TAV Airports inaugurates modernized domestic terminal at Almaty Airport

TAV Airports has completed the modernization of the domestic terminal at Almaty Airport in Kazakhstan with an investment of €29 million. Completed in 13 months, the project increased the terminal’s annual passenger capacity to more than 8 million. With further investments scheduled for completion by the end of 2027, total investment in the airport will reach approximately €572 million.

TAV Airports, a member of Groupe ADP, has completed the modernization of the domestic terminal (T1) at Almaty Airport, Kazakhstan’s largest airport. The renovated terminal was inaugurated at a ceremony attended by Asel Zhanassova, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport of Kazakhstan; Darkhan Satybaldy, Akim of Almaty; and Serkan Kaptan, CEO of TAV Airports.

The modernization project, aimed at enhancing passenger experience and improving operational efficiency, included upgrades to check-in, security screening, baggage handling and passenger waiting areas. The terminal’s technical infrastructure was modernized, improvements were made to passenger boarding bridges and common areas, and new passenger lounges and commercial spaces were introduced. Work began in September 2025 and was completed in 13 months without disrupting terminal operations.

Serkan Kaptan, CEO of TAV Airports, said: “We continue to invest in Almaty Airport to strengthen its position as one of Central Asia’s leading aviation hubs. In 2024, we inaugurated the new international terminal. We have now completed the modernization of the domestic terminal in just 13 months. These improvements enable us to offer passengers a more comfortable travel experience while enhancing the airport’s operational efficiency.

“Following the completion of our initial €257 million investment program in 2024, we plan to complete the second phase of investments, totaling €315 million, by the end of 2027. This will bring our total investment in Almaty Airport to approximately €572 million.

“We will continue to contribute to Almaty’s development as a major transfer hub in Central Asia. I would like to thank all our stakeholders, business partners and colleagues for their support and cooperation throughout this process.”

Domestic terminal capacity exceeds 8 million passengers

Following the €29 million modernization project, the domestic terminal can now accommodate more than 8 million passengers annually. As part of the project, the 1,700-square-meter check-in area was renovated and 23 new counters were installed. The security screening area was expanded by 200 square meters, while the number of automated boarding pass control gates increased from three to five. Passenger waiting areas at eight boarding gates were renovated, and three new passenger boarding bridges were installed.

Baggage handling capacity was also significantly increased. The outbound baggage sorting area was expanded from 1,000 to 1,800 square meters, while the baggage reclaim area grew from 964 to 1,891 square meters. The total length of baggage conveyor belts increased from 85 to 228 meters. Hourly baggage handling capacity rose from 990 to 1,680 pieces for departures and from 1,380 to 2,250 pieces for arrivals. A new computed tomography (CT) screening system providing three-dimensional imaging was also introduced at security checkpoints.

The terminal’s electrical, ventilation, heating and fire safety systems were completely renewed. Passenger areas, elevators, the mother-and-child room and commercial spaces were also modernized.

As part of the modernization project, the Extime lounges operated by TAV Operation Services were completely renovated. The departure lounge covers 750 square meters and accommodates 110 guests. It features dining and relaxation areas, a meeting room, a private VIP room and prayer rooms. The arrivals lounge covers 250 square meters and has a capacity of 22 guests.

Investments continue at Almaty Airport

TAV Airports began operating Almaty Airport in 2021. The first investment program, totaling €257 million and including the new international and VIP terminals, was completed in 2024. The ongoing second phase of investments, totaling €315 million, is scheduled for completion by the end of 2027. This will bring total investment in the airport to approximately €572 million.

In addition to the domestic terminal modernization, the second phase includes the construction of Central Asia’s first dedicated aircraft de-icing area and a new 4,000-meter taxiway. The program also includes plans to resurface one of the runways with concrete pavement, upgrade the VIP apron and aircraft parking areas, expand the cargo apron and construct a new aircraft maintenance hangar.

Almaty Airport served 6 million passengers in 2021, when TAV Airports took over its operations. Passenger traffic reached 11.9 million in 2025. The airport was also named among the “World’s Top 100 Airports” in the Skytrax awards, based on passenger evaluations, in the same year.

Almaty Airport serves as the hub for Kazakhstan’s flag carrier, Air Astana. As of the end of 2025, 42 airlines operated flights from the airport to 86 destinations across 30 countries.

About TAV Airports

TAV Airports provides integrated services in all areas of airport operations, with a global footprint at more than 100 airports in more than 30 countries. In 2025, TAV Airports welcomed 113 million passengers across its portfolio. A member of Groupe ADP, TAV Airports is part of the leading airport management platform globally. Through its subsidiaries, TAV is active in airport service businesses, including duty-free, food and beverage, ground handling, IT, private security, and commercial area management. The company is quoted on Istanbul Stock Exchange.

For further information: Esra Özer, T +90 212 463 30 00 / 2094 and +90 531 500 99 75 Esra.Ozer@tav.aero www.tavairports.com