Almaty International Airport is the main air gateway for Kazakhstan and Central Asia. Every year, more than 100,000 tonnes of cargo pass through it: high-value goods, perishables, pharmaceuticals, electronics, and spare parts. A warehouse 15–25 km from the airport via BAKAD is a strategic advantage for importers, 3PL operators, and pharmaceutical distributors. Let's look at the specifics of such facilities.
100,000+ t
Almaty Airport annual cargo volume
general, high-value, hazardous cargo and perishables — data from alaport.com
28,000 m²
Almaty Airport cargo terminal area
including the customs temporary storage warehouse (CTS) and special storage zones — data from alaport.com
2026
Almaty terminal expansion planned
in 2026, expansion of the passenger and cargo terminals of the airport is planned
15–25 km
optimal distance to the airport via BAKAD
Alatau district industrial zones and the Kapshagay highway — direct access without city traffic
Why Air Cargo Logistics Requires a Specialised Warehouse
A standard distribution warehouse and an air cargo warehouse are fundamentally different facilities. Air cargo has specific characteristics:
- High value: electronics, jewellery, pharmaceuticals — require special security
- Perishable cargo: fresh flowers, seafood, biologics — cold chain from the aircraft
- Urgency: air cargo is expensive, delays cost money — logistics must be fast
- Customs control: most air cargo is imported, requiring clearance
Types of Warehouses for Air Cargo Logistics in Almaty
1. Customs Temporary Storage Warehouse (CTS)
A CTS is a customs instrument: goods are stored until customs clearance is completed. Operating a CTS requires a licence from the customs authority (Committee of State Revenue, Ministry of Finance of Kazakhstan).
Building requirements for a CTS:
- Physical perimeter fencing with 24/7 security
- Access control system (ACS) with logging
- CCTV with recording stored for at least 30 days
- Weighing equipment
- Separate zones for goods of different customs statuses
- Ability to lock/seal zones
2. Customs Warehouse
Allows goods to be stored under customs control indefinitely without paying duties until released for circulation. More stringent requirements than a CTS.
3. Commercial Warehouse Near the Airport (without customs status)
For importers who complete customs clearance at the airport — they need a warehouse for subsequent storage and distribution. A standard commercial warehouse but with special security requirements and specialised zones.
Building Requirements: Air Cargo Specifics
Temperature Zones
Almaty Airport has its own refrigeration chambers for perishable cargo. But for storage outside the airport (at the client or 3PL), its own cold chain infrastructure is needed:
| Cargo type | Regime | Building requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh flowers | +2…+8°C | PIR 150 mm refrigeration chamber |
| Pharmaceuticals (cold chain) | +2…+8°C | GDP-certified cold room |
| Fresh seafood | 0…+2°C | Deep chilling |
| Frozen products | –18°C | PIR 200+ mm freezer |
| Electronics, valuables | +15…+25°C | Climate control + secure storage |
Security
- Double perimeter fencing (outer + inner)
- 24/7 security (physical + CCTV)
- Access control system with biometrics or smart cards
- Armoured room / safe for high-value cargo
- Panic button with direct link to the security control centre
Dangerous Goods (IATA DGR)
Storage of air hazardous goods (lithium batteries, aerosols, chemicals) requires:
- Separate storage cells made of non-combustible materials
- Explosion-proof electrical equipment
- Enhanced ventilation
- Separation of incompatible goods
Locations in Almaty: What to Choose
Optimal logistics to the airport:
| Location | Distance to airport | Traffic |
|---|---|---|
| Alatau district | 12–20 km via BAKAD | No city traffic |
| Kapshagay highway (Otegen Batyr) | 25–35 km | No traffic, BAKAD |
| Turksib district | 8–15 km through the city | Rush-hour traffic |
| Almalinskiy / Bostandyk | 5–10 km | Constant traffic |
Recommendation: Alatau district industrial zones + BAKAD — the optimal combination of distance and traffic-free access. For airport transit, delivery time is predictable.
Cost of Building an Air Cargo Warehouse in Almaty
| Type of facility | Area | Construction cost |
|---|---|---|
| Standard warehouse near airport (no CTS) | 1,000 m² | 100–150 million ₸ |
| Multi-temperature warehouse | 1,500 m² | 200–300 million ₸ |
| CTS with customs infrastructure | 2,000 m² | 280–420 million ₸ |
| Class A cargo terminal | 5,000 m² | 700 million – 1.2 billion ₸ |
Land not included. Land in the Alatau district: 60,000–130,000 ₸/m².
Permits and Licences for a Cargo Warehouse
| Document | Issuing body | Timeframe |
|---|---|---|
| Building permit | Almaty Urban Development Department | 1–2 months |
| State technical review (seismic) | Expert organisation | 2–3 months |
| Commissioning permit | State Architectural Control, Almaty | 1–2 months |
| CTS licence | Committee of State Revenue, MF RK | 3–6 months |
| Sanitary-epidemiological conclusion | SES | 1 month |
We'll design a cargo warehouse near Almaty Airport meeting customs requirements
StroyHub builds specialised warehouses with security, temperature zones, and CTS infrastructure — from project to commissioning.