Almaty Airport has officially opened its renovated domestic departures terminal after a reconstruction that took more than a year, the website infohub.kz reports.
On the second floor of Terminal T2, passengers are greeted by an apple sculpture and wall-mounted waterfalls on both sides. The design follows an eco-friendly style, with wood-look materials used in the finishes.
As part of the reconstruction, check-in counters were updated. Automated turnstiles have been installed for entry to the security screening area, along with six lanes for screening baggage.
The terminal houses cafes, restaurants and shops, which were also renovated. Additional waiting areas have been set up for passengers, with charging points for gadgets.
Restrooms have been provided, including facilities for people with special needs, mother-and-child rooms and a prayer room.
It is worth noting that automatic doors are installed throughout, which open when a hand is passed near the sensor. The innovation does not apply to toilet cubicles.
The terminal also features a lounge area overlooking the apron and a children's zone. The passage to gates 6, 7 and 8 has been widened, and gate 6 now has an additional boarding exit to speed up passenger flow. Exit 8 is also expected to be equipped with a jet bridge.
Goker Kose, President of Almaty International Airport, said new offices are being built for airport and airline staff, and the existing runway is also being reconstructed.
A platform for de-icing aircraft has been created on the apron. "Previously this kind of process took place in the parking area. And it was carried out with the engines switched off. Now, thanks to this zone, 4-8 aircraft can undergo de-icing with their engines already running. This is very important for saving time. The process used to take 75 minutes, now it will take 10 minutes," Goker Kose explained.
A new baggage sorting system has been installed on the first floor, speeding up processing. To ensure security, devices that detect prohibited and explosive substances in baggage are in operation. In total, the arrivals area has four baggage carousels.
As for the parking lot, where Almaty residents are currently experiencing difficulties, the airport president promised that a covered parking facility connected to the building by a bridge will be launched within a few days. The bridge will also open together with the parking lot.
Goker Kose added that the terminal reconstruction took 13 months and cost $32 million. The renovated terminal is expected to have a capacity of 9 million passengers a year. "The terminal was originally built in 1998, but after 26 years of operation it has undergone renovation and was fully prepared and designed to meet international airport standards. I would like to note that the renovation and reconstruction of the new domestic departures terminal took place without interrupting the operation of the existing terminal," Kose concluded.