Exploring the Features of the New Almaty International Airport
Almaty International Airport Opens New Terminal to Enhance Passenger Experience
ASTANA— The President of Almaty International Airport, Goker Kose, recently welcomed journalists for a press tour of the new terminal and shared exciting plans for further development and improvement of passenger services. The tour took place on June 25, providing a firsthand look at the impressive new infrastructure.
According to Kazinform, the new international terminal covers an area of 53,500 square meters and represents an investment of over $220 million. Kose also revealed strategies to attract additional investments aimed at enhancing the airport’s infrastructure.
Since mid-June, the new terminal has been operational, catering to all international flights. Kose emphasized the accelerated completion of the terminal to accommodate the surge in passenger traffic and provide maximum convenience for travelers during the summer holiday season.
Safety and capacity are top priorities in the new terminal design. It meets seismic and fire safety standards, with the capability to withstand earthquakes up to ten points in magnitude. The facility boasts 50 check-in counters, modern equipment, fast-track stands, self-registration kiosks, and baggage drop-off stands.
The Alstef baggage handling system installed in the terminal is equipped with four carousels, each capable of handling a high volume of bags per hour for departure and arrival flights. The terminal can accommodate 24,000 departing passengers and 33,000 arriving passengers per hour, with provisions for up to seven aircraft to dock simultaneously.
Passenger flow at the terminal is streamlined with 20 passport control cabins in the departure area, 32 in the arrival area, and automated pass system units for Kazakh citizens. Information kiosks are also set to be installed for improved passenger navigation.
With the reconstruction of the existing terminal, the airport’s overall capacity is expected to reach 14 million passengers per year. The domestic terminal is slated to handle six million passengers annually, while the combined traffic at both terminals could reach 14 million, aided by digital enhancements.
In terms of passenger amenities, the new terminal offers three VIP lounges, duty-free shopping areas, mother and child rooms, facilities for people with disabilities, children’s play areas, co-working spaces, and a pet area. There are also plans to establish a museum of Kazakh Civil Aviation and the history of Almaty Airport within the new terminal.
Efforts are underway to expand the parking area, with a new parking facility opening at VIP Yuzhny, and general parking spaces increased by 46%. Transportation routes have been optimized, and the flyover for departing passengers has been expanded to enhance overall passenger experience.
The ongoing developments at Almaty International Airport signify a significant leap forward in providing top-notch services and facilities for travelers, solidifying its position as a key aviation hub in the region.
