Kazakhstan has 18 airports with scheduled passenger service, with the two busiest being Almaty International Airport (ALA) and Nursultan Nazarbayev International Airport in Astana (NQZ). According to the Civil Aviation Committee of Kazakhstan, these two hubs together handle over 10 million passengers annually and connect Kazakhstan to more than 40 international destinations across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Whether you are flying to Kazakhstan for the first time or planning domestic connections between Almaty, Astana, and regional cities in Kazakhstan, this guide covers every airport you need to know.
Complete List of Kazakhstan Airports
Kazakhstan's 18 commercial airports cover a territory the size of Western Europe. The table below lists every airport with scheduled service, its IATA code, city, international route availability, and the key airlines operating there.
| Airport | IATA | City / Region | International Routes | Key Airlines |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Almaty International | ALA | Almaty | Yes (40+) | Air Astana, FlyArystan, Turkish, Lufthansa, KLM, Emirates, Qatar Airways |
| Nursultan Nazarbayev International | NQZ | Astana | Yes (20+) | Air Astana, FlyArystan, Turkish, flydubai, Ural Airlines |
| Shymkent International | CIT | Shymkent | Yes | Air Astana, FlyArystan, Turkish, SCAT |
| Aktau International | SCO | Aktau (Caspian) | Yes | Air Astana, FlyArystan, SCAT, Turkish |
| Atyrau International | GUW | Atyrau (Oil region) | Yes | Air Astana, FlyArystan, SCAT, Ural Airlines |
| Aktobe | AKX | Aktobe (NW) | Limited | Air Astana, FlyArystan, SCAT |
| Karaganda (Sary-Arka) | KGF | Karaganda | Limited | Air Astana, FlyArystan, SCAT |
| Oskemen | UKK | Ust-Kamenogorsk (East) | Limited | Air Astana, FlyArystan, SCAT |
| Kostanay | KSN | Kostanay (North) | Limited | Air Astana, FlyArystan, SCAT |
| Pavlodar | PWQ | Pavlodar (NE) | Limited | Air Astana, FlyArystan |
| Semey | PLX | Semey (East) | No | FlyArystan, SCAT |
| Petropavlovsk | PPK | Petropavlovsk (North) | Limited | Air Astana, FlyArystan |
| Taraz (Aulie-Ata) | DMB | Taraz (South) | No | FlyArystan, SCAT |
| Kyzylorda | KZO | Kyzylorda (South) | No | FlyArystan, SCAT |
| Oral (Uralsk) | URA | Oral (West) | Limited | Air Astana, FlyArystan, SCAT |
| Turkestan | HSA | Turkestan (South) | No | FlyArystan |
| Taldykorgan | TDK | Taldykorgan (SE) | No | FlyArystan |
| Balkhash | BXH | Balkhash (Central) | No | SCAT |
Key takeaway. Only five airports (Almaty, Astana, Shymkent, Aktau, and Atyrau) have meaningful international service. The remaining airports primarily connect to Almaty and Astana via domestic flights.
Almaty International Airport (ALA), Kazakhstan's Busiest Hub
According to IATA airport traffic data, Almaty International Airport is the largest and busiest airport in Kazakhstan, handling approximately 6.5 million passengers annually. Located 15 km northeast of Almaty city center, it is the primary hub for Air Astana and FlyArystan.
Airport facts:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| IATA code | ALA |
| Annual passengers | ~6.5 million (2024) |
| International destinations | 40+ |
| Terminals | 2 (domestic + international) |
| Runway | 4,401 m (capable of handling all aircraft types) |
| Elevation | 681 m above sea level |
International Routes from Almaty
Almaty has the widest international network in Central Asia:
- Europe: Frankfurt (Lufthansa, Air Astana), Amsterdam (KLM), Istanbul (Turkish Airlines, Air Astana), London Heathrow (Air Astana seasonal), Paris (seasonal)
- Middle East: Dubai (Emirates, flydubai, Air Astana), Abu Dhabi (Wizz Air Abu Dhabi), Doha (Qatar Airways)
- East Asia: Beijing, Shanghai, Urumqi (Air Astana, Chinese carriers), Seoul Incheon (Air Astana, Asiana), Tokyo Narita (seasonal)
- Southeast Asia: Bangkok (Air Astana), Delhi (Air Astana)
- Russia: Moscow (multiple daily, Aeroflot, Air Astana, Ural Airlines), St. Petersburg, Novosibirsk, Yekaterinburg
- Central Asia: Tashkent, Bishkek, Baku, Tbilisi, Dushanbe
Facilities at Almaty Airport
The international terminal (Terminal 2) received a significant upgrade in 2017. Facilities include:
- Lounges. Air Astana business lounge (Priority Pass accepted), separate CIP lounge
- Currency exchange. Multiple desks in arrivals and departures. Rates are 3–5% worse than city rates, so exchange minimal amounts
- ATMs. Kaspi Bank and Halyk Bank ATMs in arrivals give the best rates
- Food and shopping. Cafes and duty-free shops in departures; limited dining options in arrivals
- SIM cards. Beeline and Kcell kiosks in the arrivals hall. Get a local SIM immediately (5 GB data for ~1,500 KZT)
- Wi-Fi. Free Wi-Fi available (connect via phone number or watch an ad)
- Luggage storage. Available near arrivals (~500 KZT per bag per day)
Getting from Almaty Airport to City Center
| Transport | Cost | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yandex Taxi | 2,000–3,000 KZT ($4–6) | 25–35 min | Best option. Order in the app, go to pickup zone |
| InDrive | 1,800–2,500 KZT ($3.50–5) | 25–35 min | Bid-based; slightly cheaper than Yandex |
| Bus 92 | 150 KZT ($0.30) | 60–90 min | Runs to city center via Al-Farabi Avenue; slow but cheap |
| Bus 79 | 150 KZT ($0.30) | 70–90 min | Alternative route to Dostyk Plaza area |
| Airport taxi touts | 8,000–15,000 KZT ($16–30) | 25–35 min | Avoid. 4–8x Yandex price for the same ride |
Tip: Download the Yandex Taxi app before arriving. It works with international phone numbers and credit cards. There is no metro connection to Almaty airport.
Nursultan Nazarbayev International Airport (NQZ), The Capital's Gateway
According to IATA's airport code registry, Astana's airport was renamed from "Astana International Airport" to "Nursultan Nazarbayev International Airport" in 2019, and the IATA code changed from TSE to NQZ in 2022. Located 15 km south of Astana city center, it is Air Astana's second hub.
Airport facts:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| IATA code | NQZ |
| Annual passengers | ~5 million (2024) |
| International destinations | 20+ |
| Terminals | 2 (new terminal opened for Expo 2017) |
| Runway | 3,500 m |
International Routes from Astana
- Europe: Istanbul (Turkish Airlines, Air Astana), Frankfurt (seasonal), London (seasonal)
- Middle East: Dubai (flydubai, Air Astana), Abu Dhabi (Wizz Air)
- Asia: Beijing, Seoul (seasonal)
- Russia: Moscow (multiple daily), St. Petersburg, Novosibirsk, Yekaterinburg, Kazan
- Central Asia: Tashkent, Bishkek, Baku
Facilities at Astana Airport
The new terminal built for Expo 2017 is modern and well-equipped:
- Lounges: Air Astana business lounge, CIP lounge
- Currency exchange: Available in arrivals (city rates are better)
- ATMs: Kaspi Bank and Halyk Bank in arrivals hall
- Food: Several cafes and a restaurant in departures; one cafe in arrivals
- SIM cards: Available in arrivals hall
- Wi-Fi: Free, registration required
Getting from Astana Airport to City Center
| Transport | Cost | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yandex Taxi | 2,500–3,500 KZT ($5–7) | 20–30 min | Best option |
| Bus 10 | 150 KZT ($0.30) | 40–50 min | Runs to central Astana, operates 6am–11pm |
| Airport taxi touts | 5,000–10,000 KZT ($10–20) | 20–30 min | Overpriced; use the app |
Note: A light rail (LRT) connection between the airport and central Astana has been under development since 2017. As of 2026, it remains unfinished. Use Yandex Taxi.
Shymkent International Airport (CIT), Southern Kazakhstan Hub
Shymkent is Kazakhstan's third-largest city (population 1.1 million) and its airport has been growing rapidly. A brand-new terminal opened in 2022, dramatically improving the passenger experience.
Airport facts:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| IATA code | CIT |
| Annual passengers | ~1.5 million (2024) |
| Location | 10 km north of Shymkent |
Routes from Shymkent
- Domestic: Almaty (multiple daily), Astana (multiple daily), Aktau, Atyrau, Aktobe
- International: Istanbul (Turkish Airlines), Moscow (Ural Airlines, SCAT), Tashkent (short hop, Uzbekistan is 30 km away)
Facilities and Transport
The new 2022 terminal has modern amenities: cafes, ATMs, currency exchange, and a Kaspi terminal. Getting to Shymkent center costs 1,000–2,000 KZT by Yandex Taxi (15–20 minutes). Bus service is available but infrequent.
Aktau International Airport (SCO), Caspian Sea Gateway
Aktau sits on the Caspian Sea coast in western Kazakhstan. The airport is the gateway to the Mangystau region, which has become one of Kazakhstan's most popular domestic tourism destinations thanks to its otherworldly desert landscapes, underground mosques, and Caspian beaches.
Airport facts:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| IATA code | SCO |
| Annual passengers | ~1.2 million (2024) |
| Location | 25 km north of Aktau city |
Routes from Aktau
- Domestic: Almaty (daily), Astana (daily), Atyrau, Shymkent
- International: Istanbul (Turkish Airlines), Moscow, Baku (short Caspian hop)
Facilities and Transport
Aktau airport is small but functional with basic amenities. Yandex Taxi to Aktau city center costs 2,500–4,000 KZT ($5–8) and takes 25–35 minutes. There is limited public bus service, taxis are the practical choice. Car rental agencies have desks in arrivals, which is worth considering since Mangystau's attractions are spread across a vast desert area.
Atyrau International Airport (GUW), Oil Capital Hub
Atyrau is Kazakhstan's oil capital, located on the Caspian coast near the Ural River. The airport primarily serves the petroleum industry workforce but also connects to the broader domestic network.
Airport facts:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| IATA code | GUW |
| Annual passengers | ~1 million (2024) |
| Location | 7 km north of Atyrau city |
Routes from Atyrau
- Domestic: Almaty (daily), Astana (daily), Aktau, Shymkent
- International: Moscow (Aeroflot, Ural Airlines), Istanbul (Turkish Airlines), Amsterdam (KLM, serving oil industry workers), Tbilisi
Facilities and Transport
Atyrau airport has a modern terminal with ATMs, currency exchange, and a small duty-free shop. The airport is close to the city, Yandex Taxi costs 800–1,500 KZT ($1.50–3) and takes 10–15 minutes.
Airlines Operating in Kazakhstan
Air Astana (KC), National Flag Carrier
Air Astana is Kazakhstan's full-service national airline, operating since 2002. It is the backbone of both international and domestic connectivity. The fleet includes Boeing 787 Dreamliners, Boeing 767s, Airbus A321neo and A321LR aircraft, and Embraer E190-E2s.
- Hubs: Almaty (ALA) and Astana (NQZ)
- Network: 60+ destinations (international + domestic)
- Alliance: None currently (applied for oneworld)
- Service level: Full meal service, personal screens, 23 kg checked bag included in economy
- Booking: airastana.com or global booking platforms
FlyArystan, Kazakhstan's Budget Airline
FlyArystan launched in 2019 as Air Astana's low-cost subsidiary and has grown to become a major domestic operator. Think Ryanair for Kazakhstan: no-frills, low fares, high frequency.
- Hub: Almaty (ALA), with growing operations from Astana and Shymkent
- Fleet: Airbus A320 family
- Domestic network: Connects virtually all 18 airports listed above
- International routes: Antalya, Istanbul (Sabiha Gokcen), Moscow, Tashkent, Bishkek, Kutaisi (Georgia)
- Baggage: 7 kg hand luggage included; checked bags cost extra (2,000–5,000 KZT)
- Booking: flyarystan.com
FlyArystan pricing examples (one-way, 2026):
| Route | Typical Price | Flight Time |
|---|---|---|
| Almaty–Astana | 8,000–15,000 KZT ($16–30) | 1h 30m |
| Almaty–Shymkent | 6,000–12,000 KZT ($12–24) | 1h 10m |
| Almaty–Aktau | 10,000–20,000 KZT ($20–40) | 3h |
| Astana–Aktau | 9,000–18,000 KZT ($18–36) | 2h 30m |
| Almaty–Turkestan | 7,000–14,000 KZT ($14–28) | 1h 30m |
SCAT Airlines (DV)
Kazakhstan's second airline serves domestic routes and some international connections to Russia and CIS countries. SCAT operates Boeing 737s and smaller regional aircraft. According to Skytrax airline safety ratings, it has improved its safety record in recent years but remains a secondary choice compared to Air Astana and FlyArystan.
Domestic Flight Network, When Flying Makes Sense
Kazakhstan is the 9th largest country in the world (2.72 million km²), as confirmed by World Bank country data. Flying domestically is not a luxury; it is often the only practical option. The Almaty to Astana route alone has 15–20 daily flights.
| Route | Flight Time | Alternative | Why Fly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Almaty–Astana | 1h 30m | Train: 12–14h | Most frequent domestic route; 15+ daily flights |
| Almaty–Aktau | 3h | Drive: 30+ hours | No realistic overland alternative for tourists |
| Almaty–Atyrau | 2h 30m | Drive: 25+ hours | Oil city; flying is the only option |
| Almaty–Shymkent | 1h 10m | Train: 12h, bus: 10h | Fly if short on time; train is viable |
| Astana–Aktau | 2h 30m | Drive: 25+ hours | Western Kazakhstan access |
| Almaty–Turkestan | 1h 30m | Train: 10h | Fastest way to see Khoja Ahmed Yasawi |
| Astana–Shymkent | 2h | Train: 15h | Southern Kazakhstan from the capital |
When NOT to fly. The Almaty–Astana overnight train (Talgo) is a classic Central Asian experience and costs only 6,000–12,000 KZT. Day trips from Almaty to Charyn Canyon, Kolsai Lakes, Big Almaty Lake, or Altyn-Emel National Park are all road trips with no airports involved.
Practical Tips for Kazakhstan Airports
Arrive early. International flights: 3 hours before departure. Domestic flights: 2 hours. Security queues can be slow, especially at Almaty during peak hours.
Download Yandex Taxi before landing. It works in every Kazakh city and is the cheapest, safest way to get from any airport to your destination. It accepts international credit cards and shows the fare upfront.
Exchange minimal currency at the airport. Airport exchange desks charge 3–8% more than city rates. Withdraw from a Kaspi Bank or Halyk Bank ATM instead. They offer competitive rates with reasonable fees.
Get a local SIM card in arrivals. Beeline or Kcell SIMs cost 1,500–3,000 KZT and include 5–10 GB of data. You need data for Yandex Taxi, maps, and translation apps. Passports are required for SIM registration.
Domestic baggage rules vary. Air Astana economy includes 23 kg checked luggage. FlyArystan base fares include only 7 kg hand luggage, so add checked bags when booking to avoid expensive airport fees.
Transit through Almaty. Almaty is a useful transit point between Europe and Central/South Asia. Most nationalities can transit visa-free. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan, Kazakhstan offers 72-hour transit visa-free entry and 14-day visa-free entry for many nationalities.
Airport Wi-Fi. Free Wi-Fi is available at Almaty and Astana airports. Quality varies, so do not count on it for video calls. A local SIM with mobile data is more reliable.
Lounge access. Priority Pass works at the Air Astana lounge in both Almaty and Astana airports. If you have a premium credit card with Priority Pass, use it. The lounges have food, drinks, and comfortable seating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Last verified: March 2026
Originally published on about-kazakhstan.com
Top comments (0)