International Airports:
| Airport Name | City | ICAO Code | IATA Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nursultan Nazarbayev International Airport | Nur-Sultan | UACC | NQZ |
| Almaty International Airport | Almaty | UAAA | ALA |
| Aktau International Airport | Aktau | UATE | SCO |
| Shymkent International Airport | Shymkent | UAII | CIT |
| Karaganda International Airport | Karaganda | UAKK | KGF |
| Atyrau International Airport | Atyrau | UATG | GUW |
| Kyzylorda International Airport | Kyzylorda | UAOO | KZO |
| Oral Ak Zhol Airport | Oral | UARR | URA |
| Oskemen International Airport | Oskemen | UASK | UKK |
| Pavlodar International Airport | Pavlodar | UASP | PWQ |
| Semey International Airport | Semey | UASS | PLX |
| Zhezkazgan International Airport | Zhezkazgan | UAKD | DZN |
| Baikonur Krayniy Airport | Baikonur | UAOL | BXY |
| Ekibastuz International Airport | Ekibastuz | UASB | EKB |
| Arkalyk International Airport | Arkalyk | UAUR | AYK |
| Taldykorgan International Airport | Taldykorgan | UAAT | TDK |
| Urzhar International Airport | Urzhar | UASU | UZR |
| Usharal International Airport | Usharal | UAAL | USJ |
| Vostochny International Airport | Vostochny | ||
| Zaysan International Airport | Zaysan | UASZ | SZI |
Domestic Airports:
| Airport Name | City | ICAO Code | IATA Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boraldai Airport | Almaty | UAAR | SAH |
| Atbasar Airport | Atbasar | ATX | |
| Balkhash Airport | Balkhash | UAAH | BXH |
| Arkalyk Airport | Arkalyk | UAUR | AYK |
| Kokshetau International Airport | Kokshetau | UACK | KOV |
| Kostanay Airport | Kostanay | UAUU | KSN |
| Kyzylorda Airport | Kyzylorda | UAOO | KZO |
| Kulsary Airport | Kulsary | UATZ | |
| Petropavl Airport | Petropavl | UACP | PPK |
| Semey Airport | Semey | UASS | PLX |
| Taldykorgan Airport | Taldykorgan | UAAT | TDK |
| Taraz Airport | Taraz | UADD | DMB |
| Turkistan International Airport | Turkistan | UAIT | HSA |
| Urzhar Airport | Urzhar | UASU | UZR |
| Usharal Airport | Usharal | UAAL | USJ |
| Vostochny Airport | Vostochny | ||
| Zaysan Airport | Zaysan | UASZ | SZI |
Note: Some airports, such as Boraldai Airport in Almaty, are primarily used for domestic flights. Additionally, some airports may not have IATA codes assigned.
Kazakhstan Airports: Modernisation and Expansion Plans
Kazakhstan, the world’s largest landlocked country, boasts a network of airports connecting its vast territory. These air hubs play a crucial role in linking Kazakhstan’s cities and regions, as well as facilitating international travel and trade.
The country has 23 major airports, with Almaty International Airport being the busiest. Almaty serves as a key gateway, offering flights to 68 destinations across 26 countries. Other important airports include Astana International Airport in the capital city and Aktau Airport on the Caspian Sea coast.
Kazakhstan’s airports continue to expand and modernise, reflecting the nation’s growing economic importance. From small regional airfields to large international terminals, these facilities showcase the country’s commitment to improving air travel and enhancing connectivity both domestically and globally.
Major Airports
Kazakhstan has two main international airports that handle most of the country’s air traffic. These airports serve as important hubs for both domestic and international flights, connecting Kazakhstan to destinations around the world.
Almaty International Airport
Almaty International Airport is the busiest airport in Kazakhstan. It serves Almaty, the largest city in the country. The airport handles millions of passengers each year and offers flights to numerous destinations.
The airport has modern facilities and a range of services for travellers. It features duty-free shops, restaurants, and lounges. Almaty International Airport is a hub for Air Astana, Kazakhstan’s national airline.
Many international airlines operate flights to and from Almaty. These include Turkish Airlines, Lufthansa, and Aeroflot. The airport connects Kazakhstan to major cities in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.
Nursultan Nazarbayev International Airport
Nursultan Nazarbayev International Airport serves the capital city of Kazakhstan, formerly known as Astana. It is the second-busiest airport in the country after Almaty International Airport.
The airport was renamed in 2019 to honour the first president of Kazakhstan. It features a modern terminal building with a range of passenger amenities. These include shops, cafes, and currency exchange services.
Nursultan Nazarbayev International Airport is a hub for several airlines. These include Air Astana and SCAT Airlines. The airport offers flights to various domestic and international destinations.
The airport plays a crucial role in Kazakhstan’s transport infrastructure. It helps connect the capital city to other parts of the country and the world.
Airlines and Connectivity
Kazakhstan’s airports serve as vital hubs for both domestic and international travel. The country’s flag carrier and regional airlines play crucial roles in connecting cities within Kazakhstan and to destinations abroad.
Air Astana
Air Astana, Kazakhstan’s national airline, operates from its main hub at Nursultan Nazarbayev International Airport in Astana. The airline flies to numerous destinations within Kazakhstan and internationally.
Air Astana’s fleet consists of modern aircraft, including Boeing and Airbus models. The airline has won multiple awards for its service quality and safety standards.
Domestic routes link major cities like Almaty, Shymkent, and Aktau. International flights connect Kazakhstan to key destinations in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.
Regional Connections
Several regional airlines enhance Kazakhstan’s air connectivity. SCAT Airlines, based in Shymkent, is a significant player in this space.
SCAT Airlines plans to launch a twice-weekly service to Vienna in spring 2025, expanding Kazakhstan’s links to Europe.
Regional carriers also connect Kazakhstan with neighbouring countries. Flights to Kyrgyzstan, for example, facilitate business and tourism between the two nations.
Kazakhstan’s airports serve 18 airlines, linking the country to 28 international destinations. This network plays a vital role in supporting Kazakhstan’s economy and tourism sector.
Frequently Asked Questions
Kazakhstan has several airports serving domestic and international travellers. These airports connect the country to major cities worldwide and facilitate travel within Kazakhstan’s vast territory.
What is the main international airport in Kazakhstan?
The main international airport in Kazakhstan is Nursultan Nazarbayev International Airport (NQZ). It is located in the capital city, Nur-Sultan (formerly Astana).
This airport serves as the primary hub for international flights in and out of Kazakhstan. It offers connections to numerous destinations across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.
How many international airports are there in Kazakhstan?
Kazakhstan has multiple international airports. The exact number can vary, but there are at least 5-6 major international airports in the country.
These include airports in Nur-Sultan, Almaty, Shymkent, Aktau, and Atyrau. Each serves different regions of this large Central Asian nation.
Which airlines operate out of Kazakhstan’s major airports?
Several airlines operate from Kazakhstan’s airports. These include both domestic and international carriers.
Air Astana, the national flag carrier, is a major operator. Other airlines include SCAT Airlines, Qazaq Air, and FlyArystan. International airlines like Turkish Airlines, Lufthansa, and Aeroflot also serve Kazakhstan’s airports.
Where can one find a map of all airports in Kazakhstan?
Maps of Kazakhstan’s airports can be found on various aviation websites and government resources. The Civil Aviation Committee of Kazakhstan may provide official information.
Some travel websites also offer interactive maps showing airport locations. These can be helpful for planning travel within the country.
What are the IATA codes for the primary airports in Kazakhstan?
The IATA codes for some of Kazakhstan’s main airports are:
- NQZ: Nursultan Nazarbayev International Airport (Nur-Sultan)
- ALA: Almaty International Airport
- CIT: Shymkent International Airport
- SCO: Aktau International Airport
- HSA: Turkistan International Airport
These codes are used for booking flights and identifying airports in travel itineraries.
How does one travel to Kazakhstan from international destinations?
Travelling to Kazakhstan from abroad typically involves flying into one of the country’s international airports. Nursultan Nazarbayev International Airport and Almaty International Airport are common entry points.
Many major airlines offer flights to Kazakhstan from cities in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Travellers should check visa requirements before planning their trip.
