The President of Turkmenistan participated in the opening ceremony of the Balkanabat International Airport

Today, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, who is on a working visit to the Balkan province, has participated in the opening ceremony of the Balkanabat International Airport.

In the era of the Revival of the new epoch of the powerful state, great importance is attached in Turkmenistan to the comprehensive development of the transport system. This creates favorable opportunities for the activation of transport and transit corridors of our country, which is located at an important crossroads of trade and transport routes connecting Asia and Europe.

The modernization of the domestic civil aviation infrastructure and equipping the sector with the latest equipment are an integral part of the large-scale transformations consistently carried out in the transport sphere. The National Program for the Development of Civil Aviation of Turkmenistan until 2030 is aimed at applying innovative technologies, advanced engineering and technical ideas, and the best global experience in this sector.

Modern airports equipped with new aviation technology from leading world manufacturers operate and are being commissioned in the capital and velayats of the homeland, and the national air fleet is regularly replenished.

Currently, the programs for modernizing the transport and communication complex, initiated by the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Hero Arkadag Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, are being successfully implemented under the farsighted leadership of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov. A long-term strategy is being realized for the development of railway, automobile, sea, and air transport, as well as the formation of promising transport and transit corridors.

Steps are also being taken to promote transport diplomacy, which corresponds to the interests of universal welfare and sustainable development. Special attention is given to strengthening its legal foundations, further increasing the sector’s potential, and improving relevant legislation through the Program of the President of Turkmenistan for the Development of Transport Diplomacy for 2022–2025. This document, which incorporates key vectors of national transport policy, is aimed at achieving large-scale strategic goals. One of the main tasks of the Program is also the creation of effective multimodal transport and transit corridors through the optimal utilization of the country’s existing potential.

In a historically short period, Turkmenistan has accumulated significant experience in establishing productive relations with countries around the world and reputable international organizations. Our country takes an initiative position in developing fundamentally new directions of international cooperation. Taking into account the processes of globalization of the world economy, Turkmenistan actively interacts with the United Nations in such a promising sphere as transport and logistics. At the proposal of our country, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a number of resolutions aimed at giving a qualitatively new impetus to the development of partnerships in the transport sector. These documents are a vivid confirmation of international support for the transformations being carried out in the homeland in this sector.

In the International Year of Peace and Trust, Turkmenistan proposes to intensify a comprehensive cooperation strategy to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. Great importance is attached to the implementation of two strategic priorities: energy transformation and transport connectivity. This is also reflected in the Concept of Activities and Priorities of Turkmenistan within the framework of the International Year of Peace and Trust.

...In the morning, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov arrived at the venue of the celebration.

A festive atmosphere reigns on the territory of the new airport. Here, the head of state is warmly welcomed by the participants of the ceremony.

Among those gathered are the Chairman of the Mejlis, deputies of the Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, heads of military and law enforcement agencies, ministries and sectoral departments, the khakim of Balkan velayat, representatives of public organizations, and media representatives. Among the invited guests are heads and representatives of diplomatic missions and international organizations accredited in Turkmenistan.

Bright performances by masters of the arts added a special color to the celebration.

After greeting the participants of the ceremony, the head of Turkmenistan proceeded to the specially installed tribune.

Addressing those gathered and all compatriots, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov noted that every day of the era of the Revival of the new epoch of the powerful state is filled with historically significant events and labor victories.

And today, when the current International Year of Peace and Trust is marked by a series of achievements, we participate in the opening ceremony of the Balkanabat International Airport, said the head of state, congratulating everyone on the commissioning of the modern air harbor.

As emphasized by the President of Turkmenistan, large-scale measures are being successfully implemented in the country, fully focused on increasing the economic potential of the sovereign homeland and further improving the living standards of our people.

The development of economic sectors, including the transport and communication sector, is carried out based on the Program “Revival of the New Epoch of the Powerful State: National Program for Socio-Economic Development of Turkmenistan for 2022–2052” and the Program for Socio-Economic Development of the Country for 2022–2028. Great attention is paid to this process.

Effective measures are also being taken to develop civil aviation, which is a key segment of the national transport sphere: new airliners are being purchased, international-class specialists are being trained, and conditions at air gateways are being modernized.

Noting that the Balkanabat International Airport, opened today on the ancient Balkan land, is a vivid result of the targeted work being carried out, the head of state stressed that the new air gateway would ensure a high level of passenger and cargo air transportation and would become a key factor in forming modern transport infrastructure in the region.

The Great Silk Road, which once passed through the territory of Turkmenistan, played an important role in strengthening ties of friendship and brotherhood among peoples and in trade relations, continued President Serdar Berdimuhamedov. Today, by building new transport infrastructure facilities, our neutral homeland is reviving the Great Silk Road.

Modern airports, railways, and highways are being constructed and commissioned across the country on an increasing scale, noted the head of Turkmenistan, expressing confidence that the new international air gateway will significantly expand the capabilities of domestic civil aviation and provide favorable conditions for strengthening cooperation with countries around the world.

At the conclusion of his speech, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov once again warmly congratulated those gathered and the native people on the opening of the Balkanabat International Airport, wishing everyone good health, family well-being, and great success in their work.

The solemn moment arrived: amid thunderous applause from the ceremony participants, the head of state cut the symbolic ribbon - the Balkanabat International Airport was opened!

Then the President of Turkmenistan proceeded to the passenger terminal.

Here, representatives of the younger generation greeted the head of state with enthusiastic performances.

At the request of the young citizens of the country, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov took a commemorative photo with them.

Next, the head of state went to the passenger and baggage check-in desk in the departure hall of the passenger terminal. There, a staff member of the passenger service of the International Airport handed the President a boarding pass, expressing gratitude to President Serdar Berdimuhamedov and Hero Arkadag on behalf of the employees of the “Türkmenhowaýollary” agency for the construction of the Balkanabat International Airport.

Afterward, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov familiarized himself with the conditions created at the air harbor.

The passenger terminal of the International Airport, designed to serve 100 passengers per hour, consists of three floors. Its area is 5,203 square meters.

The building includes waiting halls for passengers, ticket offices, a medical station, customs and migration registration offices, as well as an internet cafe, souvenir shop, buffet, technical and other auxiliary rooms.

The President of Turkmenistan proceeded to the departure waiting area for international flights, passing through customs, migration, and border control points.

On the airport territory, there are also checkpoints, buildings for fire, rescue, and airfield services, ground and technical aircraft maintenance facilities, specialized transport, a covered parking lot, a cargo terminal, a hotel, several technical structures, and other facilities.

The air gateway has an artificial runway, taxiway, apron for parking six airplanes and four helicopters, as well as a control tower with a height of 44.05 meters and a total area of 410.92 square meters. Its design combines original architectural and engineering solutions harmoniously.

During the ceremony, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov listened to speeches by heads of international organizations and foreign companies.

Nicolas Rallo, Regional Director of the European and North Atlantic Office of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), who spoke via digital system, warmly congratulated the head of Turkmenistan on the opening of the Balkanabat International Airport, noting that it was a great honor for him to participate in this important event of strategic significance for international aviation.

It was emphasized that the commissioning of this modern air gateway opens new opportunities for the development of multilateral cooperation in the transport sector.

 

In his speech, Nicolas Rallo also highlighted the importance of the first Global Sustainable Transport Conference, successfully held in Ashgabat in 2016 under the auspices of the UN.

Concluding by emphasizing that ICAO is proud of its cooperation with our country, the Regional Director of the European and North Atlantic Office of the International Civil Aviation Organization wished the people of Turkmenistan further success and prosperity.

Then the new Balkanabat International Airport was awarded a certificate of its official registration with the International Civil Aviation Organization.

Next, the floor was given to Dmitry Kosolapov, Assistent Director ATM Infrastructure of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), who said it was a great honor for him to speak at the opening ceremony of the Balkanabat International Airport.

It was emphasized that Turkmenistan is a country with a rich history and enormous potential in the transport and logistics sector. Today’s celebration is a vivid testament to the success of the farsighted policy of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov.

It was noted that the Balkanabat International Airport will become an important link not only in the transport system of our country but also in global aviation. This modern infrastructure facility, meeting high international safety and quality standards, opens new opportunities to strengthen Turkmenistan’s ties with the world.

Expressing gratitude to the Government of our country for its commitment to the principles of safe and efficient air transportation, D. Kosolapov emphasized that the International Air Transport Association (IATA) is proud of its cooperation with Turkmenistan, which directs investments toward the economic development and well-being of its citizens.

At the conclusion of his speech, the guest wished the staff of the Balkanabat International Airport success in their work and presented a certificate of registration confirming the new airport’s compliance with IATA requirements.

Next, the floor was given to Denis Astakhov, Head of the Security and Sustainable Development Department of Munich International Airport.

Warmly greeting the President of Turkmenistan and the ceremony participants and expressing deep appreciation for the opportunity to take part in the opening of the Balkanabat International Airport, the guest conveyed sincere congratulations on this momentous occasion on behalf of the management of Munich International Airport and personally.

It was noted that the commissioning of a new air gateway always has strategic significance. It is a symbol of openness, stability, and a bright future. Today’s celebration is an important milestone in the development of Turkmenistan’s transport infrastructure and the strengthening of international ties.

Confirming Munich International Airport’s readiness for effective cooperation and exchange of experience with our country, D. Astakhov expressed confidence that the Balkanabat International Airport will become a source of pride for the Turkmen people and give a strong impetus to the sustainable development of the region.

Concluding his speech, wishing the team of the new air gateway a successful start of operations and Turkmenistan further progress and prosperity, the guest presented a certificate confirming that the new Balkanabat International Airport was built in accordance with international standards.

Next, the floor was given to Mhoma Abdulhamid Mohammed Ali, General Director of “Al-Hatmi Consulting” and project coordinator. Congratulating the President of Turkmenistan and the ceremony participants on this significant event, the guest noted that it was a great honor for him to speak at the commissioning ceremony of the Balkanabat International Airport, which opens a new chapter in the development of Turkmenistan’s aviation infrastructure.

As emphasized by Mhoma Abdulhamid Mohammed Ali, his company is proud to have participated in the implementation of this important project and that the new airport will contribute to the country’s economic growth as well as promote its rich history and culture worldwide.

Expressing gratitude to the Government of Turkmenistan for the high trust placed in them, the head of “Al-Hatmi Consulting” expressed confidence that the Balkanabat International Airport will become a symbol of Turkmenistan’s innovative development and hospitality, and presented a certificate confirming that the airport’s construction meets global standards for such facilities.

After the speeches by foreign partners, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov and the ceremony participants observed as aircraft of domestic and foreign airlines landed at the new International Airport.

As is known, during a working visit to Balkan velayat, Hero Arkadag inspected the features of the runway of the Balkanabat International Airport, which was then in the final stages of construction. A test landing of an aircraft on the airport’s runway at that time clearly demonstrated its compliance with global standards.

It should also be noted that the national aviation fleet is regularly replenished with modern airliners from Boeing and Airbus. This creates conditions for increasing the competitiveness of the national airline and expanding the volume of cargo and passenger transportation. Given that our national airline ranks among the leaders in Asia in safety, it has every opportunity to become a leader in regional transportation.

The area adjacent to the airport is fully landscaped. The complex includes parking lots.

The new air gateway project was implemented taking into account the latest technologies and advanced achievements in the field.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, the President of Turkmenistan warmly bade farewell to the participants and departed from the venue.