Nursultan Nazarbayev International Airport

Nursultan Nazarbayev International Airport (IATA: NQZ, ICAO: UACC), known as "Halyqaralyq Nūrsūltan Nazarbaev Äuejaiy" in Kazakh, is a notable international airport located in the Akmola Region of Kazakhstan. It serves as the primary international gateway to Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan. In the past, the airport was known as Astana International Airport, but it was officially renamed in honor of the first President of Kazakhstan, Nursultan Nazarbayev.

Nursultan Nazarbayev International Airport is the second-busiest international airport for passenger traffic in Central Asia, following Almaty International Airport. In 2022, it saw approximately 6,000,000 passengers pass through its terminals. The airport is situated 16.7 kilometers (10.4 miles) southeast of the city center in the Yesil administrative subdivision of Astana.

The airport boasts two passenger terminals, one runway, and facilities for cargo handling and maintenance. Terminal 2, designed by the late Japanese architect Kisho Kurokawa, is a prominent feature of the airport. It serves as the main hub for Kazakhstan's national carrier, Air Astana, and is also a major operating base for SCAT Airlines, Qazaq Air, and the low-cost carrier FlyArystan. In the past, it served as a hub for Starlines Kazakhstan and Tselinograd OAO.

Nursultan Nazarbayev International Airport has a rich history, having opened its doors in 1931 as Akmolinsk Airport. It underwent several name changes as the city transformed, evolving from Tselinograd Airport to Astana International Airport. In 2020, a government decree officially changed its three-character IATA airport code from TSE to NQZ.

In recognition of its excellence, the airport received the honor of being named the 'Best Regional Airport in Central Asia and CIS' at the Skytrax World Airport Awards in 2022.

Terminals

Nursultan Nazarbayev International Airport consists of two main terminals:

T1 – International Terminal:

The new international terminal, identified as "T1," commenced operations in June 2017. This state-of-the-art facility was developed to meet the needs of the growing international travel demand. The terminal expansion involved the addition of 5–6 new departure gates, complementing the existing ones in the pre-existing terminal building. Covering an impressive 47,000 square meters, this terminal was completed just in time for the EXPO 2017 event and assumed the role of the International Terminal (T1).

Notable features of the T1 International Terminal include the introduction of 6 new aircraft parking lots equipped with landing sleeves and 4 bus landing routes to enhance the airport's infrastructure. Moreover, it incorporates a range of cutting-edge technologies and processes designed to elevate the quality of services offered to passengers. The terminal also boasts a spacious public catering area spanning 1000 square meters, and retail outlets occupying 1,300 square meters, providing a diverse array of shopping and dining options for travelers.

T2 – Domestic Terminal:

The Domestic Terminal, referred to as "T2," was designed by the renowned late Japanese architect Kisho Kurokawa. With the inauguration of the new international terminal (T1), the old terminal (T2) was repurposed to exclusively handle domestic flight departures and arrivals. T2 was the original and sole terminal when the airport underwent reconstruction in 2005.

On February 2, 2005, the grand opening of the T2 passenger terminal took place. This terminal encompasses a vast area exceeding 25,000 square meters and is equipped with 24 check-in counters and 2 luggage straps to efficiently manage domestic flights. The airport's architectural design harmoniously fuses both eastern and western traditions, resulting in a unique and aesthetically pleasing structure. The building spans five floors and offers a range of passenger amenities, including panoramic elevators, escalators, aerobridges, lounges, and an automated check-in system. Additionally, the terminal houses airport shops, restaurants, cafes, a pharmacy, a call center, Wi-Fi connectivity, and various other facilities to cater to the needs of travelers.

Passenger

Nursultan Nazarbayev International Airport (IATA: NQZ, ICAO: UACC) is the primary international gateway serving Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan. Situated approximately 16.7 km southeast of the city center, the airport is a pivotal hub for both domestic and international travel in Central Asia.

✈️ Overview

Location: Astana, Kazakhstan

IATA Code: NQZ

ICAO Code: UACC

Time Zone: GMT+6

Annual Passenger Traffic: Over 7.5 million passengers in 2023, marking a 25% increase from the previous year  

🛫 Airlines and Destinations

The airport hosts a range of airlines connecting Astana to numerous destinations:

Air Astana: Operates flights to cities such as Almaty, Frankfurt, Istanbul, and Dubai.

FlyArystan: Offers low-cost flights to various domestic and regional destinations.

SCAT Airlines: Provides services to multiple cities within Kazakhstan and neighboring countries.

Qazaq Air: Connects Astana to regional destinations across Kazakhstan.

International Carriers: Airlines like Lufthansa, Turkish Airlines, Air China, FlyDubai, Aeroflot, and Wizz Air operate flights to and from Astana, linking the city to major global hubs .

🛬 Runway and Navigation

Runway: The airport features a single runway (04/22) measuring 3,500 meters in length, capable of accommodating large aircraft, including the Boeing 747 and Airbus A340.

Navigation Systems: Equipped with a Category IIIA Instrument Landing System (ILS), the runway supports operations in low-visibility conditions .

🧳 Passenger Services

Lounges: Facilities include the International Sapar Lounge in T1 and the Sapar Lounge in T2, offering comfortable spaces for relaxation and business activities .

Dining and Shopping: A variety of restaurants, cafes, and duty-free shops are available, providing local and international cuisine, as well as retail options .

Connectivity: Free high-speed Wi-Fi is accessible throughout the terminals, along with charging stations and business centers for travelers .

Family and Accessibility Services: The airport offers children’s play areas, family restrooms, and facilities for passengers with reduced mobility .

🚗 Ground Transportation

Public Transport: Bus routes 10, 12, and 100 connect the airport to various parts of Astana, with intervals of 10–15 minutes .

Taxis and Car Hire: Official taxi services are available at the arrival hall, and car rental desks are situated within the airport premises .

🏨 On-Site Accommodation

Capsule Hotel: Located in Terminal 1, the CAPS LOCK Airport capsule hotel offers convenient lodging for transit passengers and those with early flights.

Transit Hotel: Terminal 2 houses a transit hotel with 16 rooms, providing comfortable accommodations without the need to exit the terminal .

🛠️ Additional Facilities

Business Aviation Terminal: Opened in 2016, this terminal caters to VIP, business, and private flights, featuring conference halls and meeting rooms .

Cargo and Maintenance: The airport includes a cargo terminal with a capacity of 600 tons and a maintenance center capable of servicing wide-body aircraft .

Flight Training Center: Home to Air Astana’s flight training center, the facility is equipped with a full-flight Airbus A320 simulator, certified by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) .

For more detailed information, flight schedules, and services, you can visit the official airport website.