Karaganda Airport

The "Sary-Arka" air gateway is not just an airport, but a key transport hub opening the way to the heart of industrial Kazakhstan. Located near Karaganda, it serves as a starting point for travellers eager to explore the unique culture and vast steppe landscapes of the country's central region. The airport boasts a rich history and is capable of handling almost all types of aircraft, making it a significant facility on the aviation map of Eurasia.

One of the unique features of Karaganda Airport is its runway, considered one of the best in the CIS. During the Soviet era, it was constructed as a reserve airfield for the landing of the "Buran" spaceplane, which attests to its supreme technical specifications. Today, this allows it to receive even the largest and heaviest aircraft, including giants like the An-225 "Mriya" (in the past) and the Airbus A380.

For the convenience of passengers, the terminal is equipped with everything necessary: there are comfortable waiting lounges, several cafes where you can have a bite before your flight, shops including Duty Free, as well as currency exchange points and ATMs. The airport offers both domestic flights across Kazakhstan and international routes. Thanks to its strategic location, it is frequently used as a convenient transit point for journeys through Central Asia.

Below you will find the main contact information for Karaganda International Airport "Sary-Arka" (KGF). We recommend checking the official website for the most up-to-date data before your trip.

• Official Website: kgf.aero
• Inquiry Service Phone: +7 (7212) 42-85-99
• Address: Republic of Kazakhstan, Karaganda Region, Karaganda city, "Sary-Arka" Airport
• Email: info@kgf.aero (for general enquiries)
• Social Media: Look for current information and links to official pages in the corresponding section of the airport website.
• Lost & Found Information: +7 (7212) 42-85-74
• Passenger Support Contacts: For most questions related to airport services, please contact the general inquiry service.

Karaganda Airport, also known as "Sary-Arka", is located approximately 22 kilometres southeast of the city centre. It is a modern aviation hub handling both domestic and international flights. Getting there is straightforward, though the choice of transport depends on your budget and the amount of luggage you are carrying.

Public Transport

The most budget-friendly way to reach the airport is by using the city bus. Bus No. 120 runs between the city and the terminal. It departs from the Karaganda railway station and bus station, passing through the city centre (Bukhar-Zhyrau Avenue).

The journey time by bus is about 45–60 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. Tickets are inexpensive; payment is usually made via a transport card or in cash to the conductor (it is best to check the cost on the spot, but it remains very affordable). Please note that buses run according to a schedule with intervals of approximately 30–60 minutes, and there are no services at night.

Taxi and Transfers

For those who value comfort or are travelling with heavy suitcases, a taxi is the optimal option. Popular taxi aggregators (such as Yandex Go) operate in Karaganda, as well as local dispatch services. A trip from the city centre to the airport usually takes 25–35 minutes.

The cost of the trip varies depending on the time of day and demand, but on average it ranges from 2,500 to 4,000 tenge. It is recommended to book a car through official apps or counters at the airport to avoid inflated prices from private drivers at the terminal exit.

Private Car and Parking

If you are travelling by your own car or being dropped off, follow the highway in the direction of Almaty/Astana according to the signs for the airport. The road is usually uncongested and of good quality.

The "Sary-Arka" airport territory features a parking zone directly in front of the passenger terminal. Usually, the first 15 minutes of parking (for dropping off or picking up passengers) are provided free of charge. Hourly and daily rates apply for long-term parking. Payment is made via parking meters.

Alternative Airports

If you were unable to find a suitable direct flight to Karaganda, you can consider flying into neighbouring cities and continuing your journey by ground transport. The nearest major hub is Nursultan Nazarbayev International Airport, located approximately 200 km away. You can get to Karaganda from there by high-speed train, bus, or taxi in 2–3 hours.

Additionally, other regional airports are located within a radius of 350–500 km: Balkhash (about 330 km), Pavlodar Airport (385 km), Zhezkazgan Airport (466 km), and Kokshetau Airport (480 km).

Karaganda Airport "Sary-Arka" (KGF) consists of a single passenger terminal that serves both domestic and international flights. Thanks to its compactness and simple structure, orienting yourself here is very easy, even if you are visiting for the first time.

The terminal layout is intuitive. The ground floor typically houses check-in counters, the arrivals area with baggage claim belts, and customs control for arriving passengers. The second floor contains the departure area, where passengers undergo pre-flight security and passport control, after which they enter the waiting lounge with boarding gates. Since there is only one terminal, you do not have to worry about transferring between buildings—all services are under one roof.

Completing all formalities at Karaganda Airport generally does not take much time. Check-in and security checks usually take between 30 to 60 minutes. Nevertheless, for international flights, it is recommended to arrive 2–2.5 hours before departure, and for domestic flights 1.5 hours prior, to check in luggage and pass all procedures without rushing.

For convenient navigation, follow the signs available in Kazakh, Russian, and English. The entire path from the airport entrance to the boarding gate is logical and sequential: flight check-in, baggage drop, followed by security screening and passport control. Due to the small size of the terminal, getting lost here is practically impossible, making travel through Karaganda Airport comfortable and predictable.

The history of the air gates of Karaganda begins in 1934, when the first airport was founded. Initially, it primarily served postal and medical flights, connecting the growing industrial centre with other regions of the country. This modest air harbour played an important role in the city's development, but with the growth of air travel in the Soviet era, the need for a more modern and larger complex arose.

A new era for the region's aviation arrived in 1980 with the opening of the modern "Sary-Arka" airport at its current location. This project was truly grand for its time. The terminal complex, designed with the most advanced technologies, could handle a significantly larger passenger flow. Its location 22 km southeast of the city allowed for the construction of a runway capable of receiving heavy long-haul aircraft.

One of the most interesting facts in the history of Karaganda Airport is connected to the Soviet space programme. Thanks to its powerful runway measuring 3,600 metres, "Sary-Arka" airport was selected as one of the reserve airfields for the landing of the reusable spacecraft "Buran". This status highlights the unique technical characteristics and strategic importance of the airport during the Soviet era.

After the dissolution of the USSR, in 1992, the airport received international status, opening new opportunities for development. It became an important transit hub for cargo and passenger flights between Europe and Asia. Throughout its recent history, the airport has repeatedly undergone modernisation to meet modern safety and comfort standards, and today it remains one of the key aviation hubs of central Kazakhstan, capable of receiving all types of aircraft without restrictions.

Karaganda Airport (KGF) offers its passengers all necessary services for a comfortable wait for their flight. Within the terminal building, you will find several cafes where you can have a snack or drink coffee. For those wishing to shop, there are stores with souvenirs, travel goods, and a Duty Free zone featuring a range of perfumes and confectionery.

For passengers preferring enhanced comfort, the airport provides a VIP lounge with more comfortable seating, beverages, and press. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, and charging stations for mobile devices are installed in the waiting halls, allowing you to stay connected. Banking branches and currency exchange points are also available to travellers.

The airport cares for all categories of passengers. For travellers with small children, a mother and child room is equipped where you can feed and change your baby in a quiet environment. Passengers with reduced mobility are provided with necessary assistance in moving around the terminal, passing through controls, and boarding—it is recommended to contact the airline representatives in advance for this. In case of necessity, you can turn to the 24-hour medical point.

For business travellers or those who need to hold a meeting, conference rooms may be available. If you need to stay overnight near the airport, a hotel is located in the immediate vicinity, offering convenient accommodation for transit passengers and crews. This makes Karaganda Airport a convenient transport hub for both tourists and business trips across Kazakhstan.

At Karaganda Airport (KGF), the choice of dining establishments is concentrated in the main passenger terminal building. The options here are practical rather than exquisite, designed so that passengers can comfortably have a snack before departure or after arrival.

Most cafes and restaurants are located in the general area (landside), accessible to all visitors before passing passport control and security. In the sterile area (airside), after all checks, the choice is usually more limited and may be confined to a small refreshment area or vending machines with drinks and snacks. Therefore, if you plan to have a full meal, it is better to do so before passing security control.

The main establishment in the airport is typically a café or canteen where you can order hot dishes, salads, soups, and pastries. Here you have a chance to try local cuisine, for example, hearty samsa, plov (pilaf), or traditional Kazakh flatbreads. Coffee shops offering sandwiches, desserts, tea, and coffee are excellent for a quick bite. Prices at the airport are moderate, though, as expected, slightly higher than in city establishments.

Regarding dietary preferences, finding specialised vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free menus might be challenging. It is recommended to check the ingredients with the staff—usually, simple options like vegetable salads or side dishes can be found. Food complying with Halal standards is widely available, but for certainty, it is worth asking about the presence of a corresponding certificate. Most establishments operate according to the flight schedule, opening a few hours before the first departure and closing after the last aircraft departs.

To ensure your journey through Karaganda Airport goes as smoothly as possible, make use of our tips. It is recommended to arrive at the airport in advance: 2.5–3 hours before international flights and 1.5–2 hours before domestic ones. This will give you enough time to pass all pre-flight formalities without rushing, even during busy periods.

The check-in and security procedure at Karaganda Airport is standard. You can check in for your flight at the airline counter or online, which often saves time. After this, security screening awaits you. To speed up the process, prepare your documents in advance, remove metal objects from your pockets, and take out laptops and liquids in allowed volumes from your hand luggage. Be ready for standard procedures and follow the instructions of airport staff.

The choice of seat on the plane depends on your preferences. A window seat (A, F) will give you beautiful views during takeoff and landing. An aisle seat (C, D) allows you to stand up freely without disturbing neighbours. If you want to disembark from the plane among the first, choose seats in the front part of the cabin. For those concerned about turbulence, seats over the wing are the best choice, as shaking is felt least there.

Pay special attention to hand luggage rules. Standardly, it is permitted to carry liquids in containers up to 100 ml, packed in a transparent bag. Sharp objects, weapons, explosives, and flammable substances are prohibited. Always check the exact allowances and restrictions on weight and size of hand luggage on your airline's website, as they may differ.

If you have a connecting flight in Karaganda, follow the "Transit" or "Transfer" signs. Clarify with the airline in advance whether you need to collect your luggage and check it in again. Typically, when flying with a single airline, luggage is transferred automatically. Ensure you have enough time between flights in case of unforeseen delays.

When passing customs control in Kazakhstan, "green" and "red" channel rules apply. If you have no goods to declare, proceed confidently through the "green" channel. If you are carrying amounts exceeding the established limit or goods requiring declaration, your path lies through the "red" channel. We recommend familiarising yourself with the country's customs regulations in advance to avoid misunderstandings.

To save time and money, check in for your flight online and, if possible, travel only with hand luggage. Prices for food and drinks in airports are often higher, so bring an empty water bottle which can be filled after security, and light snacks. For trips to or from the city, consider public transport options or a pre-booked transfer—this can be more economical than a taxi at the airport.

In case of a flight delay or cancellation, first contact your airline representative for information about the new departure time and your rights. Depending on the length of the delay, you may be provided with drinks, meals, or even hotel accommodation. Keep all receipts for necessary expenses—they may be needed to receive compensation from the airline or via travel insurance.