Transfer to Almaty airport -
Meeting, departure from Almaty airport -
Almaty International Airport is the main air hub of the southern capital of Kazakhstan and one of the largest in Central Asia. It is located 15 kilometers northeast of the city center and receives millions of passengers annually, connecting Almaty with dozens of countries around the world and almost all major cities in Kazakhstan. This is a place where in a matter of hours you can be transported from the shady apple orchards at the foot of the Trans-Ili Alatau to the hustle and bustle of Dubai, the coolness of Europe or the resorts of Southeast Asia.
The airport has two terminals, an old one and a new one. The new terminal handles international flights, while the old terminal handles domestic flights. Here you will find everything a modern tourist needs: from comfortable waiting rooms and a Duty Free with Kazakhstani delicacies to business lounges overlooking the airfield.
History
The history of aviation in Almaty began back in the 1930s, when the first runway appeared on the outskirts of the city. But a full–fledged airport was built later - in 1935, and in the early years it began to accept regular flights to Moscow, Tashkent and other cities of the USSR. But the real birth of the country's main airport is considered to be 1977, when a new modern terminal capable of receiving jetliners was built. It has become a symbol of the Soviet era, connecting Almaty with dozens of cities in a vast country.
In the 1940s and 1950s, the airport was actively developing: a new runway appeared, the terminal building, and the route network expanded. Almaty, located at the foot of the Tien Shan, gradually turned into an important aviation center of the region. In 1991, after independence, the airport received international status.
The 1990s and early 2000s were especially significant, when international airlines began operating here and flights to Europe, Asia and the Middle East were launched.
A new round of history began in the 21st century, when Kazakhstan confidently asserted itself on the world stage. The old terminal gave way to the futuristic Terminal 2, which opened in 2024. Today it is not just a functional building, but an architectural masterpiece, whose wavy roof resembles either mountain ranges or the wings of a fabulous bird. This building is a metaphor for the city itself, located between majestic mountains and an endless steppe.
How to get there and visit -
Almaty International Airport is located in the northeastern part of Almaty at 2 Mailina Street, Turksib district, Republic of Kazakhstan.
GPS coordinates: 43°20'53"N 77°00'43"E
It is easy to get to Almaty airport both by public transport and by taxi. The most affordable option is a bus. Routes 79, 86, 92 and others will take you directly to the terminals. If the flight is overnight, bus No. 3 will suit you – it runs late at night and passes through the whole city. For more comfort, simply order a taxi through the Yandex Go and inDriver apps – this will save time and effort before departure.
Opening hours: 24/7;
Contacts: + 7 727 222 15 51; +7 727 228 00 19;
The official website of the airport in Almaty;
The legend of the sky and the guardian of the mountain passes
There is a modern legend associated with Almaty Airport. Long-haul pilots say that when landing at night, when the lights of the city are flickering and the silhouettes of the mountains are lost in the dark, they sometimes see a special emerald glow over the peaks of the Trans-Ili Alatau in the mountains of Almaty. They call him the "Guardian of the Passes."
It is believed that this is the spirit of the ancient Saka people, who guarded these lands centuries ago. Today, he protects not caravans, but steel birds, gently guiding them to the runway and giving passengers a sense of calm, safe landing. This is a poetic explanation of the incredible precision and professionalism with which Almaty air traffic controllers work.
For a traveler, Almaty airport is not only a place of arrival and departure, but also the first acquaintance with Kazakhstan. Here you can feel the hospitality of the city: the smiles of the staff, national souvenirs in the shops, the aroma of coffee in the cafe. And most importantly, already on approach, through the porthole, there is a grandiose view of the snowy peaks of the Trans-Ili Alatau, which will forever remain in the memory of every guest. It is a powerful first impression for the guests of the city and an elegant farewell filled with light and space. This is the place where the most vivid Kazakh stories begin and end. Welcome to the sky above Almaty!
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