Aktau Airport (SCO)

Aktau, KZ 🇰🇿 Medium Airport Scheduled Service

ICAO

UATE

IATA

SCO

Elevation

73 ft

Region

KZ-MAN

Local Time

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Airport Information

GPS Code: UATE

Local Code: Not available

Location: 43.860093° N, 51.09086° E

Continent: AS

Type: Medium Airport

Keywords: Akshukyr

Nearby Points of Interest

What Travelers Say

AI-Generated Summary Based on web research

Recent traveler reviews for Aktau Airport (UATE (SCO)) suggest a mixed but generally lower satisfaction experience. While some aspects like cleanliness are appreciated, many travelers express frustration with limited facilities, unreliable public transport, and slow processes. The airport often serves as a functional point for onward travel rather than a comfortable hub.

What Travelers Love
  • Cleanliness: The airport generally maintains a good level of cleanliness.
  • Staff Helpfulness: Many travelers report that airport staff are helpful, with a 65% positive rating for staff satisfaction.
  • Security Check Efficiency: Security checks and inspection processes are moderately valued and rated relatively well by passengers.
  • VIP/CIP Lounges: For those seeking a premium experience, VIP/CIP lounges offer comfortable seating, Wi-Fi, and other amenities.
  • Working Wi-Fi: Some recent travelers have reported good working Wi-Fi availability in the airport.
Common Complaints
  • Limited Public Transportation: There is a significant lack of reliable public transport options to and from the city, especially during early morning hours, making taxis almost the sole option.
  • Pushy Taxi Drivers: Travelers frequently encounter aggressive "illegal" taxi drivers upon arrival who may claim public transport is non-existent.
  • Poor Terminal Facilities & Seating: Overall terminal facilities, including waiting rooms, receive low ratings, with a particular issue being non-working charging sockets in seating areas.
  • Inconsistent Wi-Fi and Connectivity Issues: While Wi-Fi exists, some users report inconsistent or spotty connections, with one experience noting it required a local SIM card to connect.
  • Slow Check-in and Baggage Claim: Check-in processes can be very slow, with one traveler reporting a 90-minute wait for a small flight, and baggage claim also receives negative feedback.
  • Limited Food and Retail: Options for food and retail services are often rated poorly and are considered limited.
  • Non-functioning ATMs: A traveler in June 2025 reported that ATMs at the airport were not functioning at all, making it difficult to obtain local currency.
  • Difficulty Obtaining Local SIM Cards: There is no dedicated SIM card kiosk, though a mini-market might offer Tele2 SIM cards with helpful staff.

Overall, Aktau Airport appears to offer a basic and sometimes challenging experience for travelers, with significant areas for improvement, particularly regarding ground transportation options and the quality of terminal amenities. Travelers should plan their arrival and departure carefully, especially concerning cash for taxis and connectivity.

Generated True weeks 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.

Current Weather Conditions

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Airport Routes

Popular Flight Routes
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Top Airlines

Operating at Aktau Airport
Airlines by Flight Activity
Based on observed flight operations and route network
Airline Routes Flights Destinations Last Activity
FlyArystan
AYN / FS
10 370 10 Dec 9, 2025
7 171 7 Dec 9, 2025
Air Astana
KZR / KC
4 62 4 Dec 9, 2025
1 25 1 Dec 9, 2025
Aeroflot
AFL / SU
1 12 1 Nov 28, 2025
1 10 1 Dec 3, 2025
1 9 1 Dec 6, 2025
1 5 1 Dec 6, 2025
For Pilots

Designation Length Width Surface Status
12/30 10013 ft 148 ft ASP Active Lighted
12L/30R 9630 ft 150 ft GRE Closed

Type Description Frequency
A/G Aktau Transit (Ground handling service) 131.9 MHz
FIS Aktau Region 124.2 MHz
TWR Aktau Tower 120.7 MHz

Ident Name Type Frequency
AKT Aktau VOR-DME 113300 kHz
AU Aktau NDB 670 kHz
TA Aktau NDB 670 kHz

Ground Transportation

Last updated: Nov 21, 2025
Taxis

Taxis are readily available outside the arrivals hall. Official airport taxis and ride-hailing services like Yandex Go are the most common options. The journey to the city center takes approximately 30-40 minutes. It is highly recommended to agree on a fare before starting your journey or use an app with a fixed price to avoid overcharging.

Rental Cars

Several local and international car rental agencies have desks inside the airport terminal. Companies like Avis and other local providers offer a range of vehicles. Booking in advance online is recommended to ensure availability and secure better rates. An International Driving Permit (IDP) may be required along with your national license.

Public Transportation

Public bus route No. 105 connects Aktau Airport with the city center. This is the most budget-friendly option, but services may be less frequent than taxis, especially during evenings and weekends. The bus stop is located just outside the terminal building. The journey time is significantly longer than by car.

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Distances are approximate and calculated as straight-line distances.