CIT · large airport

Shymkent International Airport

Shymkent, Kazakhstan

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CITlarge airport

Shymkent International Airport

Shymkent, Kazakhstan

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Destinations

UAII

ICAO

1385 ft

Elevation

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Southern Kazakhstan's gateway connecting the region to the world.

Location

Shymkent, Kazakhstan

Shymkent International Airport (IATA: CIT, ICAO: UAII) serves Shymkent, Kazakhstan's third-largest city and the administrative center of Turkestan Region. The airport functions as a key hub for domestic and international flights in southern Kazakhstan, connecting the region to major cities across Kazakhstan and neighboring countries. The airport has undergone modernization efforts in recent years to accommodate growing passenger traffic, reflecting Shymkent's status as one of Kazakhstan's most populous and economically significant cities. It handles both scheduled and charter services operated by Kazakh and foreign carriers. Shymkent International Airport serves as an important transit point for travelers in Central Asia, with connections to destinations in Russia, Turkey, the UAE, and other regional hubs, supporting both business and leisure travel.

Terminals

The airport operates a single terminal building handling both domestic and international passenger traffic.

Getting to & from

The airport is connected to Shymkent city center by taxi and bus services, located approximately 12–15 kilometers from downtown.

Airlines here

Major carriers serving the airport include Air Astana, SCAT Airlines, FlyArystan, Turkish Airlines, and Fly Dubai, among others.

Notable facts

›Shymkent is Kazakhstan's third-largest city, making CIT an important regional airport.
›The airport serves both domestic routes within Kazakhstan and international destinations.
›SCAT Airlines, a major Kazakh carrier, operates significant services through Shymkent.
›The airport has seen capacity expansions aligned with Shymkent's designation as a city of republican significance in 2018.
›Shymkent's strategic location near the Uzbekistan border makes it relevant for cross-border regional travel.

Wikipedia

This profile is provided for general information only. Details may be inaccurate or outdated — always verify with the airport's official website before acting on them.

Gateway to Southern Kazakhstan where the Silk Road spirit endures

Shymkent International Airport serves Kazakhstan's third-largest city, a historic crossroads settlement with roots stretching back to the ancient Silk Road. The airport handles growing domestic and international traffic, connecting Shymkent to Almaty, Nur-Sultan, and select regional destinations across Central Asia and beyond. Its expansion in recent years reflects the rapid urban and economic development of southern Kazakhstan's most populous hub.

Terminals

Main Terminal — Single integrated passenger terminal handling both domestic and international arrivals and departures with modernised facilities.

Ground Transport

Taxi services available at the arrivals exit, including app-based options like Yandex Go
City bus routes connect the airport to central Shymkent
Private transfer and shuttle services bookable in advance
Car rental desks available within the terminal building

Nearby Hotels

Rixos Khadisha Shymkent
Hotel Ordabasy
Shymkent Hotel
Sleep Inn Shymkent
Nomad Hotel

Dining

Inside the terminal, passengers will find a modest selection of cafés and snack bars offering Kazakh staples alongside fast food and beverages. The city centre, roughly 15 kilometres away, offers far more variety including traditional Kazakh restaurants serving lagman, beshbarmak, and samsa. Arriving early for an international flight is advisable as airside dining options are limited.

Traveller Tips

Carry local currency (Kazakhstani Tenge) as not all airport vendors reliably accept cards.
Yandex Go is the most reliable and affordable taxi app to use from the airport into the city.
Allow extra time for international departures as security and border formalities can be slow during peak hours.
The city centre bazaars are a short drive away and worth visiting for authentic Silk Road market experience.

Official website

AI-assisted overview, verified against public sources.

Route map (7 destinations)

Leaflet © OpenStreetMap © CARTO

Airlines serving this airport

Lufttaxi Fluggesellschaft

Routes

CIT → DMEDV · 735

CIT → ALADV · 735

CIT → SCODV · 735

CIT → TSEDV · 735

CIT → LEDEG · 320

CIT → SHJG9 · 320

CIT → ALAKC · 320 E90 757 319

CIT → TSEKC · E90

CIT → OVBS7 · 320

CIT → VKOUN · 738 73G

Aircraft operating here

Boeing 737-5004 routes Airbus A3204 routes Embraer 1902 routes Boeing 7571 routes Airbus A3191 routes Boeing 737-8001 routes Boeing 737-7001 routes

Hotels near CIT

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Where

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City & Place Guide

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Passport, Visa & Immigration

Flying internationally via CIT? Check entry, transit and customs requirements for Kazakhstan from official government sources.

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Encyclopaedia

Şymkent International Airport is an international airport serving Shymkent, Kazakhstan. It has two passenger terminals and one runway. It serves as the main hub for SCAT Airlines, handling a large part of the airline's flights.

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