Turkmenistan Airlines: What to Know About the State Carrier That Controls the Country's Skies

History and positioning

Unlike most flag carriers, Turkmenistan Airlines does not compete with foreign airlines on the main routes to its own country, because market access remains among the most regulated in the world: a condition that makes the airline the almost obligatory option for anyone who needs to reach Ashgabat.

The fleet

The passenger fleet includes eight Boeing 737-800, two 737-700, three 757-200 and three 777-200LR aircraft, alongside a cargo component with two Airbus A330-200P2F and two Ilyushin Il-76TD. An order has been signed for four Boeing 737 MAX and a lease contract for two former Cathay Pacific 777-300ER aircraft, which have been grounded at Teruel, Spain, since mid-2022.

Routes and network

From Ashgabat the network links Russia, Kazakhstan, Belarus, the United Kingdom, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, Germany, Thailand, China, France and India; the 777-300ER services to Beijing and Ho Chi Minh City have been confirmed at least until the middle of the second quarter of 2025.

What to know before flying

As a state carrier with a very limited online presence and number of independent reviews, information on exact fares, baggage policies and onboard services is less verifiable than for the big international carriers: it is therefore worth always checking the conditions directly with the airline or with an agency specialized in flights to Central Asia, rather than relying on generic online sources.

Turkmenistan Airlines is in practice the only direct option for those who need to reach Ashgabat from many of the cities served by the network, given the scarce foreign competition on the same routes. It is a less suitable choice for anyone used to handling bookings, changes and assistance entirely online, because the level of digitalization of its customer service remains below that of the big international carriers. Before leaving, always check the visa requirements for Turkmenistan well in advance, since the country applies some of the most restrictive entry rules in Central Asia.