Jebel International Airport is an airport under construction to serve Balkanabat, Jebel and the Balkan Region in Turkmenistan.[2][3][4] Is one of six international airports in the country. The airport will have a passenger capacity of 100 people per hour.[5][6]
History
A tender for the construction of a new airport in Jebel, Balkan Province was announced in December 2020 by the Ministry of Construction and Architecture of Turkmenistan.[7]
On June 10, 2021, the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development[8][9][10] allocated a $75 million loan for the construction of the airport in Jebel, Balkan Region.[11] The loan, provided to State Bank for Foreign Economic Affairs of Turkmenistan, has a 15-year term, including a 3-year grace period, with an interest rate of 4% per annum.[12]
On July 14, 2021, a groundbreaking ceremony was held for the future airport, which is designed to handle 100 passengers per hour.[13][14]
Construction began in August 2022. The international airport in Jebel is being constructed on a 275-hectare site by the Turkmen private enterprise Gündogdy.[15]
As of February 2024, the construction of a transformer substation, a specialized water reservoir, and fire station facilities was nearing completion. A 35-meter tower for air traffic control staff and additional technical facilities were also under construction.[16]
Infrastructure
The airport complex will cover an area of 275 hectares. The site will include passenger and cargo terminals, an air traffic control tower, and facilities for rescue and firefighting services.
The runway will have a length of 3,200 meters. The airport will also be equipped with ground support systems capable of handling all types of aircraft.
The apron will accommodate 6 airplanes and 4 helicopters.
State-of-the-art navigation, lighting, and meteorological equipment will be supplied by international companies such as Thales, Indra, Motorola, and Rohde & Schwarz.
Access
The international airport in Jebel, Balkan Region, Turkmenistan, is being constructed 20 kilometers northwest of the city of Balkanabat and 4 kilometers from the Mollagara mud resort. Jebel is located at the junction of the M37 highway and the P-17 highway, which leads to the Cheleken Peninsula.[17]
