Nursultan Nazarbayev Int'l airport (NQZ)

Nursultan Nazarbayev International Airport (IATA: NQZ / ICAO: UACC) is a significant hub located in the heart of Kazakhstan's capital city, Astana—recently renamed Nur-Sultan. This international airport has evolved into a critical gateway connecting Central Asia to the rest of the world. Opened in 1963 and originally known as Tselinograd Airport, it underwent a major modernization and rebranding in 1998 and again in 2019, aligning with the city's new name. The airport is named in honor of Nursultan Nazarbayev, the first President of Kazakhstan.

Strategically situated 16 kilometers southeast of Nur-Sultan's city center, the airport serves as a vital node for both domestic and international travel. As Kazakhstan's second busiest airport after Almaty International Airport, Nursultan Nazarbayev International encompasses a broad spectrum of passenger and cargo services. It caters to a diverse array of airlines, with over 20 national and international carriers operating flights to Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.

In recent years, the airport has seen significant growth in passenger traffic. In 2019, it recorded over 5 million passengers, supported by approximately 30,000 flights annually. This rapid development underscores the airport's role as a focal point for business and leisure travel in the region.

The airport infrastructure includes two runways and a modern terminal equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, ensuring a smooth and efficient travel experience. Its expansion and continuous upgrades reflect Kazakhstan's broader ambitions to enhance its global connectivity and position Nur-Sultan as a prominent international city.