Turkmenistan, a country known for its vast deserts, modern futuristic capital, massive burning crater and ancient Silk Road sights, offers domestic air travel as a means to navigate its expansive territory. While not as developed as some international aviation networks, Turkmenistan's domestic flights provide an efficient and easy way to travel across this massive country.
Route Options
Turkmenistan Airlines, the national carrier, is the only airline that operates domestic services. Turkmenistan Airlines operates several domestic routes connecting major cities. The primary routes include:
- Ashgabat to/from: Dashoguz, Turkmenabat, Mary, Turkmenbashy, Kerki, and Balkanabat
- Dashoguz to/from: Turkmenabat, Mary, and Turkmenbashy
- Mary to/from: Turkmenbashy
This network allows travellers to move between the capital, Ashgabat, and regional centres, as well as between some regional cities directly.
Flight Frequency
Flight frequencies vary depending on the season but are largely as follows:
- Ashgabat-Dashoguz: Multiple daily flights, generally 2 flights in the morning and 2 in the evening.
- Ashgabat-Turkmenabat: Daily flights, generally 2 flights in the morning and 2 in the evening.
- Ashgabat-Mary: Daily flights, generally 2 flights in the morning and 2 in the evening.
- Ashgabat-Turkmenbashy: Daily flights, generally 2 flights in the morning and 2 in the evening.
- All other routes: Generally 1-2 flights per week
Airport Experience
Turkmenistan's airports, particularly the new Ashgabat International Airport, are modern facilities characterized by white marble architecture and green accents. Despite their impressive appearance, they often feel quiet and somewhat empty. Security procedures are surprisingly relaxed, contrary to what some might expect in a tightly controlled country.
Booking Process
Booking domestic flights in Turkmenistan can be challenging for international visitors. There are no online booking options available. Tickets must be purchased in person at airline offices or through local travel agencies. In most circumstances the tour company that organises your Letter of Invitation will need to book your flights for you.
Cost Considerations
While air travel in Turkmenistan is not prohibitedly expensive, it is more costly that many websites on the internet would have you believe. In Turkmenistan there is a duel pricing system where locals pay one prices while foreigners pay another.
Most plane tickets for locals are around the $7USD mark, while tickets for foreigners range from $80-$120 one way.
Inside airports in Turkmenistan, cafes, restaurants and shops are very affordable with a coffee normally costing around $1 and most meals being less than $5, much cheaper than you’ll find in airports around the world.
Travel Tips
- Plan ahead: Given the lack of online booking options, arrange your flights well in advance through your tour agency.
- Be flexible: Flight schedules can change, so build some flexibility into your itinerary.
- Carry cash: Credit card acceptance is limited, so have sufficient cash for to buy whatever you would like at the airport.
- Documentation: Ensure you have all necessary travel documents readily accessible. Make sure to keep your baggage tag as it is required to leave the airport.
- Language: Basic knowledge of Russian or Turkmen can be helpful, as English may not be widely spoken.
- Make sure you’re early: Flights will often leave before their scheduled time as everyone may have already checked in.
Cultural Insights
Domestic air travel in Turkmenistan offers a glimpse into the country's unique approach to infrastructure and development. While the airports may be impressively built, the actual flight experience is often basic and functional. This contrast is characteristic of Turkmenistan's approach to modernization.
If you'd like to try out Turkmenistan Airlines and see the country by air, then take a look at the group tours we have available throughout the year
here
on our webiste. Or if you'd like a private tour, contact us at [email protected] for more information.
