Flying To Kazakhstan: Important Airports in Kazakhstan You Need to Know

As the world’s ninth-largest country, Kazakhstan relies on its network of 21 airports to connect cities separated by thousands of kilometers. From Almaty International, which handles six million passengers annually, to smaller regional airfields and airports that serve as critical links across this vast nation. 

In this guide, let’s dive into the top airports in Kazakhstan, their facilities, transportation options, and everything you need to know for a smooth travel experience.

Airport Name	Type	Airport Code
Almaty International Airport	Domestic & International	ALA
Nursultan Nazarbayev International Airport	Domestic & International	NQZ
Shymkent International Airport	Domestic & International	CIT
Aktau International Airport	Domestic & International	SCO
Karaganda International Airport	Domestic & International	KGF
Atyrau International Airport	Domestic & International	GUW
Aktobe International Airport	Domestic & International	AKX
Taraz Airport	Domestic & Limited International	DMB
Kostanay Airport	Domestic & Limited International	KSN
Semey Airport	Primarily Domestic	PLX

1. Almaty International Airport 

Almaty Airport is Kazakhstan’s busiest international gateway, handling over 10 million passengers in 2024. As one of the top airports in Kazakhstan, it features a 4,500-meter runway and connects to over 25 domestic and 45 international destinations.

Address: Mailin St 2, Almaty 050039, Kazakhstan
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/5CDAmc6ArAkW2ua37
Airport Code: ALA
Category: Operates both domestic and international flights
Phone: +77272703333
Distance from City Center/Prime Location: 23 km from Almaty city

Operating Airlines: Air Astana, SCAT Airlines, Turkish Airlines, Aeroflot, Lufthansa, and many other international carriers operate from Almaty Airport, making it one of the best airports in Kazakhstan for global connectivity.

Terminals: Two terminals – Terminal 1 (International) and Terminal 2 (Domestic).

Services & Amenities:

• Accessible toilets, wheelchair assistance, and dedicated service counters
• Free Wi-Fi throughout terminals
• Duty-free shops, restaurants, and cafes
• Air Astana and Turkish Airlines premium lounges
• Currency exchange, ATMs, baggage storage
• 24-hour medical service, pharmacy
• Car rental facilities, taxi services

Nearby Attractions:

• Medeu Ice Skating Rink: World’s largest high-altitude skating rink (1,691m above sea level) with Olympic-quality ice and stunning Tian Shan mountain backdrop, popular year-round.
• Shymbulak Ski Resort: Kazakhstan’s premier ski destination with 20km of slopes ranging from 2,260m to 3,200m altitude, offering summer hiking and breathtaking panoramic views via cable car.
• Kok-Tobe Hill: Accessible by scenic cable car ride, this entertainment complex features the Beatles monument, cafes, and offers spectacular 360-degree views of Almaty city and the surrounding mountains.
• Panfilov Park: Historic green space home to the colorful wooden Zenkov Cathedral, built without nails, and the striking Soviet-era Monument of Glory honoring WWII heroes.

Suggested Read: Kazakhstan Visa for Indians

2. Nursultan Nazarbayev International Airport 

Credit: Wikipedia

Nursultan Nazarbayev International Airport is the second busiest airport in Kazakhstan and serves millions of passengers annually. Operating since 1931, with major renovations in 2017, this airport serves as a major hub for Air Astana.

Address: Qabanbay Batyr Ave, Astana 020000, Kazakhstan
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/ZmzLzd7Pga5eyvRJ9
Airport Code: NQZ
Category: Operates both domestic and international flights
Phone: +77172702999
Distance from City Center/Prime Location: 26 km from Nur-Sultan city

Operating Airlines: Air Astana, SCAT Airlines, Turkish Airlines, Lufthansa, Aeroflot, and numerous other domestic and international airlines service this major hub among airports in Kazakhstan.

Terminals: One integrated terminal handling both domestic and international flights.

Services & Amenities:

• Accessible restrooms, wheelchair assistance, and designated parking
• Free Wi-Fi throughout the airport
• Duty-free shopping, restaurants, and cafes
• Air Astana Business Class lounge
• Currency exchange, charging stations
• Pharmacy, baby care room
• Car rental counters, taxi services

Nearby Attractions:

• Bayterek Tower: Iconic 97-meter landmark symbolizing a mythical egg in a poplar tree, with observation deck featuring President Nazarbayev’s handprint in gold and panoramic city views.
• Hazret Sultan Mosque: Central Asia’s largest mosque with four 77m minarets and a 51m central dome, accommodating 10,000 worshippers amid white marble splendor and intricate Islamic designs.
• Khan Shatyr: The world’s largest tent-shaped entertainment center designed by Norman Foster, housing an indoor beach resort with imported sand, shopping mall, and entertainment complex under a transparent ETFE roof.
• Palace of Peace and Reconciliation: Striking 62-meter-tall pyramid designed by Norman Foster, representing religious harmony with an opera hall, museum of culture, and summit meeting rooms.

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3. Shymkent International Airport

Credit: Wikipedia

Shymkent Airport is southern Kazakhstan’s main aviation hub. This important facility, among the best in Kazakhstan, handles millions of passengers annually and features a 3,300-meter runway.

Address: Shymkent, Kazakhstan
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/sQYZudPDM6rsmtN1A
Airport Code: CIT
Category: Operates both domestic and international flights
Phone: +77252455031
Distance from City Center/Prime Location: 12 km from Shymkent city

Operating Airlines: Air Astana, SCAT Airlines, FlyArystan, and several regional carriers service this important entry point among top airports in Kazakhstan.

Terminals: One terminal serving both domestic and international flights.

Services & Amenities:

• Accessible facilities, wheelchair service
• Free Wi-Fi in terminal areas
• Shops, cafes, restaurants
• VIP lounge for premium travelers
• ATMs, currency exchange
• Left luggage facilities
• Taxi services, car rental

Nearby Attractions:

• Ordabasy Square: Central city hub featuring cascading fountains, national monuments, and gathering spaces surrounded by government buildings and modern architecture.
• Aksu-Zhabagly Nature Reserve: Kazakhstan’s oldest protected area (est. 1926) spanning 1,319 sq km with snow leopards, argali sheep, and over 1,700 plant species amid dramatic alpine landscapes.
• Kaskasu Waterfall: Picturesque 40-meter cascade surrounded by lush vegetation and hiking trails, particularly spectacular during spring snowmelt with rainbow mist effects.
• Arboretum Park: Tranquil botanical garden showcasing over 1,500 plant species from around the world, arranged in themed sections with scenic walking paths and relaxation areas.

Suggested Read: Is Kazakhstan Safe to Visit? A Comprehensive Safety Guide

4. Aktau International Airport 

Credit: Wikipedia

Aktau Airport serves as western Kazakhstan’s gateway to the Caspian Sea region. As the fourth busiest airport in the network of airports in Kazakhstan, it features modern terminal facilities and has the capacity to handle 2 million passengers annually.

Address: Аэропорт, Aktau, Kazakhstan
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/GbEFwggJbzEsENqVA
Airport Code: SCO
Category: Operates both domestic and international flights
Phone: +77292609755
Distance from City Center/Prime Location: 25 km from Aktau city

Operating Airlines: Air Astana, SCAT Airlines, Bek Air, and various international carriers operate from this vital hub among airports in Kazakhstan.

Terminals: One terminal handles both domestic and international operations.

Services & Amenities:

• Wheelchair-accessible facilities
• Free Wi-Fi services
• Cafes, restaurants, and convenience stores
• VIP lounge for business travelers
• Currency exchange, ATMs
• Medical point
• Taxi stand, car rental services

Nearby Attractions:

• Caspian Sea Beaches: Expansive sandy shorelines along the world’s largest inland body of water, offering swimming from June to September and stunning sunset views across the horizon.
• Aktau Lighthouse: Historic maritime structure providing navigational guidance since Soviet times, offering panoramic views of the harbor and azure Caspian waters.
• Underground Mosque: Unique 10th-century religious site carved directly into limestone bedrock with ancient prayer rooms, spiritual chambers, and historical significance for Sufi pilgrims.
• Mangystau Region: Otherworldly landscape of eroded chalk formations, ancient underground mosques, and dramatic canyons like Kapamsay and Torysh Valley of Balls with perfectly spherical rock formations.

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5. Karaganda International Airport 

Credit: Wikipedia

Sary-Arka Airport is the main airport serving Karaganda, Kazakhstan. It features a 3,300-meter runway and handles both domestic and international flights. The airport also supports military operations and space mission logistics.

Address: Karaganda 100000, Kazakhstan
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/udxc9po4DKmVogqX6
Airport Code: KGF
Category: Operates both domestic and international flights
Phone: +77212428542
Distance from City Center/Prime Location: 27 km from Karaganda city

Operating Airlines: Air Astana, SCAT Airlines, FlyArystan, and several regional carriers service this efficient facility in the network of airports in Kazakhstan.

Terminals: One terminal handles both domestic and international flights.

Services & Amenities:

• Accessible facilities for passengers with limited mobility
• Free Wi-Fi throughout the terminal
• Cafes, snack bars
• VIP lounge for premium travelers
• ATMs, currency exchange
• First aid station
• Taxi services

Nearby Attractions:

• Karaganda Regional Museum: Comprehensive exhibition of the region’s mining heritage, ethnographic collections, and ecological displays housed in an architectural landmark with over 150,000 artifacts.
• Eco-Park: Modern recreational complex featuring a boating lake, wildlife enclosures with native species, cycling paths, and children’s play areas spread across beautifully landscaped grounds.
• Central Park: Verdant city center oasis with vintage amusement rides, seasonal festivals, performance spaces, and shaded promenades popular with locals and visitors alike.
• KarLag Museum: Powerful memorial complex documenting the notorious Soviet labor camp that imprisoned thousands, featuring preserved buildings, prisoner artifacts, and haunting personal testimonies.

Suggested Read: Kazakhstan in February: Explore Stunning Beauty

6. Atyrau International Airport 

Credit: Wikipedia

Atyrau Airport serves as a vital link in the network of airports in Kazakhstan, particularly for the oil and gas industry. With over 1 million annual passengers, this Kazakhstan airport features recently renovated terminal facilities.

Address: Abulkhair Khan Ave 22, Atyrau 060000, Kazakhstan
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/vT26zUh5LMQK1i6c6
Airport Code: GUW
Category: Operates both domestic and international flights
Phone: +77022372171
Distance from City Center/Prime Location: 10 km from Atyrau city 

Operating Airlines: Air Astana, SCAT Airlines, FlyArystan, Lufthansa, and various regional carriers operate from this business-oriented airport in Kazakhstan.

Terminals: One terminal serving both domestic and international passengers.

Services & Amenities:

• Special assistance facilities, accessible toilets
• Free Wi-Fi across the airport premises
• Cafes, restaurants
• VIP lounge for business travelers
• Currency exchange, ATMs
• Medical point
• Car rental, taxi services

Nearby Attractions:

• Atyrau Regional Museum: Comprehensive exhibits on regional history from ancient times through the oil boom years, featuring archaeological finds, ethnographic displays, and interactive oil industry presentations.
• Makhambet Park: Expansive central green space with monuments to Kazakh heroes, ornate fountains, recreational facilities, and regular cultural performances and festivals.
• Ural River: Historic waterway marking the continental boundary between Europe and Asia, with a riverfront promenade, boat excursions, and fishing opportunities in multiple seasons.
• Issatay-Makhambet Square: Central civic plaza honoring national freedom fighters with imposing monuments, cultural performances, and serving as the focal point for city celebrations and events.

Must Read: Kazakhstan Famous Food – Bold Flavors You Must Try 

7. Aktobe International Airport 

Credit: Wikipedia

Aktobe Airport functions as northwestern Kazakhstan’s aviation gateway. This important airport in Kazakhstan has handled over 900,000 passengers in 2023. This airport serves domestic and international flights and has various amenities. 

Address: Aktobe, Kazakhstan
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/E8huzEpZXbNb8WMSA
Airport Code: AKX
Category: Operates both domestic and international flights
Phone: +7 7132 77 46 42
Distance from City Center/Prime Location: 7 km from Aktobe city 

Operating Airlines: Air Astana, SCAT Airlines, FlyArystan, and various regional carriers serving this northwestern Kazakhstan aviation hub.

Terminals: One terminal serving both domestic and international flights.

Services & Amenities:

• Wheelchair facilities, accessible toilets
• Free Wi-Fi throughout the terminal
• Cafes, convenience stores
• Business lounge
• ATMs, currency exchange counters
• Medical point
• Taxi stand, car rental facilities

Nearby Attractions:

• Central Park: Extensive green space with ornamental gardens, amusement rides, a concert venue, and a seasonal ice skating rink, attracting families and visitors throughout the year.
• Regional Museum: Comprehensive collection of Kazakh cultural artifacts, archaeological finds, and historical exhibits documenting the region’s nomadic heritage and Soviet-era industrialization.
• Nur Gasyr Mosque: Striking white and turquoise religious complex completed in 2008 with space for 3,500 worshippers, featuring distinctive blue domes, slender minarets, and intricate calligraphy.
• Aliya Moldagulova Museum: Tribute to the famous female Kazakh sniper who killed over 300 enemy soldiers during WWII, displaying personal items, military awards, and multimedia historical context.

Also Read: Nightlife In Kazakhstan: A Guide To Experience the Night Bliss 

8. Taraz Airport 

Credit: Wikipedia

Taraz Airport serves the southern region of Kazakhstan. With approximately 200,000 annual passengers, this facility among airports in Kazakhstan features a runway serving primarily domestic operations with limited international connections.

Address: Әуежай көшесі, Taraz, Kazakhstan
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/DtgTJqSVUZkvNvZ68

Airport Code: DMB
Category: Domestic with limited international flights
Phone: +77262542600
Distance from City Center/Prime Location: 14 km from Taraz city

Operating Airlines: Air Astana, SCAT Airlines, and FlyArystan connecting Taraz to major Kazakh cities.

Terminals: One main terminal handling both domestic and limited international operations.

Services & Amenities:

• Basic facilities for passengers with mobility challenges
• Limited Wi-Fi connectivity
• Small cafes offering snacks and beverages
• ATMs
• Taxi services to city center

Nearby Attractions:

• Karakhan Mausoleum: Revered 11th-century brick monument with distinctive dome and portal, showcasing medieval Islamic architectural elements from the powerful Karakhanid dynasty period.
• Aysha Bibi Mausoleum: Delicate 12th-century monument with unique terracotta tile work featuring 60 different ornamental patterns, surrounded by legends of eternal love and devotion.
• Tekturmas Historical Complex: Hilltop archaeological site and museum featuring reconstructed medieval structures and artifacts from multiple historical periods along the ancient Silk Road.
• Taraz Ancient Settlement: Extensive archaeological excavations reveal the 2,000-year history of one of Kazakhstan’s oldest cities, with foundations and artifacts from successive civilizations.

9. Kostanay Airport 

Kostanay Airport is a key aviation gateway in northern Kazakhstan, serving both domestic and select international routes. The airport features a single terminal that accommodates regular passenger flights, linking Kostanay with major Kazakh cities and offering seasonal connections abroad.

Address: Oral St 39, Kostanay 110000, Kazakhstan
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/NVsJNwhacqN9aMbr5
Airport Code: KSN
Category: Domestic with limited international flights
Phone: +77142576000
Distance from City Center/Prime Location: 8.8 km away from Kostanay city center
Operating Airlines: Air Astana, SCAT Airlines, Qazaq Air, and periodic international charter operators
Terminals: One integrated terminal serving both domestic and international passengers
Services & Amenities:

• Passenger assistance services
• Free and paid Wi-Fi zones
• Cafes and small retail shops
• Currency exchange and ATM
• Taxi and car rental services

Nearby Attractions:

• Central Park of Culture and Recreation: A popular green space featuring walking paths, amusement rides, and lakeside picnic areas, ideal for family outings and local festivals.
• Kostanay Regional Museum of Local History: This museum showcases the region’s archaeological finds, ethnographic displays, and exhibits on the cultural heritage of northern Kazakhstan.
• Victory Park: A landscaped memorial park dedicated to World War II, with monuments, an eternal flame, and military equipment displays.
• Cathedral of the Ascension: An architectural landmark, this Russian Orthodox church is noted for its blue domes, ornate iconostasis, and tranquil gardens.

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10. Semey Airport

Credit: Wikipedia

Semey Airport is eastern Kazakhstan’s regional aviation gateway. This smaller facility among airports in Kazakhstan features basic amenities and has the ability to handle 70,000 passengers annually on primarily domestic routes.

Address: Semey 070000, Kazakhstan
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/ogrtR8jT8oFxGLFR9
Airport Code: PLX
Category: Primarily domestic flights
Phone: +77222360222
Distance from City Center/Prime Location: 15 km from Semey city

Operating Airlines: FlyArystan, SCAT Airlines, and occasional charter services connecting Semey to major Kazakh cities.

Terminals: One compact terminal handles primarily domestic operations.

Services & Amenities:

• Basic facilities for passengers with special needs
• Limited Wi-Fi service
• Small cafe offering light refreshments
• ATM service
• A taxi stands for transportation to the city.

Nearby Attractions:

• Abay Kunanbayev Museum: Dedicated to Kazakhstan’s most revered poet and philosopher, with an extensive manuscript collection, personal artifacts, and multimedia presentations on his literary and cultural influence.
• Semey Bridge: This historic structure connects the city’s two halves across the Irtysh River, offering panoramic views and photography opportunities of the urban landscape and waterway.
• Regional History Museum: Comprehensive institution documenting the area’s development from prehistoric times through the Soviet period, with special emphasis on literary figures and the region’s complex history.
• Nuclear Test Site Museum: Sobering memorial documenting the devastating impact of nearly 500 nuclear tests conducted nearby during Soviet times, featuring personal stories, medical exhibits, and environmental consequences.

Top 5 Places You Must Visit in Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan stretches across Central Asia, covering landscapes that shift from the Caspian Sea coastline to the Altai Mountains. Your flight into airports in Kazakhstan brings you to a country where modern cities like Nur-Sultan and Almaty stand against a backdrop of endless grasslands and snow-capped peaks. 

Let us check out some essential destinations that showcase Kazakhstan’s unique urban sophistication and untouched wilderness.

Place	Location	Highlights
Charyn Canyon	Near Almaty	Valley of Castles, hiking trails, rafting
Nur-Sultan (Astana)	Capital City	Futuristic architecture, cultural sites, and shopping
Kolsai Lakes	Almaty Region	Three mountain lakes, hiking, camping, horse riding
Turkistan	Southern Kazakhstan	Khoja Ahmed Yasawi Mausoleum, historical sites
Burabay National Park	Akmola Region	Lakes, forests, hiking trails, and rock formations

Charyn Canyon, Almaty Region

Often called Kazakhstan’s Grand Canyon, Charyn Canyon stretches 154 km along the Charyn River with stunning red sandstone formations. The “Valley of Castles” section features 90-meter high walls resembling ancient fortifications.

Visitors can enjoy hiking through the canyon, camping overnight, or rafting on the Charyn River in warmer months. The eco-park offers accommodations for those wanting to explore longer.

Best For: Nature lovers, photographers, and adventure seekers.

Nur-Sultan (Astana), Capital City

Kazakhstan’s capital features some of the most innovative architecture in Central Asia. Visitors can explore the Bayterek Tower offering panoramic city views, the Khan Shatyr Entertainment Center (world’s largest tent-shaped structure), and the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation.

The city also offers excellent museums like the National Museum of Kazakhstan and the Museum of the First President. The Ishim River promenade provides beautiful walking areas.

Best For: Architecture enthusiasts, urban explorers, and history buffs.

Kolsai Lakes, Almaty Region

The Kolsai Lakes system consists of three azure mountain lakes nestled in the northern Tien Shan Mountains. These picturesque lakes are surrounded by pine forests and alpine meadows, creating breathtaking scenery.

Travelers can hike between the lakes, camp in designated areas, ride horses through the mountains, or fish in the crystal-clear waters. Nearby Lake Kaindy, with its submerged forest, is another natural wonder worth visiting.

Best For: Outdoor enthusiasts, hikers, and nature photographers.

Turkistan, Southern Kazakhstan

Turkistan is a historical and spiritual center of Kazakhstan, home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi. This 14th-century architectural masterpiece stands as one of the finest examples of Timurid architecture.

Visitors can explore the mausoleum complex, the ancient settlement of Otyrar, and the Archaeological Museum. The region also offers insights into traditional Kazakh culture and spirituality.

Best For: History enthusiasts, cultural travelers, and spiritual seekers.

Burabay National Park, Akmola Region

Burabay National Park (also known as Borovoe) features stunning lakes surrounded by pine forests and unique rock formations. The area is often called “Kazakhstan’s Switzerland” for its natural beauty.

Travelers can enjoy hiking to viewpoints like Bolektau Mountain, boat trips on Lake Borovoe, swimming in summer months, and winter activities including skiing and ice fishing. The park also has numerous health resorts and sanatoriums.

Best For: Nature lovers, health retreat seekers, and outdoor adventurers.

FAQs

What are the accommodation options near major airports in Kazakhstan?

Major airports in Kazakhstan offer different lodging options, from budget to luxury. Almaty and Nur-Sultan airports feature nearby hotels like Marriott and Hilton, while Shymkent, Aktau, and Atyrau provide numerous accommodations with convenient shuttle services to these top airports in Kazakhstan.

What are some of the facilities at Kazakhstan airports?

Kazakhstan airport facilities include duty-free shopping, dining, currency exchange, free Wi-Fi, prayer rooms, and business lounges. The best airports in Kazakhstan also provide luggage storage, pharmacy services, and medical assistance for travelers convenience.

How does the visa process work when arriving at Kazakhstan airports?

Visitors from many countries can obtain visa-free entry for up to 30 days, while others require visas in advance. E-visas are available for citizens of 117 countries. Upon arrival at airports in Kazakhstan, immigration officers verify documents and may ask about your stay purpose and accommodation.

What are the transportation options available from airports in Kazakhstan?

Airport transportation in Kazakhstan includes airport shuttles, taxis, and rideshare services at all major airports. Almaty and Nur-Sultan feature public bus services, while car rentals are readily available at all the top airports in Kazakhstan for self-drive exploration.

How long does a Kazakhstan tourist visa last?

Kazakhstan tourist visas typically last 30-90 days, depending on the visa type. Most travelers visiting airports in Kazakhstan use the electronic visa system or visa-free arrangements, which allow stays of up to 30 days for citizens of many countries.

What items cannot be brought into Kazakhstan?

Kazakhstan enforces customs regulations at all airports in Kazakhstan. Prohibited items include narcotics, weapons, pornography, extremist materials, and large quantities of currency without declaration. All medications containing narcotic substances require proper documentation.

What is the best time to visit Kazakhstan?

The best time to visit Kazakhstan is late spring (May-June) and early autumn (September-October) when temperatures are moderate and suitable for exploring both cities and natural attractions. Summer can be hot in southern regions, while winter brings snow and cold temperatures.

Which are the nearest airports to popular Kazakhstan destinations?

The main airports in Kazakhstan serving popular destinations include Almaty Airport (ALA) for Charyn Canyon and Kolsai Lakes, Nursultan Nazarbayev Airport (NQZ) for the capital and Burabay National Park, and Shymkent Airport (CIT) for Turkistan and southern attractions.

What procedures should be followed if belongings get lost inside a Kazakhstan airport?

For lost items at airports in Kazakhstan, contact the airport’s lost property office immediately. Items lost on aircraft require contacting the airline directly. There are dedicated offices for handling lost belongings, with proper documentation and identification required for retrieval.