Travelling from Chennai (MAA) to Almaty (ALA): what you need to know
The timezone in Almaty is UTC+5, which is 30 minutes behind Chennai.
To ensure you get on your MAA to ALA flight, allow plenty of time to navigate the airport and find your gate. Turning up two hours before international departures and one hour before domestic flights is the general travel rule.
Travelling during a peak time like January? Public holidays and other popular periods can result in longer queues and delays at check-in and security. Be extra cautious and arrive up to four hours before international flights and two hours before a domestic departure.
We make it a breeze to book a flight with a stopover. To see your options for tickets from Chennai to Almaty, deselect 'Direct flights only.' Then, pick a flight offering a stop long enough to tour your chosen city. Popular stopovers between MAA and ALA include:
Delhi Indira Gandhi International
Dubai
Mumbai
How to find the cheapest flights from Chennai (MAA) to Almaty (ALA)
₹ 26,668 is the lowest price for a one-way Chennai to Almaty flight. Return flights start at ₹ 53,772. These fares may change depending on demand and availability.
Don't wait until the last moment. You're more likely to get cheap tickets from MAA to ALA if you book in advance. Airlines often have some amazing early bird discounts.
If you're flexible with your travel dates, use the 'Whole month' tool. It'll give you the lowest price across each month when searching for a flight from Chennai to Almaty.
Save time looking for cheap flights from MAA to ALA by setting up a Price Alert. We'll send you an email or notification through the app when a special offer becomes available.
Tailor your trip using filters. Choose your departure and arrival times, total journey duration and airlines. You can also sort your results by 'Fastest,' 'Cheapest' or 'Best' flights from Chennai to Almaty.
Handy information about Chennai (MAA)
76% of flights that take off from Chennai make it to their destination on time.
To get to Chennai from central Chennai, it takes about 35 minutes if you're planning to drive. This depends on traffic, however. It's approximately 21 kilometres from the airport to the city centre.
The journey when using public transport takes roughly 1 hour.
Taking an early flight from Chennai to Almaty? Avoid the last-minute rush to the airport (and sneak in some extra snooze time) by picking one of these stays close to MAA:
What is the baggage allowance on flights from Chennai Airport (MAA) to Almaty Airport (ALA)?
Most standard fares for flights from MAA to ALA include a carry-on bag, though baggage allowances vary by airline and ticket type. Here's what you can expect from the main airlines operating this route:
IndiGo
Carry-on allowance: 7kg cabin bag (55x35x25cm) plus personal item
Checked baggage: 15kg included with some economy fares
Departure terminal: Chennai Airport (MAA), Terminal 1
Arrival terminal: Almaty Airport (ALA), Terminal 1
Check-in counters: Open 2 hours before departure
Etihad Airways
Carry-on allowance: 7kg cabin bag (50x40x25cm) plus personal item
Checked baggage: 23kg included with some economy fares
Departure terminal: Chennai Airport (MAA), Terminal 4
Arrival terminal: Almaty Airport (ALA), Terminal 2
Check-in counters: Opens 3 hours before departure, closes 60 minutes before departure
Air Arabia
Carry-on allowance: 10kg cabin bag (55x40x20cm) plus personal item
Checked baggage: 20kg included with some economy fares
Departure terminal: Chennai Airport (MAA), Terminal 1
Arrival terminal: Almaty Airport (ALA), Terminal 1
Check-in counters: Opens 3 hours before departure, closes 45 minutes before departure
Chennai Airport (MAA) provides essential facilities including free Wi-Fi throughout the terminals, prayer rooms for different faiths, and comprehensive medical services with trained staff available 24/7. You'll find numerous shops and restaurants across both domestic and international terminals, along with currency exchange counters and ATMs for your convenience. The airport also offers baby care rooms, baggage storage facilities, and multiple transport options including metro connectivity to help you reach Chennai Airport (MAA) easily.
Arriving at Almaty (ALA)
The last thing you want is a lengthy journey to your hotel if you're landing late on a Chennai to Almaty flight. Reserve one of these accommodation options near ALA instead:
Begin your adventure by picking up a Almaty rental car. Grab your wheels from AmiGo!, Hertz or Vladex and explore beyond Almaty's usual tourist stops.
Lock in the best rate by reserving your ride from Almaty about two weeks before your trip.
Getting from Almaty (ALA) to central Almaty
From Almaty, Almaty is approximately 14 kilometres away. It takes around 30 minutes to get to the centre driving.
It'll take around 50 minutes when travelling by public transport.
When to fly to Almaty (ALA)
It's time to choose your trip dates for your flight from Chennai to Almaty. January is the most popular month to visit Almaty. If you prefer a quieter vibe, go in March.
Before locking in your flight from Chennai to Almaty, think about the kind of weather you like. July is the warmest month in Almaty, with the temperature ranging from 12ºC to 33ºC.
January has average temperatures of between -16ºC and 3ºC. Look for cheap tickets from MAA to ALA sometime then if you like travelling in cooler conditions.
Weather snapshot
The weather in Almaty features distinct seasons with warm summers, cool winters, and pleasant spring and autumn periods. Here's what to expect throughout the year:
December – February: Winter brings snow-covered streets and crisp mountain air to Almaty, making these some of the best times to explore Almaty for winter sports enthusiasts. Pack warm layers and waterproof boots for snowy adventures.
March – May: Spring brings milder temperatures and blooming landscapes across the city. You'll experience crisp mornings warming to mild afternoons, making this one of the best times to explore Almaty outdoors.
June – September: Almaty's summer brings warm days and cool mountain breezes perfect for outdoor adventures. You'll enjoy comfortable temperatures ideal for hiking, sightseeing, and exploring nature spots. Light layers work well as evenings turn refreshingly cool.
October – November: Autumn settles in with crisp air and changing leaves creating perfect conditions for exploring outdoor attractions and wandering through the city's parks and neighbourhoods on foot.
Sightseeing and travel inspiration
Almaty sits beneath snow-capped mountains and offers a mix of Soviet-era architecture, modern shopping centres, and tree-lined boulevards. The city is known for its parks, traditional bazaars, and nearby ski resorts, making it a popular base for both urban exploration and mountain adventures when you book flights to Almaty.
Things to do in Almaty: Head to Kok-Tobe Hill, about 3 kilometres southeast of the centre, where you can take the cable car up for panoramic city views and stroll through the park. Visit the Green Bazaar roughly 2 kilometres north for fresh produce, spices, and local crafts in a traditional market setting. For mountain adventures, drive to Medeu skating rink and Shymbulak ski resort, around 15 kilometres south in the foothills, where hiking trails wind through alpine scenery year-round.
Cultural experiences: Sample traditional dishes like beshbarmak and baursaki at the Green Bazaar, about 2 kilometres southeast of central Almaty. The Kazakh Museum of Folk Musical Instruments on Zenkov Street displays over 1,000 traditional pieces and hosts live performances in the city centre. Catch a ballet or opera at Abay Opera House, roughly 1 kilometre west in the cultural district, home to productions that blend European and Central Asian influences.
Seasonal highlights: Experience the Almaty Marathon in April when spring weather makes running conditions ideal. Join the Apple Festival in September to sample local produce and enjoy harvest celebrations. Winter brings excellent skiing at nearby resorts from December to March. The best time to visit Almaty depends on your interests, with spring and autumn offering mild temperatures for city exploration.
