Shymkent Airport (CIT)

Shymkent, KZ 🇰🇿 Medium Airport Scheduled Service

ICAO

UAII

IATA

CIT

Elevation

1385 ft

Region

KZ-YUZ

Local Time

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Airport Information

GPS Code: UAII

Local Code: Not available

Location: 42.364201° N, 69.478897° E

Continent: AS

Type: Medium Airport

Keywords: Chimkent Airport Аэропорт Шымкент Аэропорт Чимкент

Nearby Points of Interest

What Travelers Say

AI-Generated Summary Based on web research

Shymkent Airport (UAII (CIT)) has recently undergone significant modernization with the opening of a new terminal in December 2024, aiming to substantially improve traveler experiences. While older reviews often cited issues with facilities and cleanliness, the new infrastructure suggests a positive shift in overall traveler sentiment, particularly for those experiencing the updated airport. The airport is generally seen as a key regional transport hub.

What Travelers Love
  • Efficient Security and Immigration: Travelers highly value the efficiency of security and immigration processes, with average wait times estimated at around 28-29 minutes for security screening and 8 minutes for passport control.
  • Modern and Spacious New Terminal: The new terminal, which opened in December 2024, is described as beautiful, large, spacious, and comfortable, equipped with modern amenities like escalators, elevators, jet bridges, and travelators. This significantly enhances the airport's capacity and passenger experience.
  • Good Transportation Connections: The airport is conveniently located about 11 km from the city center, with readily available buses (lines 12, 12a, 12b) and taxis providing a 15-20 minute journey. Private transfer services are also an option.
  • Strategic Regional Hub: Shymkent Airport is recognized as a crucial transport hub in Southern Kazakhstan, offering connections to numerous national and international destinations.
Common Complaints
  • Weak Overall Service (Historical): Prior to the new terminal, the airport received an average rating of 5.3/10, indicating weak service, with particular dissatisfaction regarding general services and cleanliness. Many older reviews specifically mentioned dirty conditions and terrible toilets.
  • Airline Staff Incompetence: Some travelers have reported issues with the competence of airline staff, particularly at check-in counters.
  • Queues and Waiting Times: Historical complaints include long queues at check-in, security, and passport control. While security and immigration times are generally efficient, the overall waiting experience, including at registration, has been a source of frustration.
  • Limited Amenities (Historical): Older reviews noted a lack of specific facilities such as a dedicated mother and child room and a prayer room, despite signage. Ratings for WiFi, food and retail services, and lounges also indicated areas for improvement.
  • Parking Issues: Travelers have experienced issues with parking, including long waits at the barrier.

The recent opening of the new terminal at Shymkent Airport marks a significant upgrade, aiming to address many past concerns regarding facilities and passenger comfort. While historical complaints highlight areas like cleanliness and overall service, the modernized infrastructure and efficient security processes are notable strengths. Travelers should be aware of potential inconsistencies with airline staff and parking challenges, but the overall outlook for traveler satisfaction is expected to improve with the new terminal's full operational capacity.

Generated 6 days ago
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This summary is automatically generated by AI based on web research of traveler reviews and experiences. AI-generated content may not always be 100% accurate.

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Airport Routes

Popular Flight Routes
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Destination IATA City Aircraft Type Airline Details Route Map
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Top Airlines

Operating at Shymkent Airport
Airlines by Flight Activity
Based on observed flight operations and route network
Airline Routes Flights Destinations Last Activity
18 352 18 Dec 9, 2025
FlyArystan
AYN / FS
8 275 8 Dec 9, 2025
Air Astana
KZR / KC
3 32 3 Dec 6, 2025
2 15 2 Dec 6, 2025
Qazaq Air
QAZ / IQ
2 8 2 Nov 28, 2025
FlyDubai
FDB / FZ
1 7 1 Nov 21, 2025
1 7 1 Dec 9, 2025
Aeroflot
AFL / SU
1 7 1 Nov 21, 2025
S7 Airlines
SBI / S7
1 5 1 Nov 16, 2025
For Pilots

Designation Length Width Surface Status
10/28 9186 ft 144 ft CON Active Lighted

Type Description Frequency
TWR TWR 118.7 MHz

Ident Name Type Frequency
EN Shymkent NDB 360 kHz
IM Shymkent NDB 360 kHz

Ground Transportation

Last updated: Nov 21, 2025
Taxis

Official airport taxis are available directly outside the arrivals terminal. For potentially lower and more predictable fares, using a ride-hailing app like Yandex Go is a popular and recommended option. The trip to the city center usually takes about 20-30 minutes. It is advisable to use official services or apps to avoid overcharging.

Rental Cars

Several local and some international car rental companies have desks inside the airport's arrivals hall. It is highly recommended to book a car in advance online to secure availability and get better rates. Providers like AmiGo and other local agencies offer services at the airport.

Public Transportation

City buses offer the most budget-friendly way to travel to the city center. Bus routes #12, #12A, and #12B connect the airport with various parts of Shymkent. The bus stop is located just outside the terminal. Payment is typically made in cash (Kazakhstani Tenge - KZT) to the driver or conductor. Service frequency may be reduced in the late evening and at night.

Nearby Airports

Tashkent East Airport
UZTP
Tashkent, UZ
Medium Airport Scheduled Service
~117 km away
Tashkent International Airport
TAS • UZTT
Tashkent, UZ
Large International Airport Scheduled Service
~124 km away
Hazrat Sultan International Airport
HSA • UAIT
Turkıstan, KZ
Medium Airport Scheduled Service
~130 km away
Tashkent International Airport
TAS • UZTT
Tashkent, UZ
Large International Airport Scheduled Service
~124 km away
Tashkent East Airport
UZTP
Tashkent, UZ
Medium Airport Scheduled Service
~117 km away
Hazrat Sultan International Airport
HSA • UAIT
Turkıstan, KZ
Medium Airport Scheduled Service
~130 km away
Badam Airport
KZ-0004
Badam, KZ
Small Airport
~17 km away
Chubarovka Airport
KZ-0032
Chubarovka, KZ
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~25 km away
Kyzylkishlak Airport
KZ-0043
Kyzylkishlak, KZ
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~25 km away
Kyzylasker Airport
KZ-0042
Kyzylasker, KZ
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~29 km away
Sayram Airport
KZ-0007
Sayram, KZ
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~29 km away
Karabulak Airport
KZ-0012
Karabulak, KZ
Small Airport
~31 km away
Berkut Military Sport Aviation Base Airport
KZ-0016
Sayram, KZ
Small Airport
~31 km away
Tamerlanovka Airport
KZ-0059
Tamerlannovka, KZ
Small Airport
~34 km away
Standart-Cement Heliport
KZ-7487
Shymkent, KZ
Heliport
~21 km away
Distances are approximate and calculated as straight-line distances.