Dashoguz International Airport

Dashoguz International Airport represents the modern "northern gateway" of Turkmenistan, welcoming travellers with traditional Eastern hospitality and the latest technologies. The air harbour serves as the main starting point for those planning to explore the ancient monuments of the legendary Kunya-Urgench, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Following extensive reconstruction, the terminal has transformed into an architectural gem of the region, combining functionality with the majestic style of white marble architecture. Your acquaintance with the distinctive culture of the country's northern region begins here.

Dashoguz Airport stands out not only for its strategic significance but also for its high level of passenger comfort. The complex has been completely renovated and equipped with advanced navigation equipment, allowing it to accept all types of aircraft in complex meteorological conditions.

Key features and advantages of the airport:

• Robust Infrastructure: A runway length of 3,800 metres is capable of accommodating heavy liners, including the Boeing 747.
• Waiting Comfort: The terminal is equipped with everything necessary for the convenience of guests: spacious waiting lounges, souvenir shops, a medical point, and currency exchange offices.
• VIP Service: For distinguished travellers and official delegations, a separate CIP Lounge and VIP terminal with a high standard of service are provided.
• Architecture: The terminal building is designed in a characteristic national style using light marble and tinted glass, creating a sense of spaciousness and coolness even on hot days.

• Official Website: The official resource is www.dashoguzairport.gov.tm. Additional information regarding flights and tickets can be found on the Turkmenistan Airlines portal.
• Inquiry Service Phone: +993 (322) 9-16-00 or +993 (322) 9-12-21 (do not forget the country code for international calls).
• Airport Address: 746300, Turkmenistan, Dashoguz Velayat, Dashoguz city, Airport (located approximately 10–13 km southwest of the city centre).
• Email: For service inquiries, you may contact dashoguz.airport@online.tm or dashoguz.airport@sanly.tm.
• Social Media: Official social media accounts specifically for this airport are currently unavailable.
• Lost & Found Information: To search for lost items (Lost & Found), please contact the administrator in the arrival hall or call the main inquiry number +993 (322) 9-16-00.
• Passenger Support Service: The information desk is located in the main hall of the terminal on the ground floor and is available during airport operating hours.

Getting from the city centre to the air harbour is straightforward, as the distance is only about 13 kilometres. The journey usually takes 15–20 minutes by car, allowing passengers not to worry about lengthy traffic jams. However, when planning your trip, it is always recommended to allow a small buffer of time for pre-flight formalities.

Several transport options are available for tourists and residents, varying in comfort level and cost:

Taxi and Transfer

This is the most popular and convenient way to reach the terminal. Both official taxi services and private carriers operate in Dashoguz. Official taxi cars are easily recognisable by their characteristic yellow colour (or green checkers). The cost of the trip is usually negotiated or fixed by zones but remains very reasonable by international standards. It is recommended to confirm the price with the driver before boarding. If you are staying at a hotel, the receptionist can call a reliable taxi or organise a private transfer directly to the departure zone entrance.

Public Transport

Municipal buses run between the city and the airport. This is the most budget-friendly option, suitable for travellers with light luggage. The stop is located near the terminal exit. Buses run at specific intervals which may vary depending on the time of day; therefore, this method is less predictable than a taxi but allows for significant savings and immersion in the local atmosphere.

Car and Parking

For those who prefer personal transport or are seeing off loved ones, a car park is available on the station square. It is equipped with surveillance cameras and is within walking distance of the terminal entrance. The service of car rental (self-drive) in the standard European format is not widely developed in Turkmenistan; tourists most often rent a car with a local driver for trips around the region.

Alternative Routes via Neighbouring Airports

If direct flights to Dashoguz are unavailable or inconveniently timed, travellers often consider arriving in neighbouring cities. It is worth noting that some of the nearest airports are located in Uzbekistan, which will require crossing the state border.

• The closest option is Urgench Airport (Uzbekistan), located just 70 km away. This is a popular route for tourists visiting historic Khiva, followed by a border crossing towards Dashoguz.
• Slightly further away is Nukus Airport (Uzbekistan) — the distance is approximately 81 km.
• For domestic flights within the country, the main hub is Ashgabat Airport (438 km), from where local airlines fly daily to Dashoguz.
• Also operating in the east of the country is Turkmenabat Airport (437 km), connecting the regions.
• Another option in the neighbouring country is Bukhara Airport (450 km), convenient for combined tours of Central Asia.

The terminal complex of Dashoguz International Airport is designed taking into account modern logistics and comfort requirements while maintaining the compactness typical of regional air hubs. The airport structure is simple and clear, minimising the risk of getting lost even for those arriving here for the first time.

Structure and Terminals

The airport complex includes two main facilities for passenger service:

• Main Passenger Terminal: The primary building serving the majority of regular domestic flights (predominantly from Ashgabat) and occasional international routes. The building features spaciousness and high ceilings, typical of new Turkmen architecture.
• VIP Terminal (CIP Lounge): A separate building or isolated wing with its own entrance, designed to serve official delegations and passengers who have paid for premium service. A separate passport control and security screening area is provided here.

Layout and Navigation

Navigation within the main terminal is intuitively understandable. The building has a linear structure. The main service areas are located on the ground floor:

• Central Hall: Here you will find the information board and the inquiry desk.
• Right Wing: Traditionally dedicated to the departure zone with check-in counters and security control points.
• Left Wing: Arrival zone and baggage claim.

Transitions between floors (if your boarding gate is on the second level) are equipped with escalators and lifts. Thanks to intelligent zoning, the flows of departing and arriving passengers practically do not intersect.

Departure and Arrival Zones

The Departure Zone is equipped with modern check-in systems. After passing through screening procedures, passengers enter the "sterile area," where the waiting lounge is located. The space is decorated in light tones using white marble, creating a feeling of coolness. Small retail outlets where one can purchase water and national souvenirs, as well as a cafeteria, operate here.

The Arrival Zone is maximally functional. Baggage belts work efficiently, and waiting for suitcases rarely takes long. Upon exiting the arrival zone, passengers are met by taxi drivers and representatives of receiving parties. Please note that the greeters' area is located outside the baggage claim zone.

Features and Services

Despite its status as a regional airport, Dashoguz offers a quality range of services:

• Mother and Child Room: An equipped facility for passengers with small children.
• Medical Point: Operates around the clock to provide first aid.
• CIP Service: Includes expedited formalities, flight waiting in a comfortable zone with snacks and Wi-Fi, as well as individual transfer to the aircraft.

Processing Times

Dashoguz Airport does not experience immense passenger traffic, so queues are a rare phenomenon here. However, given the strict aviation security rules in Turkmenistan, it is recommended to adhere to the following timeframes:

• For domestic flights: You should arrive at the airport 1.5–2 hours before departure. Check-in usually closes 40 minutes prior.
• Screening Procedures: Be prepared for thorough screening at the terminal entrance and before boarding. This is standard practice to ensure safety.

Navigation Recommendations

Since the airport is compact, you will not require complex maps. The main landmark is the central entrance. If you are flying business class or have booked VIP service, check with your driver in advance which specific entrance you need to approach, as the entry to the VIP terminal may be separated by a barrier. For all other passengers, entry is through the central doors under the massive canopy.

The history of the Dashoguz air harbour is a journey from a modest field aerodrome to a modern high-tech complex. The development of aviation in this region is inextricably linked with the development of Turkmenistan's northern territories and the growth of tourist interest in the monuments of ancient Khorezm.

Inception and Soviet Period

The first pages of the region's aviation chronicle were written as early as 1924, when an air route was established linking Charjou (now Turkmenabat), Khiva, and Tashauz (the historical name of Dashoguz). In those years, aviation primarily performed postal and medical functions, as well as aiding in agriculture. For a long time, the airport consisted of a small runway with basic infrastructure typical of Soviet regional aviation in the mid-20th century. It ensured reliable connection with Ashgabat and other major cities of the Union, accepting small aircraft such as the An-2 and Yak-40.

Era of Large-Scale Modernisation

The modern history of the airport began in the 2000s, when the government of Turkmenistan adopted the National Programme for the Development of Civil Aviation. The old airfield ceased to meet international safety and comfort standards, so a decision was made to build essentially a new airport on the same site.

A key moment was the construction that unfolded in 2009–2010. It was a grandiose project during which the appearance of the northern gates changed completely:

• A new artificial runway with a length of 3,800 metres was built.
• A modern passenger terminal building with a capacity of 500 passengers per hour was erected.
• A 50-metre air traffic control tower equipped with advanced navigation equipment was constructed.

The grand opening of the renovated Dashoguz International Airport took place in 2010. From that moment, the airport gained the ability to accept aircraft of all types, including heavy cargo planes and wide-body liners.

Interesting Facts and Achievements

The history of Dashoguz Airport contains several notable details that distinguish it from other regional hubs:

• Record Runway: The airport's runway (3,800 m) is one of the longest in the region, allowing it to serve as an alternate aerodrome for transcontinental flights travelling from Europe to Asia.
• Architectural Symbolism: The terminal building is executed in a style reflecting the cultural traditions of Turkmenistan, using white marble, which became the "calling card" of the construction era of the 2010s.
• Status: Following reconstruction, the airport was awarded international status, opening prospects for direct flights from abroad, although the main traffic still comes from domestic lines.

Today, the airport continues to develop, implementing digital passenger service technologies and remaining a key transport hub for tourists wishing to touch the history of the Great Silk Road.

Dashoguz International Airport, despite its status as a regional hub, offers passengers a worthy level of service corresponding to modern standards. The terminal space is organised to ensure maximum convenience and safety for travellers before departure. The compactness of the building works to the passengers' advantage: all necessary services are within walking distance.

Restaurants, Cafés and Shops

The catering zone in the airport is represented by a small but cosy cafeteria located in the waiting hall. Here, passengers can have a snack before their flight, ordering hot tea, coffee, refreshing drinks, and fresh pastries. Dishes of national Turkmen cuisine often appear on the menu, allowing tourists to enjoy local flavour one last time.

The retail zone includes souvenir kiosks and shops. Travellers can purchase:

• National handicraft items (carpet accessories, textiles).
• Printed materials and guidebooks.
• Travel essentials.

It is worth noting that there are no large chain Duty Free shops of the European format here; the emphasis is on local produce and authentic souvenirs.

Waiting Lounges and VIP Service

For the general flow of passengers, a spacious and bright waiting hall with ample seating is provided. Thanks to panoramic glazing and high ceilings, there is always plenty of light here.

For those who value enhanced comfort and privacy, a separate CIP Lounge (Commercially Important Person) operates. Lounge services include:

• Expedited registration and passport control.
• A separate comfortable relaxation zone with soft furnishings.
• Personal transfer to the aircraft steps by minibus.
• Light snacks and beverages.

Communication and Finance

Currency exchange points and banking counters are available in the terminal building. It is recommended to carry cash (Turkmen Manats) for paying for small purchases in the café or taxi, as card payment terminals may not work everywhere. Regarding digital communication, zones with Wi-Fi access are present in the airport; however, connection may require a local SIM card or special authorisation. Power sockets (standard European type) are provided in the waiting halls for charging mobile devices.

Medical Services and Safety

Caring for passenger health is an airport priority. A medical point (clinic) equipped with necessary equipment for first aid operates round the clock in the terminal. Qualified personnel are ready to assist in case of illness or emergency situations. Security staff and police also patrol the premises.

Services for Passengers with Children

Dashoguz Airport is friendly to family travellers. A special mother and child room is equipped for parents with small children. This is a quiet and clean space where one can change a baby, feed them, and rest from the noise of the general hall while waiting for boarding. Access to the room is provided free of charge.

Facilities for Passengers with Reduced Mobility

The new terminal was designed taking into account barrier-free environment requirements. For passengers with limited capabilities, the following are provided:

• Ramps and wide doorways at entrances and exits.
• Lifts for moving between levels.
• Specially equipped restrooms.
• Assistance service: airport staff are ready to provide help during check-in, screening, and boarding (it is recommended to book the service in advance through the airline).

Hotels and Accommodation

There is no hotel directly within the airport building, as the city is very close. Passengers expecting a long layover or arriving on a night flight can use hotels within the Dashoguz city limits (15–20 minutes drive):

• Hotel "Dashoguz": The city's largest hotel, offering comfortable rooms and a full range of services.
• Hotel "Uzboy": A popular accommodation option with historical flair.

Business Services

Specialised conference halls are not provided inside the general terminal. However, the CIP Lounge can serve as a venue for brief business negotiations while waiting for departure. For hosting large-scale meetings or conferences, it is better to utilise the infrastructure of city hotels.

The gastronomic infrastructure of Dashoguz International Airport (TAZ) corresponds to its status as a regional hub: there are no huge food courts with international chain brands here, but passengers can always count on fresh food and hot drinks. Catering points are organised so that travellers can refresh themselves both before passing registration and while waiting for boarding.

Cafés and Dining Points in the Terminal

The main place where one can have a full lunch is located in the public zone (landside) on the ground floor, before passing passport control and security screening. This is a spacious cafeteria, accessible to both departing passengers and well-wishers. Hot dishes, salads, and pastries are offered here. The interior is simple but cosy, conducive to a quiet meal.

In the "sterile" departure zone (airside), where passengers enter after all checks, the choice is more limited. A small buffet-bar operates here. Its assortment is oriented towards quick snacks: sandwiches, chocolate, biscuits, soft drinks, tea, and coffee. If you plan a substantial lunch, it is better to do so in the public zone before passing special control.

Passengers using the VIP and CIP Lounge services have access to a separate service line where light snacks, fruits, sweets, as well as hot and cold beverages included in the service cost are offered.

What to Try: Local Flavour

Even at the airport, one can experience the taste of Turkmen cuisine. The cafeteria menu often features dishes worth trying before departure:

• Samsa (Somsa): Traditional baked pastries made of puff pastry with minced beef or lamb. In Dashoguz, they are often cooked in a tandoor, which gives a special aroma.
• Fitchi: A variety of meat pie popular in Turkmenistan, an excellent option for a hearty snack.
• Green Tea: The region's main beverage. Here it is served in traditional teapots with bowls; it tones perfectly in the heat.

Dietary Features and Special Meals

Turkmen cuisine is traditionally rich in meat, so the choice for vegetarians and vegans might seem limited. However, finding suitable options is possible:

• Halal: Since Turkmenistan is a country with Muslim traditions, all meat dishes at the airport are Halal by default.
• Vegetarian: Fresh vegetable salads (for example, achichuk made of tomatoes and onions), flatbreads (choreks), fruits, and pastries with cheese or pumpkin are available.
• Gluten-free and Vegan: Specialised labelling on the menu is usually absent. It is recommended to check the ingredients with the staff or stick to fruits and drinks.

Prices and Payment

The price range at Dashoguz Airport can be described as moderate. The cost of lunch will be higher than in city canteens but significantly lower than in major European airports. The average bill for tea with pastries will amount to a small sum, affordable for any tourist.

Important: Payments at catering points are accepted predominantly in cash — Turkmen Manats. Terminals for international bank cards may be unavailable or work intermittently, so it is strongly recommended to exchange currency in advance.

Opening Hours

Catering establishments at the airport are tied to the flight schedule. Cafés and bars open well in advance of the start of registration for the first flight and close after the departure of the last aircraft. Round-the-clock catering service is not guaranteed if there are no scheduled flights at night. If you have a long night connection, it is recommended to stock up on snacks in advance.

Travelling through Dashoguz International Airport usually proceeds calmly and in an organised manner, but knowledge of local specifics will help you avoid unnecessary stress and save time. Turkmenistan is a country with specific aviation security and customs control rules, so it is worth preparing for the flight in advance.

Optimal Arrival Time

Despite the compactness of the terminal, screening procedures here are conducted thoroughly. It is recommended to arrive at the airport:

• 1.5–2 hours before the departure of a domestic flight (e.g., to Ashgabat).
• 3 hours before the departure of an international flight (if available in the seasonal schedule).

Check-in counters close strictly 40 minutes before departure, and boarding ends 20 minutes prior. Please consider that a primary screening of luggage and hand luggage is conducted at the entrance to the terminal building, where a small queue may form.

Check-in and Security

The control procedure at Turkmenistan airports is distinguished by its strictness. Be prepared for the following points:

• Documents at hand: You may be asked to present your passport and printed ticket (or itinerary receipt) several times: at the airport entrance, at the check-in counter, and before entering the security control zone.
• Removing shoes: When passing through the metal detector frame into the "sterile zone," you may be asked to remove your shoes and belt. Wear comfortable footwear that is easy to take off and put on.
• Electronic devices: Laptops, tablets, and power banks must be removed from bags and placed in a separate tray.

Choosing a Seat on the Plane

Most flights from Dashoguz are short hops to the capital or neighbouring regions. To make the flight more interesting, choose a Window Seat. When departing during daylight hours, an impressive view opens up over the endless sands of the Karakum desert and oases in the Amu Darya delta. If you are flying in summer, try to choose a seat on the shaded side (on morning flights to the south — on the right, on evening flights — on the left) to avoid the bright sun.

Hand Luggage: What is Allowed and Prohibited

Rules for carrying hand luggage correspond to international ICAO standards, but with local specifics:

• Liquids: In containers no larger than 100 ml, packed in a transparent bag.
• Prohibited: Any sharp or cutting objects (even manicure scissors), flammable substances.
• Medicines: This is a critically important point. Very strict restrictions on the import and circulation of medicines apply in Turkmenistan. Drugs containing codeine, pseudoephedrine, or psychotropic substances (often found in common painkillers or cough syrups) are strictly prohibited. Ensure that your medical kit contains nothing forbidden, otherwise, this will raise serious questions during screening.

For Passengers with Connections

Dashoguz Airport most often acts as the starting point of a route with a transfer in Ashgabat. Since there is no dedicated international-style transit zone for domestic connections here, luggage is usually registered only to the first destination. You will most likely have to collect your luggage in Ashgabat and check in again for the next flight. Allow at least 3–4 hours for the connection.

Customs Control and Souvenirs

If you are leaving the region with souvenirs, remember the rules for exporting cultural valuables:

• Carpets: If you bought a famous Turkmen carpet, you must have a certificate from the Carpet Museum or an official shop permitting export, as well as a receipt for duty payment. Without these documents, the carpet will not be allowed on board.
• Currency: The export of local currency (Manats) is strictly limited. Foreign currency can be exported within the limits of the amount declared upon entry (for foreigners).
• Melons and Fruits: In season, many carry the famous Dashoguz melons. It is better to provide a special net or cardboard box for them and check them as luggage (check weight allowances with the airline).

Saving Time and Money

• Cash: Bank cards may not work at the airport. Always have a supply of cash Manats for paying for excess baggage, luggage wrapping, or a snack in the café.
• Luggage Wrapping: The service of wrapping suitcases with film is available in the departure hall. It is recommended to do this to protect luggage from dust and damage, but only after passing the first control at the terminal entrance (you may be asked to open the bag).
• Dining: Food at the airport costs more than in the city. If you want to save money, have a snack in Dashoguz before leaving.

In Case of Flight Delay

Flight delays happen, most often due to meteorological conditions (strong wind or dust storms). In such a situation:

1. Listen to announcements over the public address system (duplicated in Turkmen, Russian, and English).
2. If the delay is lengthy, contact the airline representative for water or food (according to the carrier's rules).
3. Given the proximity of the city (only 15–20 minutes drive), if the flight is postponed to the next day, it makes sense to return to the hotel, as there is no hotel or sleeping pods in the airport itself.