The airport terminal inspired by the shape of five yurts
In short: Architecture can preserve heritage even in high-tech hubs. Almaty International Airport’s international terminal was designed to mirror the traditional Kazakh yurt, blending nomadic history with modern aviation needs. This design choice reflects a deliberate effort to ground Kazakhstan's primary gateway in its cultural identity.
The evolution of Almaty International Airport (ALA) is marked by a tension between historical preservation and rapid modernization. The airport’s main terminal, built in 1973, was originally designated a historical monument in 1979 due to its architectural and cultural significance. However, a devastating fire in July 1999 rendered the building unusable, leading to its delisting as a historical monument in 2010.
To replace lost infrastructure, construction began on a new international passenger terminal in April 2007. The French company Aeroports de Paris Ingenierie (ADPI) created a design for this building, which purposefully mimicked the classic form of five yurts. This project faced significant hurdles; construction was halted in 2010 after Air Astana raised concerns that a separate terminal would create operational difficulties by forcing aircraft to cross active runways.
Following these objections, a German consulting firm recommended an integrated facility instead. This led to the opening of Terminal 2 on June 1, 2024. While it serves international flights exclusively and covers over 53,000 square meters, its design remains rooted in the yurt motif. The airport is currently undergoing the Horizon Investment Project, a $1.5–1.7 billion modernization plan aimed at increasing capacity to 40 million passengers annually by 2050.
The facility serves as a critical hub for Air Astana and handles the largest cargo volume in Kazakhstan. Beyond its role as a transport link, it houses a small museum dedicated to the airport's history, ensuring that even as the site expands into an 'Airport City,' its legacy remains accessible to travelers.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Almaty International Airport
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