Ashgabat International Airport (ASB)
Ashgabat, TM 🇹🇲 Large International Airport Scheduled Service
ICAO
UTAA
IATA
ASB
Elevation
692 ft
Region
TM-S
Local Time
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GPS Code: UTAA
Local Code: Not available
Location: 37.986801° N, 58.361° E
Continent: Asia
Type: Large International Airport
Keywords: Saparmurat Turkmenbashy International Airport
What Travelers Say
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Online Reviews Summary
Ashgabat International Airport (ASB/UTAA) generally receives mixed reviews, with travelers often struck by its stunning, modern architecture and immaculate cleanliness, yet frequently encountering an eerily empty atmosphere and significant practical challenges. While the airport boasts impressive aesthetics and high-quality infrastructure, overall satisfaction is tempered by issues related to connectivity and the availability of services.
What Travelers Love
- Striking Architecture and Design: The airport's terminal, designed to resemble a falcon spreading its wings, is consistently praised for its modern, unique, and imposing white-marble design.
- Cleanliness and Aesthetics: The airport is noted for its pristine condition and spacious, ornate interiors, reflecting the grandeur of Turkmenistan's capital.
- Efficient Immigration (often): Many travelers experience efficient immigration procedures, with recent AI predictions indicating wait times around 8-9 minutes.
- Local Duty-Free Offerings: The duty-free shops sell unique local snacks and items, providing a distinct cultural touch.
Common Complaints
- Limited/Non-existent Wi-Fi: This is a major and widespread complaint, with travelers reporting extremely limited, non-existent, or unreliable Wi-Fi, even in lounges.
- Slow Customs Checkpoints (sometimes): While immigration can be fast, some travelers have noted super slow customs checkpoints and extensive security checks requiring multiple biometric scans.
- Empty and Underutilized Facilities: Despite its grand scale, the airport often feels deserted, with a disproportionately large capacity compared to actual passenger traffic. Some amenities like the transit hotel or certain food courts may be closed.
- Limited Flight Schedules and Connectivity: Travelers note limited international flight connections compared to other major hubs.
- Cash-Only Transactions & Expensive Services: International credit card acceptance is limited, making cash (Manat, USD, or EUR) essential. Taxi fares quoted by tour groups can be expensive for short distances, though local taxis might be cheaper.
Ashgabat International Airport offers a visually stunning and clean gateway to Turkmenistan, often providing a unique and quiet travel experience due to its low traffic. However, travelers should be prepared for significant connectivity challenges (lack of reliable Wi-Fi) and the potential for a somewhat isolated experience due to the airport's underutilization and limited amenities for long layovers. It's advisable to carry local currency or small USD/EUR notes for purchases and transportation.
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Airport Routes
Ashgabat International Airport (ASB) offers 28 flight routes operated by 6 airlines. Major carriers include Turkmenistan Airlines, Turkish Airlines, FlyDubai and others. Popular destinations from Ashgabat include Dubai Int'l, Istanbul Airport, Malpensa Int'l, King Abdulaziz Int'l and Abu Dhabi Int'l.
Route Network Map
Top Routes (by observations)
Newly Discovered
- Turkmenbashi (KRW) new
- Turkmenabat (CRZ) new
- Dashoguz (TAZ) new
- Istanbul Airport (IST) new
- Dubai Int'l (DXB) new
- King Abdulaziz Int'l (JED) new
- Mary (MYP) new
- Domodedovo Int'l (DME) new
- Shenzhen Bao'an Int'l (SZX) new
- Kazan (KZN) new
- Kerki International (KEA) new
- Malpensa Int'l (MXP) new
Popular Flight Routes
| Destination | IATA | City | Aircraft Type | Airline | Details | Route Map |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Top Airlines
Operating at Ashgabat International AirportAirlines by Flight Activity
Based on observed flight operations and route network| Airline | Routes | Flights | Destinations | Last Activity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Turkmenistan Airlines
TUA
/ T5
|
23 | 1016 | 23 | Feb 2, 2026 |
Turkish Airlines
THY
/ TK
|
1 | 117 | 1 | Feb 2, 2026 |
FlyDubai
FDB
/ FZ
|
1 | 50 | 1 | Feb 2, 2026 |
S7 Airlines
SBI
/ S7
|
1 | 48 | 1 | Feb 1, 2026 |
China Southern Airlines
CSN
/ CZ
|
1 | 10 | 1 | Jan 17, 2026 |
|
Redstar Aviation
RHH
|
1 | 1 | 1 | Nov 27, 2025 |
For Pilots
| Designation | Length | Width | Surface | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
11/29 |
5907 ft | 114 ft | ASP | Closed |
11L/29R |
12467 ft | 148 ft | CON | Active Lighted |
11R/29L |
12467 ft | 197 ft | CON | Active Lighted |
| Type | Description | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| APP | APP | 123.5 MHz |
| GCA | APP | 118.7 MHz |
| GND | GND | 121.7 MHz |
| TWR | TWR | 120.0 MHz |
Ground Transportation
Taxis
Official airport taxis are the most common option and can be found outside the arrivals hall. It is crucial to agree on the fare with the driver in the local currency (Turkmenistan Manat - TMT) before starting your trip, as meters are not consistently used. Pre-booking a transfer through your hotel or a tour agency is also a reliable alternative.
Rental Cars
Self-drive car rental services from major international brands are not available in Turkmenistan. The standard practice for visitors is to hire a car with a local driver. This service must be arranged in advance, typically through a government-accredited tour operator or your hotel.
Public Transportation
Public buses connect the airport to various parts of Ashgabat and are the most economical option. Key routes like #1 and #22 serve the airport area. However, this option can be challenging for foreign visitors due to a lack of English signage and information on routes and schedules.