Almaty Airport

Almaty International Airport (ALA), located at the foot of the majestic Trans-Ili Alatau mountains, is not only the country's largest air gateway but also one of the most dynamically developing aviation hubs in Central Asia. Founded in 1935, it has come a long way from a modest airfield to a modern complex connecting Europe and Asia. Its strategic location makes it an ideal starting point for travellers eager to discover the beauty of the city of Almaty and all of Kazakhstan.

The airport's main pride and key advantage is the new international terminal, opened in June 2024. This event increased the total capacity of the air harbour to 14 million passengers per year, resolving the issue of high congestion. The old terminal has been repurposed to serve domestic flights, optimizing passenger flows and making transfers significantly more convenient. Designers paid special attention to safety: the new building is capable of withstanding an earthquake of up to magnitude 10.

For the comfort of passengers, the airport features modern infrastructure: spacious waiting lounges, 7 telescopic jet bridges, 50 check-in counters, as well as facilities for people with reduced mobility. Two runways are ready to accept all types of modern aircraft without restrictions, confirming the airport's status as one of the most technically equipped in the region. You can reach the city centre by bus or taxi; the journey usually takes 20–30 minutes.

For your convenience, we have compiled key contact information for Almaty International Airport (ALA). We recommend checking the official website for the most up-to-date data before your trip.

• Official Website: www.ala.aero — here you will find the online scoreboard, flight schedules, and all necessary information for passengers.
• Inquiry Service Phone: +7 (727) 270 33 33 (24/7). You can receive consultation on all general questions regarding airport operations at this number.
• Airport Address: 2 Mailin St., Almaty, Kazakhstan.
• Lost & Found: If your luggage has been lost or damaged, please contact the service by phone at +7 (727) 270 34 34 or via email at lost.found@alaport.com.
• Feedback: For official inquiries, suggestions, or complaints, it is recommended to use the special form on the airport website.
• Social Media: Follow news and important announcements on the official airport pages on Facebook and Instagram.

Getting to Almaty International Airport (ALA) from the city centre is quite simple, as it is located within the metropolis limits, approximately 15-20 kilometres northeast of the business district. Depending on the chosen transport, traffic, and your location, the trip will take between 30 to 60 minutes. There are several convenient ways to reach the airport, suitable for any budget and preference.

Public Transport is the most economical option. Several city bus routes connect the airport with various districts of the city. The most popular are buses No. 79, No. 86, No. 92, and the night route No. 3. The stop is located directly opposite the terminal. The fare is minimal, but please note that buses can be crowded during peak hours, and travel time may increase due to traffic conditions. You can pay for the fare using the "ONAY!" transport card or with cash to the driver.

Taxi or Transfer is the fastest and most comfortable method. In Kazakhstan, taxi booking services via mobile apps (such as Yandex Go or inDrive) are popular, offering a fixed and transparent trip cost. This allows you to avoid bargaining with private drivers. A trip from the city centre by taxi will take about 30 minutes excluding traffic jams. You can also use the official taxi counter at the airport or book a private transfer in advance, which is particularly convenient for large groups or families with bulky luggage.

If you prefer independence in your movements, car rental can be an excellent solution. Both international and local rental companies operate at Almaty Airport. This option is especially beneficial if you plan to travel not only around the city but also to the picturesque surroundings. By booking a car online in advance, you can save time upon arrival.

For those travelling to the airport by private car, convenient parking is provided. The territory features both short-term and long-term parking zones. Short-term parking is ideal for quick drop-offs or meeting passengers, while long-term offers more favourable rates for those leaving their car for several days.

Almaty Airport (ALA) consists of two main passenger terminals, the functional purpose of which was clearly divided following the opening of the new building in 2024. This innovation has significantly improved logistics and comfort for passengers of Kazakhstan's main aviation hub.

Structure and Purpose of Terminals:

• New International Terminal: This modern building, opened in June 2024, serves all international flights. It is designed according to modern standards, featuring spacious zones and high throughput capacity.
• Old Terminal (T2): The historic airport building has now been fully repurposed to serve domestic flights within the country.

Navigating the airport is quite simple. The New International Terminal has a logical layout: the arrivals area with passport control and baggage claim is located on the ground floor, while the departures area with numerous check-in counters, security checkpoints, and boarding gates is on the upper floors. Signs are in Kazakh, Russian, and English. The old terminal is more compact, which simplifies navigation. Importantly, both buildings are located in close proximity to each other, and the transition between them via a covered pedestrian gallery takes just a few minutes, which is very convenient for transit passengers.

When planning your travel time to the airport, adhere to standard recommendations. For international flights, it is worth arriving 2.5-3 hours before departure. Although the new terminal is designed for rapid service, queues at passport control and security may occur during peak hours. For domestic flights, arriving 1.5-2 hours in advance is usually sufficient. The main tip for quick navigation is to verify in advance which terminal your flight departs from, and upon arrival at the airport, immediately check the information on the electronic boards.

The history of Almaty International Airport is largely the history of the development of aviation in all of Kazakhstan. Founded in 1935, it began its journey as a small airfield for serving local flights. In the first decades, it played a key role in connecting the then-capital of the Kazakh SSR with other regions, accepting primarily propeller-driven aircraft.

An important stage of development occurred in the 1970s when a new terminal building was erected, becoming one of the city's symbols for many years. With the increase in passenger traffic and the transition to jet aviation, the airport was regularly modernized. Obtaining international status after Kazakhstan gained independence opened a new page in its history, connecting the country with dozens of cities around the world.

A serious trial for the airport was the fire of 1999, which almost completely destroyed the main passenger terminal. This tragic event, however, became the catalyst for a radical renewal. By 2004, passengers were welcomed by a new, modern terminal built in accordance with international standards of comfort and safety, which significantly increased capacity and service quality.

Today, Almaty Airport is rightfully considered the largest and busiest in Central Asia. The newest milestone in its history was the opening of the new international terminal in the summer of 2024. This modern complex allowed not only for a substantial increase in throughput capacity but also strengthened Almaty's position as an important transit hub on routes between Europe and Asia. A curious fact: its location at the foot of the Trans-Ili Alatau mountains classifies the airport as high-altitude, which requires special skill from pilots.

Almaty Airport (ALA) offers passengers a full range of services to ensure waiting for a flight is comfortable and productive. Regardless of the purpose of your trip, you will find everything you need right inside the terminal building.

The airport features a wide selection of cafes and restaurants where you can have a quick snack before departure or a full meal, enjoying dishes of local and international cuisine. For shopping enthusiasts, there are Duty Free shops, as well as souvenir stalls and outlets selling essential goods.

For those who value comfort and privacy, business lounges and a VIP terminal are available. Here you can wait for your flight in a calm atmosphere, enjoying complimentary snacks, beverages, and the latest press. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, and special stands and sockets are provided for charging electronic devices.

Practical matters are also easily resolved at the airport: bank branches, 24/7 currency exchange points, and ATMs are in operation. In case of feeling unwell, you can visit the medical point, which provides assistance 24/7. Travellers with children will appreciate the mother and child room, equipped with everything necessary for a comfortable stay with little ones.

Almaty Airport also cares for passengers with reduced mobility by providing special assistance and escort services. Conference rooms and business centres are available for business travellers. If you have a long layover or an early departure, you will easily find several hotels in the immediate vicinity of the airport.

At Almaty Airport (ALA), travellers will find diverse dining spots capable of satisfying both rushing passengers and those wishing to have a full lunch before departure. Cafes and restaurants are located both in the public zone before security control and in the secure departure zone, serving passengers of domestic and international flights.

For a quick snack or a cup of coffee, coffee shops and fast-food establishments are ideal. Both well-known international chains and local cafes operate in the terminals. Here you can order sandwiches, pastries, desserts, and various beverages. Most of these points are located both in the check-in hall (landside) and after passport control (airside), allowing you to refresh yourself at any stage of your journey.

If you have time for a full lunch or dinner, it is worth paying attention to restaurants located primarily in the departure zone. The menu usually includes dishes of European, Asian, and, of course, local cuisine. This is a great opportunity to get acquainted with the gastronomy of Kazakhstan one last time before flying — try ordering beshbarmak, lagman, or hearty baursaks if they are on the menu.

Options are also available for passengers with special dietary preferences. Many establishments offer vegetarian dishes, such as salads or vegetable soups. Information regarding Halal products can be confirmed with the staff of a specific restaurant. The price range at the airport is generally higher than the city average. A cup of coffee will cost an average airport price, while a full lunch will be more expensive than in Almaty establishments.

Most establishments in the international departure zone operate 24/7 or have extended working hours to serve passengers of night and morning flights. In the public zone and the domestic terminal, some cafes may close for the night. We recommend planning your meal time in advance, especially if you are travelling during peak hours.

To ensure your journey through Almaty Airport, one of the key aviation hubs of Kazakhstan, goes as smoothly and comfortably as possible, use these proven tips. Planning in advance will help avoid unnecessary stress and save time.

Arrival Time: For international flights, it is recommended to arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before departure, and for domestic flights — 1.5-2 hours. This time is sufficient to go through all pre-flight formalities without rushing, especially during peak hours.

Check-in and Security: If possible, check in for your flight online — this will save you time in queues at the counters. Prepare for security screening in advance: remove metal items from your pockets, take off outer clothing and belts. Laptops, tablets, and other large gadgets are usually required to be taken out of bags and placed in a separate tray.

Seat Selection: If the airline allows you to select a seat for free or for a fee, consider your preferences. Window seats offer beautiful views during takeoff and landing, while aisle seats ensure more freedom of movement and quick access to the exit after landing.

Hand Luggage: Remember the rules for carrying liquids: all must be in containers of no more than 100 ml and packed in a single transparent bag. It is forbidden to carry sharp or cutting objects in hand luggage. Important: power banks (external batteries) and lithium-ion batteries can be carried only in hand luggage; checking them into hold luggage is prohibited.

Transfer Passengers: If you have a connecting flight in Almaty, verify in advance whether you need to collect your luggage and check it in again. Follow the "Transit" / "Transfer" signs to move to the required terminal or boarding gate without exiting to the general arrival zone.

Customs Control: When entering or leaving the country, pay attention to the "green" and "red" channel system. If you do not have goods subject to mandatory declaration (for example, exceeding limits in value or quantity), feel free to go through the "green channel". Otherwise, it is necessary to complete a declaration.

Saving Time and Money: To avoid overpaying for a taxi, use official services or online apps to order a car. Prices for food and beverages in the departure zone are traditionally higher, so if you have time, you can have a snack before passing through passport control.

Flight Delays: In case of a flight delay or cancellation, do not panic. Contact your airline representative at the information desk. Depending on the duration of the wait, you have the right to receive information, beverages, meals, and for long delays — accommodation in a hotel.