Achgabat Airport
The Ashgabat Airport, completely renovated, opened its doors to travelers from around the world in September 2016. Combining modernity and Turkmen tradition, it offers travelers a unique experience.
Everything You Need to Know About Ashgabat Airport
Turkmenistan Airlines, the national airline of Turkmenistan, operates from Ashgabat Airport. It is located 10 km northwest of the capital, nestled in an oasis in the Karakum Desert, near the Iranian border.
This new airport was inaugurated on September 17, 2016. It is the first airport in Central Asia to offer travelers A-level service, according to the standards of the International Air Transport Association (IATA). A key advantage for our company, which can now offer ground services at international standards.
Ashgabat Airport, with a surface area of 350,000 m², can accommodate 1,600 passengers per hour and all types of aircraft. Its 3,800-meter runway is accessible to large carriers, such as the Boeing B747-8 and the Airbus A380. It also includes a cargo terminal capable of handling 200,000 tons of baggage annually, a VIP terminal, and a freight terminal.
The facilities are complemented by three maintenance hangars, a fire station, a civil aviation school with flight simulators, a medical center, and a 3,000-space parking lot.
Another major advantage of the new Ashgabat Airport is its biometric control system, currently the most advanced in the world. Installed in the customs and baggage check-in area, it allows passengers with biometric passports to be processed by a fully automated system without interaction with a customs officer. This process ensures maximum efficiency.
In terms of passenger technology, Ashgabat Airport also features holographic projectors in the corridors leading to the boarding gates. They provide all the information you need for your journey.
A Unique Construction in the World
Ashgabat Airport is an architectural gem, rich in symbols of Turkmen culture. Its majestic entrance evokes the shape of a falcon spreading its wings.
This mythical bird is one of the main emblems of Turkmenistan, where nomads still practice the ancient art of falconry. Ashgabat Airport also includes several points of interest to discover during your layover:
- the Arc of Oguz Khan, founder of Turkmenistan,
- the “five guls,” traditional patterns representing the five provinces of the country, seen in the region’s typical carpets,
- the Rub el Hizb, an Islamic symbol from the Arabic alphabet, visible throughout the building, from the parking lot to the terminals, including the control tower.
At night, Ashgabat Airport offers a magical spectacle, reminiscent of the Arabian Nights, with pink, green, and blue lights.
The international terminal, particularly bright, features a honeycombed ceiling supported by columns. Light colors and palm trees inside, and a fountain crown outside: the bird-airport boasts a truly unique design.
Listed in the Guinness World Records for the longest gold mesh in the world, the airport has also received several awards from the company B.I.D (Business Initiative Directions):
- the “International Star for Quality” award for its cutting-edge technology and unique architectural form,
- the “Construction Excellence” award for the quality of its design and construction.
Thanks to this new airport, Turkmenistan Airlines can offer passengers traveling to Turkmenistan – or in transit to other destinations – an enchanting experience and a deep dive into Turkmen culture.
Destinations Served from Ashgabat Airport
Turkmenistan Airlines serves more than 20 destinations, including Abu Dhabi, Almaty, Amritsar, Bangkok, Birmingham, Delhi, Dubai, Yerevan, Frankfurt, Istanbul, Kyiv, London, Lviv, Minsk, Moscow, Paris, Beijing, and more.
All this aboard a modern fleet ensuring your safety and comfort at all times.