Kyzylorda Airport

Kyzylorda Airport, proudly bearing the name of the great Turkic philosopher and storyteller Korkyt Ata, is not merely a transport hub but a true aerial gateway into the heart of the legendary Syr Darya region. It is from here that many travellers begin their fascinating acquaintance with a region where ancient nomadic traditions intertwine remarkably with the advanced space technologies of the nearby Baikonur Cosmodrome. In recent years, the airport has undergone a massive renovation, transforming from a modest regional harbour into a modern and stylish complex, ready to welcome guests from all over the world with warm hospitality.

Features and Advantages of the Airport:

"Korkyt Ata" Airport is developing dynamically, striving to meet the highest standards of service. Among its key advantages are:

• New Modern Terminal: A new passenger terminal covering 7,500 square metres was commissioned in 2024. This bright, two-storey glass and concrete building is equipped with telescopic jet bridges, allowing passengers to move comfortably from the aircraft directly into the terminal building, avoiding exposure to the elements.
• "Cosmic" Gateway: The airport plays a vital strategic role as one of the key civilian hubs ensuring transport accessibility for specialists and tourists heading to the Baikonur Cosmodrome.
• Speed and Convenience: Thanks to the thoughtful logistics of the new terminal and the absence of long queues typical of capital city hubs, completing all pre-flight formalities here takes minimal time.
• Developed Infrastructure: The renewed airport offers passengers enhanced comfort lounges, an automated baggage handling system, modern check-in counters, as well as dedicated prayer rooms and zones for passengers with children.

For your convenience, we have gathered the main contact information for Korkyt Ata International Airport in the city of Kyzylorda. We recommend checking the official resources for the most up-to-date data before your trip.

• Official Website: airport-kyzylorda.kz
• Inquiry Service Phone: +7 (7242) 26-23-46, +7 (7242) 26-15-99
• Address: Republic of Kazakhstan, Kyzylorda city, Airport
• Email: info@airport-kyzylorda.kz
• Social Media: The airport maintains an Instagram page where you can follow news – @korkyt_ata_airport.
• Lost & Found: For questions regarding lost luggage, please contact the inquiry service by phone: +7 (7242) 26-23-46.
• Passenger Support Service: For consultations on general inquiries, please use the main airport inquiry number.

Getting to Kyzylorda Airport (KZO) from the city centre is quite simple, as it is located nearby. Travellers can choose the most convenient method depending on their budget, time, and amount of luggage. On average, the trip from the centre of Kyzylorda to the airport takes about 15–30 minutes.

Public Transport is the most budget-friendly option. City bus No. 19 runs to the airport. This is an excellent choice for those travelling light who wish to save money. Please note that the bus journey will take slightly longer than a taxi due to stops along the route. It is best to check the schedule and exact fare on-site, as they may change.

Taxi and Transfer are the most comfortable and fastest ways to reach the terminal. Both local taxi companies and popular ride-hailing app services (such as Yandex Go) operate in the city. The ride will take approximately 15-20 minutes. This is the ideal option if you have a lot of luggage, are travelling with children, or are flying at night. For greater peace of mind, you can pre-book a private transfer, which will meet you at a designated location and deliver you directly to the airport entrance.

Car Rental provides maximum freedom of movement, especially if you plan to explore not only the city but also its surroundings. There are several car rental companies in Kyzylorda. With a rented car, you can drive to the airport at any convenient time without depending on public transport schedules. The road to the airport is well-marked with signs.

For those arriving in their own or rented vehicle, parking is available within the airport territory. Usually, both short-term parking for quick passenger drop-off/pick-up and long-term parking—for those leaving their car for several days—are available. It is recommended to check parking fees in advance on the official airport website or by phone.

Kyzylorda Airport (KZO) represents a compact and functional aviation hub, typical for regional centres in Kazakhstan. Its structure is simple and clear, making your stay here comfortable even for first-time travellers. The airport consists of one two-storey passenger terminal that serves both domestic and international flights. Thanks to this, you do not have to worry about transferring between different buildings — all procedures take place in one location.

The terminal layout is intuitive. The ground floor houses the main zones: check-in counters, security screening, baggage claim area, and the arrival hall for greeters. After completing check-in and security control, passengers proceed to the first floor, where a small but cosy departure lounge is located. Navigation through the terminal is straightforward — there are signs everywhere, and staff are always ready to help you orient yourself. Due to the small size of the building, it is practically impossible to get lost here.

Departure and arrival zones are clearly separated for passenger convenience. Arriving guests, after disembarking the aircraft, immediately proceed to passport control (for international flights) and then to the baggage claim hall located near the exit to the city. For departing passengers, the journey begins at the terminal entrance, where they proceed to the check-in counters. After checking in luggage and receiving a boarding pass, pre-flight security screening follows, opening access to the secure airside zone — the departure waiting lounge with several boarding gates.

Completing all formalities at Kyzylorda Airport usually takes significantly less time than in major metropolises. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport in advance. For domestic flights, you should arrive 1.5–2 hours before departure, and for international flights — 2.5–3 hours. This time buffer will allow you to calmly complete check-in, baggage drop, and security screening without unnecessary haste, as well as enjoy a coffee before your flight.

The history of Kyzylorda Airport, known as "Korkyt Ata", dates back to the Soviet era, when civil aviation began to play a key role in the exploration and development of the vast territories of Kazakhstan. Although the first runways in the region appeared as early as the 1920s for postal and medical needs, the modern airport complex was built much later. The current terminal building was commissioned in 1988, becoming an important transport hub for the entire region.

One of the most important stages in the airport's history is inextricably linked with the space programme. Its location near the Baikonur Cosmodrome made it a strategically important facility. Transport flows passed through Kyzylorda Airport, delivering specialists, equipment, and cargo necessary for the functioning of the world's largest spaceport. This unique role gave the airport a special status and contributed to its development.

After Kazakhstan gained independence, the airport entered a new phase of modernization. In the 2010s, a large-scale reconstruction was carried out: the runway was lengthened and strengthened, allowing it to accept heavier types of aircraft, including the Boeing 757/767 and IL-76. Modern lighting and navigation equipment were also installed, significantly increasing flight safety and allowing the airport to operate around the clock in all weather conditions.

Today, "Korkyt Ata" Airport serves as the modern aerial gateway to the Kyzylorda region, playing an important role in the economic and social life of the area. It ensures reliable air connections with major cities in Kazakhstan and facilitates the development of local business, including the oil and gas industry. The airport's history is a vivid example of how a small airfield transformed into an important regional hub with a unique "cosmic" past.

Kyzylorda Airport (KZO) offers passengers all necessary services for a comfortable wait. Despite its compact size, the terminal is designed to ensure convenience for both departing and arriving travellers. Here you will find everything you might need before a flight or immediately after arrival.

Cafés operate within the airport territory where you can have a snack, drink coffee, or enjoy refreshments. There are also small shops where you can purchase souvenirs, newspapers, and travel essentials. The assortment allows for satisfying basic passenger needs.

Comfortable waiting lounges with ample seating are provided for waiting for your flight. Passengers preferring a higher level of comfort and privacy can use the services of the VIP Lounge. It offers a more cosy atmosphere, beverages and snacks, as well as personalised service.

Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, allowing you to stay connected or work while waiting for departure. Special sockets and stations are provided for charging electronic devices. ATMs are installed in the terminal building, and a currency exchange point operates where necessary financial transactions can be made.

The airport cares about the health and well-being of its guests. A medical centre operates around the clock on the premises, ready to provide first aid if necessary. For passengers with small children, a mother and child room is equipped, where you can feed and change your baby in a quiet environment.

Conditions have been created for passengers with reduced mobility to move freely around the terminal. Airport staff are ready to provide special assistance and escort during all pre-flight procedures, from check-in to boarding. It is recommended to notify the airline in advance about the need for such services.

There are no hotels within the airport building itself, but various accommodation options can easily be found in the city of Kyzylorda, which is located nearby. For business travellers, basic business services such as faxing or document copying can be provided in administrative zones or in the VIP Lounge, which is also suitable for holding small meetings.

Kyzylorda Airport (KZO) is a compact regional aviation hub, so the choice of dining establishments corresponds to its size. Passengers can have a snack or coffee before departure, but one should not expect the variety of restaurants found in major international hubs. All food outlets are located in the single terminal.

The main café is located in the public zone, accessible before passing security control (landside). Here you can find the most complete assortment: from hot drinks such as coffee and tea to sandwiches, fresh pastries, and several simple hot dishes. This is the best place for a full lunch or breakfast if you have enough time before your flight.

After passing security screening, in the departure lounge (airside), snacking options are more limited. Usually, a small buffet or kiosk operates here, selling packaged snacks, chocolate, soft drinks, and water. Therefore, if you want hot food, it is recommended to eat before entering the secure area.

Regarding local cuisine, popular regional pastries, such as hearty samsa (a savoury pastry usually filled with meat), can sometimes be found on the café menu. As Kazakhstan is a Muslim-majority country, meat served is generally Halal. Regarding special dietary needs, finding specialised vegan or gluten-free dishes may be difficult. Passengers with strict dietary restrictions are advised to bring food with them. Simple vegetarian options are typically available in the form of non-meat pastries.

Prices at Kyzylorda Airport can be characterised as moderately high, which is typical for airport terminals. The opening hours of catering establishments are usually synchronised with the flight schedule: they open before the first morning flights and close after the departure of the last aircraft in the evening.

When planning a trip through Kyzylorda Airport, it is important to remember that this is a regional air hub serving mainly domestic flights within Kazakhstan and a few international destinations. To avoid rushing, arrive at the airport 2–2.5 hours before an international flight and 1.5 hours before a domestic one. This time is usually sufficient for a calm passage through all formalities.

To save time, use online check-in if your airline provides this option. This will allow you to head straight to baggage drop or, if you are travelling light, to the security screening zone. Security procedures here are standard, but always keep your passport and boarding pass handy for quick verification.

When choosing a seat on the plane, be guided by your preferences. Window seats will offer you beautiful views during takeoff and landing, while aisle seats provide more legroom and the ability to stand up freely. If a quick exit from the plane is important to you, choose rows in the front part of the cabin.

Hand luggage rules are standard: liquids in containers up to 100 ml (total volume not exceeding 1 litre), packed in a transparent bag. Sharp objects, weapons, and flammable substances are prohibited. Always check the exact norms and rules on your airline's website. Keep valuables, documents, money, and necessary medicines with you in your hand luggage.

If you have a transfer scheduled, clarify in advance whether you need to collect your luggage and re-register it. In most cases, when connecting on flights of the same airline or alliance, luggage is checked through to the final destination. However, you may need to pass security control again.

Upon arrival on an international flight, you will pass customs control. If you have no goods to declare, proceed confidently through the "Green Channel". If you are carrying items exceeding duty-free import limits, you must pass through the "Red Channel" and fill out a declaration.

To save time and money, book flight tickets and airport transfers in advance. Travelling with only hand luggage will not only speed up your movement through the airport but also save you from potential baggage fees. Also, take an empty reusable water bottle with you, which can be filled after passing security screening.

In case of a flight delay or cancellation, first contact your airline representative for information and instructions. Depending on the length of the wait, you may be provided with drinks, meals, or even hotel accommodation. Since the airport is small, leisure opportunities are limited, so download movies, music, or books to your devices in advance.