO) – located in the southern city of Kyzylorda, this airport serves the surrounding region.
- Balkhash Airport (BXH) – located in the city of Balkhash, this airport offers domestic flights to several cities in Kazakhstan.
- Uralsk Airport (URA) – located in the western city of Uralsk, this airport offers flights to major cities in Kazakhstan and Russia.
- Zhanaozen Airport (KZN) – located in the southwestern town of Zhanaozen, this airport serves the surrounding oil and gas industry.
- Zhezkent Airport (DZN) – located in the southern town of Zhezkent, this airport serves the surrounding region.
- Kyzyl Airport (KYZ) – located in the southern city of Kyzyl, this airport serves the surrounding region.
- Sary-Arka Airport (KGF) – located in the central city of Karaganda, this airport serves as a major transportation hub for the region.
- Kurchatov Airport (KOV) – located in the northeastern town of Kurchatov, this airport serves the surrounding region.
- Oskemen Airport (UKK) – located in the eastern city of Oskemen, this airport serves as an important transportation link for the region.
- Baykonur Cosmodrome Airport (BXY) – located at the Baikonur Cosmodrome, the world’s first and largest operational space launch facility.
TRAVEL TIPS TO KAZAKHSTAN
Here are some additional tips for travelers to Kazakhstan:
- Plan ahead: Kazakhstan is a large country, so it’s important to plan your travel itinerary in advance. Consider the distances between cities and the time it takes to travel by car or train. Make sure to book your accommodations and transportation well in advance, especially during peak travel seasons.
- Dress for the weather: Kazakhstan experiences extreme temperatures, with hot summers and cold winters. Make sure to check the weather forecast for your destination and pack accordingly. In the winter, you’ll need warm layers, hats, gloves, and a good coat. In the summer, lightweight, breathable clothing is essential.
- Be respectful of local customs: Kazakhstan is a predominantly Muslim country, so it’s important to be respectful of local customs and traditions. Dress modestly when visiting mosques or other religious sites, and avoid public displays of affection. It’s also polite to remove your shoes when entering someone’s home.
- Try the local cuisine: Kazakhstan has a rich culinary tradition influenced by its Central Asian and Russian heritage. Be sure to try traditional dishes like beshbarmak (a meat and noodle dish), shashlik (grilled meat skewers), and kurt (dried sour milk balls).
- Learn a few phrases in Russian or Kazakh: While many people in Kazakhstan speak English, it’s always appreciated when travelers make an effort to learn a few phrases in the local language. Consider learning basic phrases like “hello,” “thank you,” and “excuse me.”
Overall, Kazakhstan is a fascinating country with a rich culture and history. By following these tips and being prepared, you’ll be able to make the most of your travels to this unique destination.