Shymkent Airport

Shymkent International Airport is the southern gateway to Kazakhstan and the third busiest aviation hub in the country. Located at the intersection of major international air routes, it serves as a convenient transfer point for travel across Central Asia. The airport is a base for SCAT Airlines and a key hub for the low-cost carrier FlyArystan, ensuring a wide network of routes both domestically and internationally. Recent modernisation and the opening of a new terminal have significantly expanded its capabilities, making the passenger experience even more comfortable.

Shymkent Airport offers passengers all necessary services for a comfortable wait for their flight. Inside the terminal, free Wi-Fi, several cafés and lounges, shops including souvenir stalls, as well as currency exchange points and luggage storage are available. For passengers with children, a Mother and Child room is provided, and for those travelling business class or for an additional fee, there is a VIP Lounge with expedited formalities. Thanks to the recent opening of the new terminal, the airport's capacity has grown significantly, featuring modern telescopic gangways and an automated baggage handling system, making boarding fast and convenient.

• Official website: shymkent.aero
• Information Desk Phone: +7 (7252) 45-50-30 (Call Centre)
• Address: Republic of Kazakhstan, city of Shymkent, Abay District, 160012
• Email: info@shymkent.aero
• Social Media: The airport has official pages on social networks, for example, on Instagram: @shymkent.airport
• Lost Luggage Information: In case of lost luggage, you should first contact your airline representative. If items were lost within the terminal building, please contact the Lost & Found service or the airport information desk.
• Passenger Support Service: For consultations and general enquiries, you can contact the Call Centre via the phone number listed above.

Shymkent International Airport (CIT) is located just 10-12 kilometres from the city centre, making the journey there quick and convenient. You can reach the terminal in several ways: by public transport, taxi, or rental car. The choice depends on your budget, time, and amount of luggage.

Public Transport is the most economical option. City buses, specifically routes No. 12, No. 12A, and No. 12B, run to the airport. They depart from various parts of the city and travel to the terminal. The trip takes on average 30-40 minutes depending on traffic conditions and the departure point. The fare is the most affordable of all options, making the bus an excellent choice for budget travellers.

Taxi or Transfer is the most comfortable and fastest method. A trip from the city centre to the airport will take about 20-25 minutes. Popular taxi-hailing apps operate in Shymkent, allowing you to check the cost in advance and book a car. You can also use the services of official airport carriers or book a private transfer in advance. This option is especially convenient if you are travelling with a lot of luggage or at night.

For those who prefer complete freedom of movement, car rental is the optimal solution. Several rental agencies operate in the city, where you can hire a car for any duration. This allows you not only to reach the airport in comfort but also to explore the surroundings of Shymkent and other corners of Kazakhstan. For those arriving at the airport in their own vehicle, a car park is provided within the airport complex, offering both short-term and long-term parking options.

Shymkent Airport (CIT) is a vital transport hub in southern Kazakhstan and consists of two main buildings: the new and old terminals. For most passengers, the main point of service is the modern terminal, opened in 2021, which handles both domestic and international flights. The old terminal building is located nearby, but major operations have been moved to the new complex.

The new terminal is a modern building with an intuitive layout. Navigation is straightforward: signs are in Kazakh, Russian, and English. Departure and arrival zones are clearly separated. The ground floor typically houses check-in counters and the arrival area with baggage claim belts. After check-in, passengers proceed to the upper floor, where security checkpoints, passport control (for international flights), and spacious waiting halls with boarding gates are located.

Transfer between the old and new terminals is done on foot, as they are located in close proximity to each other. However, since almost all flights are now serviced in the new building, passengers rarely need to make this transfer. Always check your flight information on the departure boards.

Completing all pre-flight procedures at Shymkent Airport usually does not take much time due to its compact size. For domestic flights, check-in and security checks typically take from 30 to 50 minutes. For international destinations, taking passport control into account, you should allow about 1–1.5 hours. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport in advance: 2 hours before a domestic flight and 3 hours before an international one, to complete all formalities without rushing.

The history of the airport in Shymkent is a vivid example of how a small airfield transformed into a modern international air gateway. Its journey began in 1932, when an agricultural airbase was founded. In the first decades of its existence, it primarily served the needs of the local agro-industrial complex and performed postal flights.

A significant step in development was taken in 1963, when the airport was moved to its current location. Four years later, in 1967, a new terminal complex was built and commissioned with a runway capable of receiving larger aircraft. This event marked the transformation of the airport into a full-fledged civil hub, connecting southern Kazakhstan with other cities.

After Kazakhstan gained independence, Shymkent Airport entered a new era of modernisation. In 2007, a large-scale reconstruction of the runway was carried out, allowing it to accept modern types of aircraft, including wide-body liners. This opened up opportunities for launching new international routes and attracted foreign airlines.

One of the key achievements of recent history was the construction and opening of the new passenger terminal. This modern complex, launched in recent years, has significantly increased the airport's capacity, raising the level of comfort and service quality for passengers to an international standard. Today, Shymkent Airport is one of the busiest in the country, playing an important role as a transport and transit hub in Central Asia.

Shymkent Airport (CIT), an important transport hub in southern Kazakhstan, offers passengers all necessary services for a comfortable wait. In the terminal, you will find several cafés and snack bars where you can have a bite to eat before your flight, as well as enjoy coffee or soft drinks. For those wishing to shop, there are stores including Duty Free with an assortment of perfumes, cosmetics, beverages, and souvenirs.

Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport, allowing you to stay connected or work while waiting for your plane. Special stations are provided for charging electronic devices. Passengers preferring enhanced comfort can utilise the VIP Lounge services, which offer a more private atmosphere, snacks, and drinks.

To handle financial matters, ATMs and currency exchange points operate within the terminal building. If you require medical assistance, a medical post is open 24/7 on the airport premises, where qualified staff are ready to provide first aid.

Travellers with small children will appreciate the Mother and Child room, equipped with everything necessary for baby care. For passengers with reduced mobility, conditions have been created for convenient movement around the terminal, and airport staff are always ready to provide special assistance during boarding and disembarking.

Although there are no hotels or specialised conference halls within the airport itself, numerous hotels to suit any taste and budget are located in the immediate vicinity, easily accessible by taxi. Basic business services, such as faxing or document copying, can be obtained at the airport's administrative offices upon request.

At Shymkent Airport (CIT), passengers can find several options for a snack or a full meal, both in the public area and after passing security control. The selection of establishments corresponds to the status of an international regional airport and allows for a comfortable time while waiting for a flight.

The majority of cafés and fast-food points are located in the public zone (before passport control). Here you can leisurely drink coffee with dessert while seeing off or meeting loved ones. This area usually hosts coffee shops offering a standard set of drinks, pastries, and sandwiches, as well as small cafés with a more substantial menu. In the secure zone (after passport control), the choice may be slightly smaller, but there are also establishments where you can have a snack immediately before departure. Typically, these are lounges and grab-and-go cafés.

When travelling through Kazakhstan, it is worth trying local cuisine. In the airport, you can find outlets selling national pastries, for example, samsa or baursaks — an excellent option for a quick and filling snack. For a more substantial lunch, some cafés may offer simplified versions of popular dishes such as pilaf or lagman. Regarding special dietary requests, finding certified Halal, vegetarian, or gluten-free dishes might be challenging. However, in most cafés, you can order simple salads, fruit platters, or vegetable dishes by checking the ingredients with the staff.

Prices for food and drinks at Shymkent Airport, as in most air hubs around the world, are higher than the city average. The opening hours of main establishments are usually tied to the flight schedule; many are open 24/7 or from early morning until late at night, providing passengers with food at any time. For a quick bite, coffee shops with ready-made sandwiches and pastries are suitable, while for those with time to spare, it is better to choose one of the cafés in the public zone where you can order hot dishes and sit comfortably.

Useful tips for travellers planning a departure or transfer at Shymkent Airport will help make your trip more comfortable and predictable. The main rule is to arrive at the airport well in advance. It is recommended to arrive 2-3 hours before an international flight and 1.5-2 hours before a domestic one. This will give you enough time to go through all pre-flight formalities without rushing, especially during peak hours or the tourist season.

To save time at check-in counters, use online check-in, which most airlines open 24 hours before departure. Print your boarding pass or save it on your mobile device. At the security control stage, have your passport and boarding pass ready. Be prepared to remove laptops and other large gadgets from your hand luggage, as well as liquid containers packed in a transparent bag.

Pay close attention to hand luggage regulations. Standard international norms limit the volume of liquids — no more than 100 ml per container, and all bottles must be packed in one transparent resealable bag with a capacity of up to 1 litre. Sharp objects, weapons, and flammable substances are prohibited. Regarding seat selection on the plane, window seats will offer you beautiful views during take-off and landing, while aisle seats provide more legroom and freedom of movement around the cabin.

Passengers with transfers in Shymkent should check with their airline in advance whether their luggage will be automatically transferred to the next flight or if it needs to be collected and checked in again. When passing customs control in Kazakhstan, follow the signs: if you have no goods to declare, choose the "Green" channel. Otherwise, head to the "Red" channel.

To save a little money, take an empty reusable bottle with you and fill it with drinking water after passing security. Prices for food and drinks in airports are traditionally higher, so a light snack brought from home will also be useful. In case of a flight delay or cancellation, do not panic. First, contact your airline's counter for information and instructions. Depending on the length of the delay, you may be provided with drinks, meals, or even hotel accommodation.