Nursultan Nazarbayev International Airport

Nursultan Nazarbayev International Airport (NQZ) is not merely the aerial gateway to the capital of Kazakhstan, but an ultramodern aviation hub playing a key role in the Central Asian region. Its futuristic architecture reflects the dynamic spirit of Astana, while its technical facilities allow for the reception of all aircraft types even in challenging weather conditions, which is particularly important given the extreme continental climate. The airport is one of the busiest in the country and is constantly evolving, offering passengers a high level of comfort and safety.

One of the main features of the airport is the presence of two modern terminals that separate passenger flows for greater convenience. Terminal T1 serves international flights, while Terminal T2 handles domestic ones. Notably, the design of the old terminal (now T2) was developed by the famous Japanese architect Kisho Kurokawa. The recent reconstruction of the runway and the installation of the latest lighting and signaling equipment have significantly increased flight safety levels.

For passenger comfort, the airport provides everything necessary: from spacious waiting areas and business lounges, such as The Shanyraq, to Duty Free shops, cafes, and restaurants. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the territory, and prayer rooms are equipped for worshippers. Convenient transport links to the city are provided by city buses No. 10, No. 12, and express routes, as well as numerous taxi services, allowing you to quickly and easily reach the centre of Astana.

Official Website: To check the schedule, flight status, or obtain other official information, visit the site nn-airport.kz.

Inquiry Service Phone: For immediate consultation, you can call the 24-hour number: +7 (7172) 702-999.

Address: The airport is located at: Kazakhstan, Astana, Kabanbai Batyr Avenue, 119.

Email: For general questions and official inquiries, you can use e-mail: office@nn-airport.kz.

Social Media: Follow the latest news and updates on the airport's official social media pages, such as Facebook and Instagram.

Lost & Found: If your luggage has been lost or damaged, contact the tracing service by phone: +7 (7172) 777-443.

Passenger Support: For any questions related to your journey, you can contact the support service via the main inquiry phone number or speak to staff at the information desks within the terminal.

Getting to Nursultan Nazarbayev International Airport from the centre of Astana is straightforward. The transport system of the capital of Kazakhstan offers several convenient options suitable for any budget and preference.

Public Transport. The most economical way is by city bus. Two main routes run between the city and the airport: No. 10 and No. 12. They pass through key points on both the left and right banks, including the railway station. There is also an express route, No. 100, which operates with fewer stops. A bus trip takes on average 40-60 minutes depending on traffic conditions and the specific route. Payment is made via transport card or cash, and the fare is very affordable.

Taxi and Transfer. For those who value comfort and speed, a taxi is the ideal choice. Popular ride-hailing app services operate in Astana (e.g., Yandex Go, inDrive), offering trips at fixed prices. This is the fastest way to get to the airport—a trip from the city centre will take just 20-30 minutes excluding traffic jams. It is recommended to use official applications to avoid inflated prices.

Car Rental and Personal Transport. If you are travelling by rented or private car, the route to the airport is simple and clear thanks to good road signage. Convenient parking is provided on the airport grounds. There are both short-term parking zones for quick passenger drop-off and pick-up, as well as long-term lots for those leaving their car for several days.

Nursultan Nazarbayev International Airport (NQZ) in Astana is a modern and convenient transport hub with a well-thought-out structure. The airport consists of two main passenger terminals, clearly divided by flight type, which significantly simplifies navigation for travellers.

Terminal 1 (T1) serves all international flights. This is a new, spacious, and modern building designed to meet high global standards. Terminal 2 (T2), located in the historic airport building, has been completely reconstructed and now serves all domestic flights within Kazakhstan. This separation makes passenger flows intuitively understandable: if you are flying abroad, head to T1; if flying within the country, head to T2.

Both terminals are located in immediate proximity to each other and are connected by a convenient covered walkway. Passengers do not need to go outside to move from one building to another, which is especially valuable in poor weather. Navigation inside is simple thanks to clear signs in Kazakh, Russian, and English. The layout is standard: arrival zones are located primarily on the ground floor, while departure, check-in, and security screening zones are on the first floor.

To complete all formalities for international flights in Terminal 1, it is recommended to arrive at the airport 2.5-3 hours before departure. This time is usually sufficient for calm check-in, baggage drop, passport control, and security screening. For domestic flights in Terminal 2, 1.5-2 hours is typically enough. During peak hours and on public holidays, it is worth allowing extra time.

To avoid confusion, always check the information on your flight ticket—the required terminal will be indicated there. Upon arrival at the airport, pay attention to the electronic departure and arrival boards, which will help you orient yourself. Thanks to the logical layout and compact arrangement of the terminals, navigation at Nursultan Nazarbayev Airport will not cause difficulties even for those visiting for the first time.

The history of Nursultan Nazarbayev International Airport is closely intertwined with the development of the capital of Kazakhstan. Its journey began in 1931 with the creation of a small airfield in what was then Akmolinsk. This was a modest beginning that laid the foundation for a future major transport hub, which initially served only postal and medical flights.

A significant stage of development occurred during the Soviet period. In 1963, the airport was moved to its current location, and a new terminal building was constructed. A major event was in 1966 when a paved runway was put into operation. This allowed for the reception of larger aircraft, such as the Il-18, and strengthened the status of Tselinograd Airport as an important centre of air communication in the region.

A new chapter in the airport's history began after Astana gained the status of capital in 1997. It became obvious that the existing infrastructure could not cope with the increased demands. In this regard, a large-scale reconstruction was carried out, completed in 2005. The project for the new passenger terminal was developed by the world-renowned Japanese architect Kisho Kurokawa, resulting in the airport receiving a modern look and significantly increasing its capacity.

The latest major expansion took place ahead of the international exhibition EXPO-2017. In June 2017, a new international terminal (T1) was opened, which allowed passenger traffic to practically double. In the same year, the airport was named after the first President of Kazakhstan, Nursultan Nazarbayev. Today, it is one of the most modern and busy airports in Central Asia, capable of receiving all types of aircraft, including the world's largest passenger liner, the Airbus A380.

Nursultan Nazarbayev International Airport offers passengers a full range of services for a comfortable wait for their flight. Conditions have been created in the terminals to ensure that the time before departure passes pleasantly and productively, regardless of the purpose of your trip.

For those wishing to have a snack or go shopping, the airport features numerous restaurants, cafes, and bars offering both local and international cuisine. You can enjoy a cup of coffee, have a full lunch, or grab a quick sandwich. Duty Free shops offer a wide assortment of perfumes, cosmetics, tobacco products, and souvenirs at competitive prices.

Passengers who value enhanced comfort can use the services of business lounges and VIP lounges. Here, in a quiet atmosphere, you can relax in comfortable armchairs, work using free internet, and enjoy snacks and beverages included in the cost of the visit. For business class travellers and loyalty card holders, access to such lounges is often provided free of charge.

Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport, allowing you to stay in touch with loved ones or resolve work issues. For the convenience of passengers, numerous charging stations for electronic devices are equipped in the waiting areas. Additionally, bank branches, ATMs, and currency exchange points are located in the terminal, where necessary financial operations can be easily performed.

The airport cares for all categories of travellers. Mother and child rooms are equipped for passengers with children, where you can feed and change a baby in a quiet environment. If necessary, you can contact the 24-hour medical point. Passengers with disabilities are provided with all necessary assistance: special equipment, ramps, elevators, and staff escort. It is recommended to book the escort service in advance through the airline.

For business travellers who need to hold a meeting or work, conditions for work are created in the business lounges. If you have a long layover or an early departure, several hotels are located in the immediate vicinity of the airport, offering comfortable accommodation and convenient transfer to the terminal.

At Nursultan Nazarbayev International Airport in Astana, passengers will find diverse options for a snack or a full meal. Regardless of how much time you have before departure, you can refresh yourself in one of the numerous cafes, bars, or restaurants located in both the public and departure zones.

Catering establishments are distributed across different zones of the airport. In the public zone (before passport control and security screening), there are coffee shops and small cafes where it is convenient to meet people seeing you off or to have a cup of coffee upon arrival. The main selection of establishments is concentrated in the airside departure zone, after all formalities. Here you will find both fast-food restaurants and establishments with menu service.

For those wishing to experience local cuisine, some restaurants offer dishes with national flair. Although finding full beshbarmak at the airport might be difficult, you will certainly be able to try pastries, such as baursaks or samsa, as well as beverages based on kumys or shubat. In addition, international cuisine is widely represented: pizza, burgers, sandwiches, and pasta. Coffee shops offering fresh pastries, desserts, and hot drinks are perfect for a quick snack.

Most establishments offer options for passengers with special dietary needs. The menu includes vegetarian dishes, salads, and fresh fruits. Given local traditions, finding Halal standard food is very easy. Opening hours vary: cafes in the public zone may close for the night, while many establishments in the international departure zone operate around the clock to serve passengers on night flights. The price range is quite wide—from budget-friendly prices in fast-food chains to a higher average check in full-service restaurants.

To ensure your journey through the airport of Astana goes as smoothly as possible, take advantage of a few useful tips. Planning in advance will help avoid unnecessary stress and make waiting for your flight more comfortable.

Arrival and Check-in: For international flights, it is recommended to arrive at the airport 2.5-3 hours before departure, and for domestic flights—1.5-2 hours before. This time is sufficient to go through all formalities without rushing. To save time, use online check-in on your airline's website, which usually opens 24 hours before departure. This allows you to proceed directly to the baggage drop counter or, if travelling light, to the security screening zone.

Security Control and Seat Selection: When passing through security, be prepared to remove all electronic devices and containers with liquids (up to 100 ml each) from your hand luggage. regarding seat selection on the plane, window seats offer the best views, while aisle seats offer more freedom of movement. Note that for low-cost carriers, seat selection is often a paid service.

Hand Luggage and Customs: Carefully study your airline's hand luggage rules, especially regarding dimensions and weight. Sharp objects and liquids in containers larger than 100 ml are standardly prohibited. When passing through customs control in Kazakhstan, follow the "Green Channel" if you have no goods to declare. If you are carrying large sums of money or valuable items, use the "Red Channel".

Transfers and Flight Delays: Passengers with a layover should study the airport map in advance to quickly find the necessary terminal and gate. If your flight is delayed, monitor information on the departure boards and in the airline's app. In case of long delays, the air carrier is obliged to provide beverages, meals, and if necessary, hotel accommodation. The airport has cafes, shops, and free Wi-Fi to help pass the waiting time.