Kokshetau Airport

Kokshetau International Airport is the key air gateway of the Akmola Region in Kazakhstan, playing a vital role in the transport system of the northern region. Located in close proximity to the city, it serves as a starting point for journeys to famous resort zones such as Burabay and Zerenda. Despite its official international status, the airport mainly specializes in domestic flights, ensuring reliable connections with the country's largest cities. Following a large-scale reconstruction, it represents a modern and convenient complex, ready to welcome both residents and visitors of the region.

Kokshetau Airport has undergone significant modernization, making it more comfortable for passengers. The renovated terminal is capable of serving up to 200 passengers per hour, offering all necessary services for a pleasant start or end to your journey. The reconstructed runway, 2,850 meters in length, allows for the reception of various types of aircraft, expanding opportunities for airlines. Its convenient location and transport links, including a city bus route, make the journey from the airport to Kokshetau quick and accessible.

For your convenience, we have compiled the main contact information for Kokshetau International Airport (KOV). We recommend always verifying the data on official resources before your trip.

• Official Website: You can find the most accurate and up-to-date information on flights, services, and airport regulations at airport-kokshetau.kz.
• Inquiry Service Phone: For immediate information regarding flight departure and arrival schedules, as well as general questions, you can call: +7 (7162) 25-33-77 or +7 (7162) 72-10-10.
• Airport Address: Republic of Kazakhstan, Akmola Region, Kokshetau City, Airport.
• Email: For written inquiries, you can use the address airport_kok@mail.ru. However, for urgent matters, it is better to use the telephone.
• Social Media: At this moment, the airport does not have actively updated official accounts on social networks. The official website remains the primary source of information.
• Lost and Found Information: If your luggage has been lost or damaged, you should contact the baggage tracing service at +7 (7162) 72-20-20 or visit your airline's representative counter at the airport.
• Passenger Support Service: For most questions, including passenger assistance, you can contact the airport's general inquiry service.

Reaching Kokshetau Airport from the city center can be done in several ways, the choice of which depends on your budget, time, and personal preferences. The air gateway is located approximately 17 kilometers northeast of Kokshetau, making the journey there quick and straightforward. When planning a trip to this picturesque region of Kazakhstan, it is worth studying the available transport options in advance.

Public Transport is the most economical way to get to the airport. City bus No. 18 operates on this route, traveling from the city directly to the terminal. The fare is minimal, making this option ideal for budget travelers and those traveling light. The bus ride will take approximately 40–50 minutes depending on traffic conditions. It is recommended to check the current schedule in advance, as service intervals may vary.

Taxi or Transfer is the most comfortable and fastest option. A car ride from the city center to the airport will take on average 20–25 minutes. You can use the services of local taxi companies by hailing a car via a mobile app or by phone. The estimated cost of the trip will be 2,500–3,500 tenge, but the price may vary depending on the operator and time of day. A pre-booked private transfer may cost slightly more but guarantees a meeting at the required time, which is especially convenient for families with children, travelers with large luggage, or for night flights.

For those who prefer maximum freedom of movement, car rental is the ideal solution. Rental points operate both in the city itself and directly at the airport. Having a car will allow you not only to reach the terminal with comfort but also to explore the surroundings of Kokshetau at your own pace. If you are driving to the airport in a personal vehicle, a parking lot located next to the terminal is at your service. Here, you can leave your car for both short and long terms.

Kokshetau Airport (KOV) is a modern and compact aviation hub characterized by a structure that is simple and clear for passengers. It operates one passenger terminal serving all flights — both domestic and international. Thanks to this, you do not have to worry about transferring between different buildings: all necessary procedures take place in one location.

The terminal layout is intuitively understandable. Upon entering the building, you find yourself in the general hall where check-in counters and baggage wrapping points are located. After receiving a boarding pass, passengers proceed to the security screening zone, beyond which lies the departure waiting lounge. The arrival zone is designed to separate the flows of arriving and departing passengers and has a separate exit to the parking lot and transport stops.

The main feature of Kokshetau Airport is its compact size and, consequently, the rapid completion of all pre-flight formalities. Flight check-in and security screening usually take significantly less time than in large hub airports. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport as standard — 1.5 to 2 hours before departure, to check in luggage and pass controls without haste.

To navigate the terminal, simply follow the signs, which are clearly visible and easy to understand. It is practically impossible to get lost here, as all key zones — from check-in counters to boarding gates — are within walking distance of each other. This makes the stay at the airport maximally comfortable and predictable, even for those flying from here for the first time.

The history of Kokshetau Airport begins in 1945, when the first runway was created. At that time, it was a small airfield that primarily served air ambulance and agricultural needs. It played an important, albeit modest, role in ensuring the transport accessibility of the region in the post-war years, connecting Kokshetau with remote settlements.

A real breakthrough in the development of the air harbor occurred in the 1970s. During this period, a new paved runway and a modern terminal complex for that time were built. Thanks to this, the airport was able to receive larger aircraft, such as the Yak-40 and An-24, and later the Tu-134. This allowed for the establishment of regular air connections with major cities of Kazakhstan and other republics of the USSR, which became a key stage in its history.

After the dissolution of the Soviet Union, like many regional airports, the air harbor experienced a period of decline. A new chapter in its history began in 2010, when a large-scale reconstruction commenced. The works, completed in 2013, completely transformed the airport. The runway was extended and reinforced, a modern passenger terminal was built, and the latest lighting and navigation equipment was installed.

This modernization allowed the airport to obtain international status and begin accepting modern types of aircraft, including Boeing and Airbus. Today, Kokshetau Airport is an important transport hub of northern Kazakhstan, ensuring comfortable and safe flights for residents and guests of the region. Its history is a vivid example of how a modest airfield can turn into a modern air gateway meeting world standards.

Kokshetau Airport (KOV) serves as a welcoming air gateway to the picturesque lake region in the north of Kazakhstan. Despite its compact size, the airport offers passengers all the necessary services for a comfortable start or end to their journey. Conditions have been created here to ensure that waiting for a flight is as convenient as possible.

Dining and Shopping. A café operates within the terminal building, where you can order hot meals, snacks, and beverages. There are also small shops selling travel essentials and souvenirs.

Waiting Lounges and VIP Service. A general waiting hall is available for all passengers. Those who value enhanced comfort and privacy are offered the services of the VIP Lounge. It provides a quieter atmosphere and personalized service.

Communication and Finance. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, allowing you to stay connected. Power outlets for charging mobile devices are provided for passenger convenience. An ATM is installed at the airport, and a currency exchange point is in operation.

Services for Passengers. A Mother and Child room is equipped for travelers with small children. Passengers with reduced mobility are provided with all necessary assistance during pre-flight procedures. In case of need, you can visit the medical center located in the terminal building.

Accommodation and Business Services. There are no hotels within the airport itself, but many accommodation options are located in the city of Kokshetau, which can be quickly reached by taxi. For business travelers, basic business services, such as workspace, may be available in the VIP Lounge.

When planning a departure from Kokshetau Airport, it is important to consider that this is a small regional air hub, and the choice of dining establishments here is quite limited. Nevertheless, passengers can find basic options for a snack before their flight.

Typically, there are one or two cafes/buffets operating in the terminal building, located in the general area before passport and pre-flight control (landside). This is the main dining option for both departing passengers and those meeting them. The assortment usually includes standard offerings: hot and cold beverages (tea, coffee, juices, water), pastries, sandwiches, chocolate, and other snacks. Sometimes, more substantial, simple hot dishes can be found.

Trying something from the national cuisine might be difficult here, but if samsa or baursaks are on the menu, it is a great opportunity for a quick introduction to local pastries. Specialized dining options, such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or specific Halal-certified meals, are unlikely to be explicitly presented. Passengers with strict dietary restrictions are recommended to bring food with them.

Prices at the airport are traditionally higher than in the city of Kokshetau itself. The operating hours of establishments are usually tied to the flight schedule and may not be 24/7. These dining points are ideal for a quick snack, but for a full lunch or dinner, it is better to eat in the city before arriving at the airport.

To ensure your journey through Kokshetau Airport is as comfortable as possible, please use our tips. We recommend arriving at the airport with plenty of time: at least 1.5-2 hours before departure for flights within Kazakhstan and 2.5-3 hours before an international flight. This will allow you to pass check-in and pre-flight screening without haste.

To save time, many airlines offer online check-in — this is a great way to avoid queues at the counters. At the security checkpoint, be ready in advance to remove laptops, tablets, and liquid containers from your carry-on luggage. This is a standard procedure that will go faster if you are prepared.

The choice of seat on the plane depends on your preferences: a window seat for those who love to gaze at clouds and landscapes, or an aisle seat for those who want the ability to stand up freely and stretch their legs. When flying with a transfer, verify in advance whether your luggage will be automatically transferred to the next flight, or if you need to collect it and check it in again.

In carry-on luggage, liquids are permitted in containers with a volume of no more than 100 ml each, packed in a single transparent bag. Sharp objects and flammable substances are strictly prohibited. Remember that portable chargers (power banks) can be transported only in carry-on luggage. On international flights, when passing through customs, follow the "green" channel if you have no goods to declare, and the "red" channel if you do.

To save money, book tickets in advance and try to travel light to avoid paying for excess baggage. You can also bring an empty water bottle and fill it at a drinking fountain after passing security control. If your flight is delayed, the first thing to do is contact your airline representative. They will provide up-to-date information on the flight status and, in the case of a long delay, inform you of your rights to receive drinks, meals, or hotel accommodation.