Shymkent International Airport
Shymkent International Airport (Kazakh: Halyqaralyq Şymkent Äuejaiy) with the IATA code CIT and ICAO code UAII is a key international airport that serves the city of Şymkent in Kazakhstan. The airport is equipped with a single passenger terminal and boasts one runway for flight operations.
Shymkent International Airport plays a vital role as a hub for SCAT Airlines, facilitating both domestic and international flights. This strategic location enhances connectivity in the region and supports the transportation needs of passengers traveling to and from Şymkent.
Passenger
Airlines | Destinations |
Aeroflot | Moscow–Sheremetyevo |
Air Astana | Almaty, Astana |
FlyArystan | Almaty, Aqtau, Aqtobe, Astana, Atyrau, Delhi, Kutaisi, Öskemen, Pavlodar, Qarağandy, Qostanai |
Flydubai | Dubai–International |
Pegasus Airlines | Istanbul–Sabiha Gökçen Seasonal: Antalya |
Qazaq Air | Almaty, Astana, Atyrau, Jezqazğan |
S7 Airlines | Seasonal: Novosibirsk |
SCAT Airlines | Almaty, Aqtau, Astana, Istanbul, Kökşetau, Moscow–Vnukovo, Petropavl, Ras Al Khaimah |
Sunday Airlines | Seasonal charter: Antalya, Phuket, Sharm El Sheikh |
Ural Airlines | Saint Petersburg |
Shymkent International Airport (IATA: CIT), located approximately 12.6 km northwest of Shymkent’s railway station, is a vital air hub in southern Kazakhstan. Serving as a primary base for SCAT Airlines, the airport has recently undergone significant developments to enhance its capacity and services.
✈️ New Terminal & Facilities
In December 2024, a state-of-the-art terminal spanning 39,000 square meters was inaugurated. This facility boasts:
25 escalators and 14 elevators
6 jet bridges and travelators
An apron accommodating 10 aircraft parking spaces
A capacity to serve up to 2,000 passengers per hour
The project, valued at 24 billion tenge (approximately US$46.4 million), was fully funded by SCAT Airlines. Future plans include the construction of an engineering and technical base, a pilot training center, a catering facility, and a hotel to further bolster the region’s economic growth.
🛫 Airlines & Destinations
Shymkent International Airport offers a range of domestic and international flights:
Domestic Routes:
Almaty
Astana
Aktau
Atyrau
Oral
International Routes:
Istanbul (via Pegasus Airlines)
Tashkent (via Uzbekistan Airways)
The airport is served by several airlines, including Air Astana, SCAT Airlines, FlyArystan, and Bek Air.
🚗 Ground Transportation
The airport is well-connected to the city center through various transportation options:
Public Buses: Routes 12, 12a, and 12b
Minibuses: Known locally as “matryoshkas”
Taxis: Available 24/7 outside the terminal
Car Rentals: Services offered by various providers
These options ensure convenient access between the airport and Shymkent city center.
For more information on flight schedules, services, and facilities, visit the official Shymkent International Airport website.