Ashgabat International Airport
Ashgabat, Turkmenistan
Ashgabat International Airport
Turkmenistan's grand gateway to Central Asia.
- ›The new terminal building, opened in 2016, is shaped like a flying falcon, a national symbol of Turkmenistan.
- ›The airport has a runway length capable of accommodating wide-body aircraft including the Boeing 777.
- ›Turkmenistan's strict visa regime significantly limits passenger volumes despite the airport's large capacity.
- ›The airport is located approximately 7 km north of Ashgabat city center.
- ›The terminal complex cost an estimated $2.3 billion to construct.
Ashgabat International Airport serves as the primary air gateway to Turkmenistan's gleaming capital, a city renowned for its white marble architecture and sweeping boulevards. The airport underwent a significant redevelopment, with a striking new terminal opened around 2016 featuring a falcon-shaped roof design symbolizing national heritage. It handles the limited but growing international traffic connecting this Central Asian nation to destinations in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.
- Main Terminal — The single modern terminal, notable for its falcon-shaped architectural design, handles all domestic and international departures and arrivals.
- Taxi services available from the official stand outside arrivals
- Hotel shuttle buses arranged by major hotels upon request
- Private car hire through local agencies
- Public buses connecting to central Ashgabat
- Oguzkent Hotel
- Grand Turkmen Hotel
- Yyldyz Hotel
- Nusay Hotel
Dining options inside the terminal are limited, reflecting the airport's modest passenger volume, with a small café and restaurant offering Turkmen and international dishes. Outside the airport, Ashgabat's city centre features restaurants serving plov, shashlik, and traditional Central Asian cuisine. Visitors are advised to exchange currency before dining out, as card acceptance can be inconsistent.
- Obtain your Turkmenistan visa well in advance, as the process can be lengthy and requires a letter of invitation in most cases.
- Photography is restricted in and around the airport and many public spaces in Ashgabat — exercise caution.
- The Turkmen manat is not freely convertible; bring US dollars or euros to exchange on arrival.
- Official taxis are recommended over unmarked vehicles; agree on the fare before departure.
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Ashgabat International Airport, formerly known as Saparmyrat Türkmenbaşy International Airport, is one of seven international airports in Turkmenistan. It is located within the city limits of Ashgabat. The old airport, with its air traffic control tower and a 3,700-metre-long (12,000 ft) precision approach runway (12L-30R), opened in 1994 and was named after the country's first president, Saparmyrat Nyýazow. The new airport terminal opened in September 2016, after being completely redesigned and rebuilt and after the south runway was moved and lengthened to parallel the north runway.
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