Qurghonteppa International Airport

Qurghonteppa International Airport (KQT) is the main air gateway to the southern part of Tajikistan, located in the dynamically developing city of Bokhtar. Having recently undergone modernization, today the airport welcomes travelers with updated infrastructure and serves as a convenient starting point for exploring the rich history and picturesque nature of the Khatlon region. This air hub plays a key role in the transport system of the region, connecting it not only with the capital but also with other countries.

Bokhtar Airport holds not only civil but also significant strategic importance. Following recent reconstruction, the runway was upgraded, which now allows for the reception of modern medium-haul aircraft, including the Airbus A320 and Boeing 737. The infrastructure of the air hub continues to develop: there are ambitious plans to build a new passenger terminal designed to serve up to 500 people per hour. Thanks to its convenient location, the airport is an ideal starting point for trips to unique historical monuments such as the ruins of the ancient settlement of Lagman and the Ajina Tepe Buddhist monastery.

Below is the contact information for Qurghonteppa International Airport (KQT). Please note that for regional airports, some data may be limited, and it is recommended to verify information by phone.

• Official Website: At the moment, the airport does not have its own official website. General information about civil aviation in Tajikistan can be found on the websites of relevant agencies.
• Inquiry Service Phone: You can contact the airport by phone. One of the contact numbers is: +992 (3222) 2-25-49. It is recommended to call during working hours.
• Airport Address: Qurghonteppa International Airport, Bokhtar city, Khatlon Region, Tajikistan.
• Email: A specialized email address for general inquiries is not publicly available. It is recommended to use the phone for communication.
• Social Media: Official pages of the airport on social networks are not maintained.
• Lost Luggage Information: For questions regarding lost or damaged luggage, you should primarily contact the representative office of the airline you flew with. Airline staff will provide instructions and help file a report.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For general information, flight schedules, and other questions, please use the airport inquiry service phone number.

Qurghonteppa International Airport (IATA: KQT) is located in close proximity to the city, so getting to it from the center of Bokhtar will not be difficult. Depending on your budget and preferences, you can choose one of several convenient methods.

Taxi or transfer is the fastest and most comfortable option. The trip from the city center will take no more than 10-15 minutes. The estimated cost of the trip will be about 15–30 Tajik Somoni (TJS). Important tip: we recommend agreeing on the price before getting into the car to avoid misunderstandings. For maximum peace of mind, especially if you are traveling with large luggage or at night, you can book a transfer in advance online or through your hotel.

Public transport in the city is represented mainly by fixed-route taxis (marshrutkas). This is the most economical way to get to the airport, however, it may not be very convenient if you have bulky luggage. Marshrutkas run along the main streets, but it is worth checking with the driver in advance if they drive directly to the terminal.

Travelers preferring freedom of movement can use the car rental service. This is an excellent opportunity not only to reach the airport comfortably but also to explore the picturesque surroundings of Bokhtar and other regions of Tajikistan. For those arriving in their own or rented car, there is parking on the airport territory where you can leave your vehicle.

If you are planning your trip and do not find convenient flights directly to Bokhtar, consider the possibility of arriving at neighboring airports. The nearest major alternatives are Dushanbe Airport (about 75 km) and Kulob Airport (about 84 km), from where you can continue your journey to Bokhtar by ground transport.

The International Airport of Bokhtar (KQT), formerly known as Qurghonteppa, is a compact and functional air hub in the south of Tajikistan. Its structure is extremely simple, making navigation for passengers intuitive and fast.

The airport consists of one passenger terminal, which serves both domestic and international flights. Thanks to this, there is no need to transfer between terminals — all zones are located in one building. The terminal layout is logical: departure and arrival zones are clearly separated but located in close proximity to each other. Typically, check-in counters, the baggage handling area, and the arrival hall are located on the ground floor, and after passing security control, passengers enter a small departure lounge.

Passing all pre-flight procedures, including flight check-in and screening, at Bokhtar Airport usually takes significantly less time than in major international hubs. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport as standard — 2-2.5 hours before the departure of an international flight, to pass all formalities without haste. It is practically impossible to get lost here, as all key zones — from the entrance to the boarding gate — are within sight, and navigation signs help to orientate.

The history of the international airport in the city of Bokhtar, which was known for a long time as Qurghonteppa, dates back to the Soviet era. The airport was founded in the 1960s as an important regional transport hub, and the first flight connecting the city with the capital was operated in 1964. At that time, it played a key role in the development of the Khatlon region, providing passenger and cargo communication within the republic.

In the 1990s, the airport went through a difficult period associated with events in the country, when its work was almost completely stopped. However, after the normalization of the situation, its gradual restoration began. This stage became a symbol of the revival of the region's transport infrastructure and laid the foundation for future development.

A significant step in the modernization of the airport was the large-scale reconstruction that began in the 2010s. One of the key events was the modernization of the runway in 2016, which was expanded and lengthened to receive larger aircraft, such as the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320. These improvements allowed the airport to receive international status and become an important alternate aerodrome for the capital's Dushanbe airport.

Today, the airport is an important air gateway to southern Tajikistan. One interesting fact is related to its name: despite the renaming of the city Qurghonteppa to Bokhtar in 2018, the international code KQT, derived from the old name, remains assigned to the airport in aviation systems. This is a reminder of the rich history of the air hub, which continues to develop and play an important role in the life of the region.

Qurghonteppa International Airport (KQT) provides passengers with a basic set of services necessary for a comfortable wait for their flight. The airport's infrastructure is focused on serving regional and international routes and offers travelers everything essential before departure or upon arrival in the city of Bokhtar.

On the terminal territory, there are several food outlets where you can have a snack or drink coffee, as well as small shops. In them, you will find essential goods, drinks, snacks, and souvenirs that will remind you of your trip to Tajikistan. For comfortable waiting, a general waiting hall is equipped. Passengers preferring increased comfort can use the services of the VIP Lounge, which offers a more private and quiet atmosphere.

For those who need to stay connected, access to Wi-Fi is provided at the airport. Also in the waiting hall, you can find charging stations for mobile devices. Financial issues can be easily solved at the currency exchange point or using an ATM located in the terminal building.

To ensure the safety and health of passengers, a medical point operates around the clock at the airport, ready to provide first aid. Families with small children can use the mother and child room. Passengers with reduced mobility are provided with necessary assistance when moving around the terminal and boarding, however, it is recommended to notify your airline in advance to receive this service.

There are no hotels directly on the airport territory, but travelers can easily find accommodation options in the city of Bokhtar itself, which is located a few kilometers from the air terminal. There are no specialized business centers or conference halls at Qurghonteppa Airport.

When planning a departure from Qurghonteppa International Airport (KQT), it is important to consider that this is a small regional airport, and the choice of catering establishments here is quite limited. Nevertheless, passengers can find basic options for a snack before their flight.

In the main terminal building, typically in the public area before security control, a small cafe or buffet operates. Here you can drink tea, coffee, juices, or soft drinks. For a snack, they usually offer pastries, such as sambusa (puff pastries with meat or pumpkin), sandwiches, pies, and various snacks. This is a great option for satisfying hunger quickly and inexpensively.

Specialized restaurants with a full menu or separate establishments for vegetarians, vegans, or people with a gluten-free diet are likely not available at the airport. Most meat dishes in Tajikistan are generally Halal, however, for strict certainty, it is better to clarify on the spot. If you have strict dietary restrictions, it is recommended to bring food with you.

Prices in the airport cafe are usually moderate and oriented towards locals. The establishment's opening hours are generally tied to the flight schedule. For a full lunch or dinner, we advise visiting one of the establishments in the city of Bokhtar before the trip to the airport, where the choice of dishes, including national Tajik cuisine, will be significantly wider.

To ensure your journey through Qurghonteppa International Airport, serving the city of Bokhtar, goes smoothly, use these tips. Despite the fact that this is a regional airport and queues here are usually shorter than in major hubs, it is recommended to arrive in advance, 2-3 hours before the departure of international flights. This time will be enough to pass all pre-flight formalities without haste.

To save time, use online check-in if your airline provides such an option. This will allow you to avoid queues at the check-in counter, especially if you are traveling only with hand luggage. Check-in counters usually close 40-60 minutes before departure. Security screening is standard; be ready to present your boarding pass and passport, as well as remove electronic devices and liquids from your hand luggage.

When choosing a seat on the plane, be guided by your preferences. Window seats (A, F) will give you beautiful views of the mountain landscapes of Tajikistan during takeoff and landing. Aisle seats (C, D) are convenient if you plan to get up often during the flight. Regarding hand luggage, remember the general rules: liquids are allowed in containers up to 100 ml, packed in a transparent bag. Sharp objects, weapons, and flammable substances are prohibited. Always check the exact baggage and hand luggage allowances on your airline's website.

If you have a connecting flight, check in advance whether you will need to collect your luggage in Bokhtar or if it will be automatically forwarded to the final destination. Customs control upon departure usually goes quickly. Upon arrival, be ready to present your passport and, if necessary, a visa, as well as fill out a migration card. Declare cash exceeding the established limit and goods subject to duty.

In case of a flight delay, first of all, contact your airline representative for up-to-date information. Depending on the duration of the delay, the carrier is obliged to provide you with drinks, meals, and, if necessary, hotel accommodation. Keep important documents, medicines, a portable charger, and essentials in your hand luggage so that they are at hand in any situation.