Turkmenistan Airlines

Turkmenistan Airlines is not merely a national carrier but the true "wings" of the country, connecting the heart of Central Asia with key destinations on the world map. Based at the modern international airport of Ashgabat, the airline plays a crucial role in the region's transport system, offering passengers a unique blend of Eastern hospitality and modern aviation standards. Thanks to its strategically advantageous geographical location, the carrier ensures convenient connections for travelers flying in transit between Europe and Asia.

History and Fleet Development

The airline was founded in 1992, immediately after the country gained independence. Notably, Turkmenistan Airlines became the first carrier in the post-Soviet space to begin forming its fleet entirely from Western-manufactured aircraft. Today, the core of the fleet consists of reliable liners from the Boeing corporation (models 737, 757, and 777), allowing for a high level of comfort and safety on routes of any distance.

Route Network and Geography

The company's flight map covers important business and tourism centers. Regular flights are available for residents and tourists to metropolises such as Istanbul, vibrant Delhi, and dynamic Dubai. The European direction is represented by flights to London, Milan, and Frankfurt, making the airline a convenient choice for transit passengers. Flights to Southeast Asia are also actively developing, including Beijing, Bangkok, and Ho Chi Minh City.

Domestic Flights

Special attention is paid to domestic connections. The most popular route is the flight to the resort city of Turkmenbashi on the Caspian Sea coast, as well as regular flights to the ancient city of Mary. This allows tourists to travel comfortably within the country, discovering its rich history and natural beauty.

Safety and Mission

The company's mission is to provide reliable and accessible air transport services that meet international standards. Flight safety is an unconditional priority: fleet maintenance is conducted at a high level, and crews regularly undergo retraining at leading training centers around the world. The airline's symbol is the Lachin (falcon), embodying the speed, grace, and reliability that the carrier strives for in every flight.

How to Contact the Airline

For the convenience of passengers, Turkmenistan Airlines offers several communication channels. If you have questions regarding booking, baggage allowance, or flight schedules, you can contact the information service or use the carrier's digital services. The company strives to respond promptly to traveler inquiries.

Official Website

It is recommended to check the most up-to-date information on flights, fares, and airline news on the official web resource. The function for online ticket purchase and flight check-in is also available here.

Contact Details

• Official Website: turkmenistanairlines.tm
• Information Service (Call Center): +993 12 23-03-70
• Booking and Ticket Sales: +993 12 39-17-17, +993 12 39-17-20
• Email (General Inquiries): info@turkmenistanairlines.tm
• Mobile App: "Turkmenistan Airlines" (available for download on App Store and Google Play). The app allows you to buy tickets and track flight status.

Social Media

The airline is present on popular digital platforms where news about new destinations and special offers is published:

• Instagram: Official account with news and photo reports.
• Twitter (X) / Facebook: Used to inform about important schedule changes (searching by the official name Turkmenistan Airlines is recommended).

Offices and Representatives

The head office and the main air service agency are located in the airline's base city.

• Head Office: Turkmenistan, Ashgabat, International Airport.
• Air Service Agency: Ashgabat, Oguzkhan St., 211.
• International Representatives: Airline counters operate at arrival airports of popular destinations, such as Istanbul, Frankfurt, Dubai, and others, in departure zones or ticket halls.

Support Service

The airport information service in the capital operates around the clock, processing inquiries related to the arrival and departure of national carrier flights.

• 24/7 Airport Information: 085 (domestic) or +993 12 23-20-34.

Please note: Contact details, phone numbers, and office addresses may change. We strongly recommend checking the latest information on the airline's official website before your trip.

Baggage Rules

Preparing for a flight with Turkmenistan Airlines requires knowledge of certain nuances that will help avoid unnecessary hassle at the airport. The carrier adheres to the classic Weight Concept, which is generally convenient for passengers but requires attention to detail depending on the class of service and destination.

Cabin Baggage: Essentials with You

Passengers may take items necessary during the flight into the aircraft cabin. The standard allowances for cabin baggage on the airline's flights are as follows:

• Economy Class: 1 piece weighing up to 5 kg.
• Business Class: 1 piece weighing up to 10 kg (allowance may be increased on some routes; checking your ticket is recommended).
• Dimensions: The size of the bag must not exceed 50 x 40 x 20 cm.

In addition to the main cabin baggage, passengers are allowed to carry a lady's handbag, briefcase, umbrella, cane, bouquet of flowers, outerwear, reading material for the flight, as well as baby food and a carrycot when flying with a child free of charge. Laptops and video cameras are also usually allowed over the limit, but it is better to pack them in the main cabin bag if it fits within the weight limit.

Checked Baggage: Free Allowance

The amount of baggage you can check in for free depends on your fare and route. This is particularly important if you are flying for shopping to Istanbul or Dubai, from where passengers often return with purchases.

• Economy Class: Usually 20 kg.
• Business Class: Usually 30-40 kg (depending on the specific flight).
• Children under 2 years (without a seat): Usually allowed 10 kg of baggage.

On long-haul flights, for example, to Bangkok, Beijing, or Ho Chi Minh City, allowances may vary, so always check the information stated on your itinerary receipt. For domestic flights, such as flights to Turkmenbashi or Mary, standard rules apply.

Excess Baggage

If the weight of your suitcase exceeds the free allowance, a surcharge will be required. Payment is made for each kilogram of excess weight according to the rates in effect at the time of departure. Rates depend on the destination. For example, the surcharge for excess weight on a flight from London or Frankfurt to Ashgabat will be in the currency of the departure country.

Special Baggage

Transporting non-standard items requires prior coordination with the airline:

• Sports Equipment: Skis, snowboards, golf clubs, or bicycles may be included in the free baggage allowance (by weight) but often require special packaging. If the weight of the equipment combined with the suitcase exceeds the allowance, an excess fee applies.
• Musical Instruments: Small instruments can be taken into the cabin as hand luggage (if they fit the dimensions). For large instruments (cello, guitar), purchasing a separate seat in the cabin may be required.
• Animals: Transporting animals in the cabin or hold is possible only with veterinary documents and prior booking. The service is always paid and is calculated as excess baggage (weight of the animal + weight of the cage).

Prohibited and Restricted Items

Strict restrictions apply to ensure flight safety. It is forbidden to carry sharp objects and liquids over 100ml in hand luggage. Lithium batteries (power banks) cannot be carried in checked baggage — they must be taken with you into the cabin.

Important Note regarding Turkmenistan: When flying through the airline's hub or entering the country, pay special attention to medications. The import of drugs containing codeine, tramadol, and certain other substances is strictly limited or prohibited without special prescriptions and declaration. There are also strict rules for the export of carpets and carpet products — a certificate from the Carpet Museum is required.

Baggage Packing Tips

To ensure your journey, whether a business trip to Delhi or Milan, goes smoothly, follow these simple recommendations:

1. Weigh baggage at home: This helps avoid stress and extra costs at the check-in counter.
2. Pack fragile items in the center: Wrap them in clothes to create cushioning.
3. Remove old tags: Be sure to remove barcodes from previous flights so the sorting system doesn't send your suitcase on an old route, for example, to Abu Dhabi instead of your current destination.
4. Valuables in the cabin: Always take money, documents, jewelry, and electronics in your hand luggage.

Transporting Pets

Turkmenistan Airlines is sympathetic to pet owners and provides the opportunity to travel with your beloved animals. Transportation is carried out in strict accordance with international IATA safety standards to ensure the flight is comfortable for both the pet and other passengers.

Transportation Options

In the Aircraft Cabin (PETC)

Small pets (usually cats and dogs) can travel next to their owner if the following conditions are met:

• Carrier Dimensions: The container must be soft or hard, ventilated, and not exceed dimensions of 50x40x20 cm (to fit under the seat in front).
• Maximum Weight: The total weight of the animal together with the carrier must not exceed 8 kg.
• Allowed Animals: Cats, dogs, small household birds (upon prior approval).
• Limit per Passenger: Usually one carrier is allowed per adult passenger.
• Placement: During takeoff and landing, the carrier must be stowed under the seat; opening it during the flight is prohibited.

In the Baggage Hold (AVIH)

Animals whose weight exceeds the cabin limit travel in a heated and pressurized baggage compartment:

• Container Requirements: Hard plastic container (IATA standard), with a secure lock and a waterproof bottom covered with absorbent material.
• Animal Comfort: The container must be spacious enough for the pet to stand up, turn around, and lie down naturally.
• Weight Limits: Animals weighing up to 32–50 kg (including the cage) are usually accepted; heavier ones are processed as cargo.
• Documents: A copy of the veterinary passport and the owner's contact details must be attached to the container.

As Cargo

This method is used for large animals or when there is no accompanying passenger:

• When Required: If the weight of the animal with the cage exceeds the allowable maximum for baggage or if required by the destination country's regulations (e.g., flights to certain European countries).
• Special Requirements: Processing takes place through the cargo terminal, and a separate air waybill is required.
• Booking Procedure: A request must be sent at least several days before departure through the sales office.

Necessary Documents

To check in for a flight at Ashgabat airport or foreign airports, you will need the originals of the following documents:

• Veterinary Passport: International standard with microchipping details.
• Health Certificate: Veterinary certificate (Form No. 1) for departure, obtained from a state veterinary clinic 3-5 days before the flight.
• Vaccination: Valid rabies vaccination (administered not less than 30 days and not more than 12 months before the flight) and other mandatory vaccinations depending on the type of animal.
• International Certificate: For international flights (e.g., to Frankfurt or Milan), the certificate must be exchanged for an international certificate at the airport veterinary control.
• Export/Import Permit: If required by the legislation of the country of departure or arrival.

Service Costs

Pet transportation is not included in the free baggage allowance and is paid separately:

• Cost Calculation: Payment is made according to excess baggage rates for the actual weight (animal + cage).
• Payment Currency: Depends on the country of departure (e.g., when flying from Istanbul payment may be in dollars or liras, from Russia — in rubles).
• Exceptions: Guide dogs accompanying passengers with visual/hearing impairments are transported free of charge in the aircraft cabin (provided they have a muzzle and leash).

Preparation Tips

• Cage Training: Let your pet get used to the carrier in advance, several weeks before the trip.
• Feeding: Do not feed the animal heavily less than 4 hours before departure to avoid motion sickness; give a little water.
• Identification: Attach a tag with the pet's name and your phone number to the collar.
• Vet Consultation: Visit a veterinarian to ensure the animal is healthy and ready for the flight.

Restrictions

The airline reserves the right to refuse carriage in the following cases:

• Prohibited Breeds: Dogs belonging to aggressive or fighting breeds.
• Brachycephalic Breeds: Animals with flattened snouts (Pugs, Bulldogs, Persian cats) may not be allowed for transport due to the risk of respiratory problems at altitude (requires verification).
• Age: Puppies and kittens younger than 3-4 months (before immunity forms after the rabies vaccination) are usually not allowed to fly.
• Health Condition: Animals showing signs of illness, pregnant females, or animals under the influence of strong sedatives.

Important: The number of spaces for animals on board is limited. We strongly recommend booking the service immediately when purchasing your ticket and ensuring you contact the airline or call center to confirm the request no later than 24 hours before departure.

Privileges for Passengers

At present, Turkmenistan Airlines does not use a complex multi-level system of accumulating miles or points typical of global alliances. Instead, the national carrier focuses on affordable fares, convenient schedules, and a high level of service for all categories of travelers. The company's main asset in the competition for passenger loyalty is the modern transit hub in the city of Ashgabat, ensuring comfortable connections between Europe and Asia.

Business Class Benefits

For those who value enhanced comfort and wish to receive privileged service, the airline offers flights in Business Class. This allows you to enjoy a range of benefits without the need for long-term status accumulation:

• Priority Service: Separate check-in counters allow you to avoid queues and pass pre-flight formalities faster.
• Onboard Comfort: Spacious seats with increased legroom ensure rest during long flights, for example, to Bangkok or Beijing.
• Increased Baggage Allowance: Business Class passengers can carry more luggage, which is especially relevant for flights from popular shopping centers such as Istanbul, Dubai, or Delhi.
• Personal Service: Attentive crew, an improved menu, and a wide selection of drinks make the flight pleasant and relaxing.

Transit Opportunities

Many passengers become regular clients of the airline thanks to its convenient flight geography. The base airport is designed to minimize transfer time and make transit tireless. This makes Turkmenistan Airlines an excellent choice for travel on key routes:

• From European cities (such as London, Frankfurt, or Milan) to Asian countries.
• To dynamically developing metropolises, including Ho Chi Minh City and Kuala Lumpur.
• To the Middle East, for example, to Abu Dhabi or Jeddah.

Domestic Flights and Corporate Travel

The airline plays a key role in the country's business life, ensuring regular and reliable connections between regions. Frequent flights to the port city of Turkmenbashi and the historical center of Mary allow for effective planning of business trips and assignments, which is highly appreciated by corporate clients.

Tip: We recommend following the news on the carrier's official website. Periodically, the company offers special fares and seasonal discounts that make travel even more profitable.

Service Classes and Onboard Comfort

Traveling with Turkmenistan Airlines is an opportunity to appreciate the combination of modern aviation standards and traditional Eastern hospitality. The carrier's fleet, consisting predominantly of Boeing airliners, ensures a high level of safety and comfort whether you are taking a short domestic flight or embarking on a long journey.

Economy Class

The Economy Class cabin is designed to ensure convenience even during long flights. The seats have an ergonomic shape and sufficient legroom, complying with international standards. This makes the flight comfortable both on short routes, such as to Mary, and on longer flights to Istanbul or Delhi.

• Seats: Standard configuration (usually 3-3 on narrow-body aircraft) with reclining backrests.
• Baggage: The ticket price includes a generous baggage allowance (usually 20 kg), which distinguishes the company from low-cost carriers.
• Service: Flight attendants offer blankets and pillows on night and long-haul flights.

Business Class

For passengers valuing privacy and enhanced comfort, Business Class is available. This is an excellent choice for business people heading to London, Frankfurt, or Milan. The Business Class cabin is located at the front of the aircraft and is separated from Economy, creating a quiet atmosphere for work or rest.

• Comfort: Wide leather seats with an increased recline angle and more legroom (configuration usually 2-2 on Boeing 737/757).
• Privileges: Separate check-in counter, priority boarding and disembarkation, increased baggage allowance.
• Atmosphere: Individual attention from the crew and a wardrobe for outerwear.

Food and Beverages

One of the hallmarks of the national carrier is high-quality onboard catering. Unlike many modern airlines, Turkmenistan Airlines provides hot meals free of charge on most international flights.

• Hot Meals: Passengers are offered a choice of several hot dishes (usually chicken or beef with a side dish), prepared in accordance with Halal standards. The menu often includes elements of national and European cuisine.
• Beverages: A wide selection of juices, soft drinks, tea, and coffee is offered during the flight.
• Feature: The airline adheres to healthy lifestyle principles; therefore, alcoholic beverages are not served on board any flights, and their consumption is prohibited. This is worth considering when planning a flight to Dubai or Bangkok.

Entertainment and Connectivity

The inflight entertainment system depends on the type of aircraft. On long-haul liners (Boeing 777) serving flights to cities such as Beijing or Ho Chi Minh City, cabins may be equipped with individual screens featuring a selection of movies and music. On Boeing 737 family aircraft, shared overhead screens are used.

All passengers are offered the "Lachin" inflight magazine, where you can find interesting articles about the culture of Turkmenistan, a route map, and information about the aircraft fleet. Wi-Fi onboard is currently generally not provided, so we recommend downloading content to your mobile devices in advance.

Special Services

The airline strives to ensure equal opportunities for all categories of passengers:

• Traveling with Children: Special seat belts are provided for infants (under 2 years). On some aircraft types, a bassinet can be attached (prior request required). The crew can help warm up baby food.
• Passengers with Reduced Mobility: At the base airport Ashgabat and other destinations (e.g., Abu Dhabi or Kuala Lumpur), escort services and wheelchairs are provided. A request for this service must be made when purchasing the ticket.
• Unaccompanied Minors: The airline provides a service for transporting children under staff supervision, guaranteeing their safety from the check-in counter to handover to the meeting party at the arrival airport.

Popular Destinations and Route Network

The route network of Turkmenistan Airlines is built around its main strategic hub — the Ashgabat International Airport. The flight geography covers important transport hubs in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, and also provides reliable and frequent connections between regions within the country.

Booking and Travel Tips

Planning a trip with Turkmenistan Airlines has its own nuances. To make your journey as smooth and profitable as possible, we have prepared some practical recommendations based on the experience of frequent flyers.

Best Time to Buy Tickets

Although the national carrier often maintains stable price levels, the best fares are usually available when booking 2–3 months before departure. This is especially relevant for popular high-demand destinations, such as flights to Istanbul or Dubai. During summer vacations and national holidays, tickets sell out faster, so it is worth taking care of the purchase in advance.

Where to Find Promotions and Special Offers

The most reliable way to find tickets at a bargain price is to regularly check the airline's official website. That is where news about seasonal discounts or the opening of new routes appears first. We also recommend subscribing to the carrier's official social media pages, where announcements of special fares for transit flights through Ashgabat to Asian countries are sometimes published.

Check-in and Seat Selection

Check-in procedures may vary depending on the departure airport. Although the airline is actively implementing digital services, on many international flights (for example, from cities like London or Frankfurt), it is still recommended to undergo classic check-in at the counter.

• Arrive Early: We advise arriving at the airport at least 3 hours before departure. This will allow you to calmly pass all security checks and passport control without rushing, especially considering thorough inspection procedures.
• Seat Selection: If you want to enjoy the views (especially when flying over mountains or the Caspian Sea on the way to Turkmenbashi), ask for a Window seat at check-in. For tall passengers, Aisle seats are more suitable.

Mobile Application

For the convenience of travelers, the official mobile application "Turkmenistan Airlines" has been developed (available for iOS and Android). With its help, you can:

• Quickly find and buy airline tickets without visiting ticket offices.
• View the current flight schedule.
• Check the status of your flight in real-time.

Using the app is a great way to keep all flight information at hand, especially if you are flying a complex route with a transfer in cities like Bangkok or Beijing.

Insurance and Documents

Before flying, be sure to check the entry document and visa requirements of the destination country. For trips to Turkmenistan or transit, having medical insurance is often a mandatory condition. We recommend taking out an extended policy covering not only medical expenses but also risks associated with possible flight delays or loss of baggage to feel confident in any situation.

History and Development of the Airline

The history of the national carrier Turkmenistan Airlines is inextricably linked with the history of the independence of the state itself. The airline was created on May 4, 1992, becoming a symbol of the country's sovereignty and technological progress. From the first days of its existence, the carrier set itself an ambitious goal — to integrate Turkmenistan into the global transport system, ensuring reliable air connections with key world capitals.

Era of Fleet Renewal

One of the main milestones in the company's development was the strategic abandonment of outdated Soviet aircraft in favor of modern Western liners. As early as 1992, Turkmenistan Airlines became the first air carrier in the post-Soviet space to purchase a brand new Boeing 737-300 directly from the manufacturer's factory. This decision laid the foundation for forming one of the youngest and most modern air fleets in the region. In subsequent years, the fleet was actively replenished with Boeing 717, 757, and wide-body Boeing 777 models, which allowed for a significant expansion of flight geography.

Route Network Expansion

As the aircraft fleet was renewed, the route map also developed. Based in the city of Ashgabat, the airline began building air bridges between Asia and Europe. The launch of regular flights to European centers such as Frankfurt and London opened new opportunities for business people and tourists. Later, the fashionable and business-oriented Milan was added to the European network, becoming an important point for transit passengers.

Parallel to this, active development of the Eastern direction took place. Links were established with major economic centers: flights to Beijing and Delhi strengthened trade relations, while routes to Bangkok and dynamic Ho Chi Minh City became popular among tourists. The recent addition of flights to Kuala Lumpur to the schedule confirms the carrier's commitment to strengthening its presence in Southeast Asia.

Development of Regional Hubs and Infrastructure

A crucial stage in modern history was the opening of the new International Airport in Ashgabat in 2016. The ultra-modern complex in the shape of a soaring falcon (lachin) became the airline's main base, allowing for improved passenger service and cargo handling quality. This strengthened the carrier's positions on traditionally popular routes, such as Istanbul, Dubai, and Abu Dhabi, as well as on religiously significant routes, for example, to the city of Jeddah.

The company also pays special attention to domestic development. Stable air communication with the regions is a priority task. Daily flights connect the capital with the port city of Turkmenbashi, where the "Avaza" tourist zone is developing, and the historical center of Mary, ensuring population mobility and accessibility of resorts.

Modern Stage

Today, Turkmenistan Airlines continues to introduce innovations, including the digitalization of services and electronic ticket sales. The company regularly undergoes safety audits, confirming compliance with international standards. The evolution from a regional carrier to an international level airline demonstrates Turkmenistan's desire to be open to the world and provide its guests with service based on safety and traditional hospitality.