Osh Airport

Osh Airport (OSS) is not merely the air gateway to the "southern capital" of Kyrgyzstan, but also a vital transport hub for the entire Fergana Valley. As the second-largest airport in the country, it plays a key role in ensuring air connectivity for the entire southern region. Opened in 1974 and granted international status in 1992, the airport is constantly being modernized, offering passengers a contemporary level of comfort and safety.

Despite its size, Osh Airport offers travellers all necessary amenities. Following reconstruction, the passenger terminal's capacity increased to 600 people per hour. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, allowing you to stay connected at all times. For a comfortable wait, there are cafes serving local cuisine, a mother and child room, a 24-hour prayer room, and a VIP lounge located in a separate building. The airport is capable of handling various types of aircraft, including Boeing and Airbus, and services numerous flights to both domestic and international destinations.

If you need to contact representatives of Osh Airport, please use the following contact information. We recommend checking the official website for the most up-to-date data before your trip.

• Official website: www.airport.kg (Osh Airport section). Here you will find flight schedules, news, and other important information.
• Inquiry service phone: +996 (3222) 9-01-01. You can call this number for information on departures, arrivals, and airport services.
• Address: Kyrgyz Republic, city of Osh, M. Amatov Street, n/n.
• Email: Generally, for general inquiries, you can use the address listed on the official website, such as info@airport.kg.
• Social Media: Look for the official pages of "Osh International Airport" on popular social networks to keep up with news and updates.
• Lost & Found Information: In case of lost or damaged luggage, you should first contact your airline's representative at the airport. You can also contact the baggage tracing service via the phone number listed on the airport website.
• Passenger Support Service: For most inquiries, you can contact the airport's general inquiry service.

Getting to Osh International Airport from the city centre is straightforward, as it is located just 9 kilometres north of Osh. The most economical way is to use public transport. The popular route No. 107 (minibus taxi/marshrutka) runs regularly between the city and the airport. The trip takes about 30-40 minutes depending on traffic conditions and costs very little. This option is ideal for light travellers; however, please note that during peak hours, minibuses can be crowded, and space for bulky luggage is limited.

For those who value comfort and time, the optimal choice is a taxi or private transfer. The drive from the city centre to the airport takes just 15-25 minutes. Both local taxi services and popular mobile apps operate in Osh, where the trip cost is known in advance. If you decide to use private drivers, it is recommended to agree on the price before starting the trip to avoid misunderstandings. A taxi is the best option for travellers with children or a large amount of luggage.

If you plan to actively explore the southern regions of Kyrgyzstan, it is worth considering car rental. Rental points can be found in the city itself. Upon arriving in Osh, you can pick up a pre-booked car and immediately set off on your journey. For those arriving at the airport in their own or rented transport, convenient parking is available on the terminal grounds, where you can leave your car for both short and long terms.

Regardless of the chosen method, plan your departure to the airport with some spare time, especially if your flight falls during morning or evening peak hours. The choice of transport depends on your budget, amount of luggage, and personal preferences: a minibus for economy, a taxi for speed and convenience, and a rental car for complete freedom of movement.

Osh Airport (OSS) is a compact and user-friendly aviation hub. All operations are concentrated in one two-storey passenger terminal, which serves both domestic and international flights. This structure significantly simplifies navigation and makes moving around the airport quick and convenient, as there is no need to transfer between different buildings.

The terminal layout is logical and intuitive. The Ground Floor is the main zone for arriving and departing passengers. Located here are:

• General waiting hall;
• Check-in counters for all flights;
• Arrivals area with baggage claim belts.

The First Floor is entirely dedicated to the departure zone. After passing pre-flight security screening, passengers enter the secure area, where you will find:

• Waiting lounges with boarding gates;
• Small Duty Free shops;
• Cafes and fast-food outlets.

The time required to complete all procedures at Osh Airport is usually less than in major hubs. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport in advance: 2-3 hours before an international flight and 1.5-2 hours before a domestic one. This will allow you to calmly go through check-in and security, especially during peak hours. For navigation, simply follow the standard signs and information boards, which will help you easily find the necessary counter, boarding gate, or other services.

The history of Osh Airport is the history of the development of the entire southern region of Kyrgyzstan. Officially, the air harbour was founded in 1974, although a runway existed at this location even earlier. Initially, it was a small airfield designed to serve local airlines and connect remote mountain areas with the regional centre. Its location in the densely populated Fergana Valley immediately determined its strategic importance.

During the Soviet period, the airport actively developed as part of the unified "Aeroflot" system. It received regular flights from many cities of the USSR and was a key transport hub for passengers and cargo. The fleet in those years mainly consisted of An-2, Yak-40, and Il-14 aircraft, which were ideally suited for flying in mountainous terrain. It was then that the foundation for future infrastructure was laid—the first terminal building and necessary technical services were built.

A new stage in the airport's history began after Kyrgyzstan gained independence. In 1992, it received international status, which opened opportunities for direct flights to other countries. However, the real breakthrough was the large-scale reconstruction completed in 2014. As part of the modernization, a new, modern terminal complex was built, the runway was lengthened and strengthened, and lighting and navigation equipment was installed, allowing the acceptance of heavier aircraft types, such as the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320, at any time of day.

Today, Osh Airport is the second busiest in the country after the capital's "Manas" and bears the proud title of the "Southern Gates of Kyrgyzstan". It continues to develop, improving service quality and expanding flight geography. The airport has repeatedly proven its significance in ensuring uninterrupted transport connectivity, playing an important role in the economic and social life of the entire region.

Osh International Airport Osh (OSS) offers passengers all necessary services for a comfortable wait for their flight. In the terminal, you will find several cafes where you can have a snack or coffee, as well as shops, including Duty Free, with a wide selection of souvenirs, local goods, perfumes, and beverages. This allows you to spend time pleasantly before departure and purchase gifts for loved ones.

General waiting halls are equipped for rest. Passengers who value enhanced comfort can use the services of the VIP lounge. It offers a more secluded atmosphere, comfortable seating, beverages, and snacks, making the wait for departure as pleasant as possible. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport, and charging stations for mobile devices are installed in the waiting halls, so you will always remain connected.

For financial matters, bank branches, ATMs, and currency exchange points operate within the terminal building, where you can exchange money upon arrival or before departure. In case of necessity, passengers can visit the 24-hour medical point, where first aid will be provided. For travellers with small children, a mother and child room is available, equipped with everything necessary for baby care.

The airport also cares for passengers with reduced mobility, providing special assistance and accompaniment upon prior request. Although there are no hotels directly on the terminal grounds, many accommodation options can be found in the city of Osh itself, located a few kilometres from the airport. There are no specialized conference halls in the airport; however, for business meetings, one can utilize the infrastructure of city hotels and business centres.

Dining options at Osh Airport (OSS) are quite modest, which is typical for a regional airport, yet you can find everything necessary to have a snack before departure or after arrival. The main food outlets are located in the general hall on the ground floor, before passport control and security (landside). After passing security (airside), the choice is generally limited to a small cafe or vending machines.

In local cafes, travellers can have coffee with fresh pastries or a full meal. This is an excellent opportunity to enjoy local cuisine one last time. Be sure to try Kyrgyz samsa — a juicy pastry with meat or potatoes, which is perfect for a quick and satisfying snack. The menu also often features simple and familiar dishes such as plov, lagman, soups, and salads.

For those in a hurry, the aforementioned samsas, pies, or sandwiches are the best choice. If you have time, you can order a hot meal in one of the cafes in the general hall. Prices at the airport are noticeably higher than in Osh city establishments but remain reasonable. Most venues operate around the clock or adjust their schedule to flight times, so you will be able to eat even with an early departure or late arrival.

Regarding special dietary needs, finding vegetarian dishes, such as samsa with pumpkin or potato, is quite realistic. Since Kyrgyzstan is a predominantly Muslim country, most meat dishes are halal by default. However, finding certified vegan or gluten-free options may be difficult, so passengers with strict dietary restrictions are recommended to carry snacks with them.

Travelling through Osh Airport, which is an important air hub in the south of Kyrgyzstan, can be simple and convenient if you know a few key points. To ensure your experience is as positive as possible, we have gathered several useful tips for passengers.

Arrival time at the airport. Osh Airport is not the largest, but for international flights, it is recommended to arrive 2.5-3 hours before departure. For domestic flights, 1.5-2 hours will be sufficient. This gives you enough time to calmly go through all procedures without rushing, especially during peak hours.

Check-in and security control. Procedures at Osh Airport are standard. Have your passport and ticket (printed or on a smartphone screen) ready. When passing through security, be prepared to remove laptops, tablets, and liquids from your hand luggage. Follow the instructions of security staff to speed up the process.

Seat selection on the plane. If your flight is during daylight hours, try to get a window seat. During takeoff and landing in Osh, stunning views of the foothills of the Pamir-Alay mountain system open up. For greater comfort and legroom, choose seats near the emergency exit or at the front of the cabin.

Hand luggage. Standard rules apply here: liquids can be carried in containers up to 100 ml, packed in a transparent bag. Sharp objects, weapons, and flammable substances are prohibited. Always check the hand luggage and baggage allowance on your airline's website, as they may vary.

Transfer passengers. If you have a connecting flight in Osh, check in advance whether you need to collect and re-check your luggage. In most cases, when flying with the same airline, luggage is transferred automatically, but it is better to be safe. Also, find out if you will need to go through security control again.

Customs control. When departing from Kyrgyzstan or entering the country, you will undergo customs control. If you are carrying amounts exceeding the established limit or items subject to declaration (for example, cultural valuables), be sure to fill out a declaration form. Familiarize yourself with customs regulations in advance to avoid misunderstandings.

Saving time and money. Check in for your flight online — this will save you time at the airport. To avoid overpaying for a taxi, use car-hailing apps or arrange a transfer in advance. Prices for food and beverages at the airport are traditionally higher, so you can bring an empty water bottle and fill it after passing security.

In case of flight delay. In the event of a long delay, the airline is obliged to provide passengers with drinks, food, and if necessary, hotel accommodation. Remain calm and contact your airline representative for information. Keep a portable charger for gadgets and something for entertainment, such as a book or downloaded films, with you.