Five airports in Kazakhstan to be modernized by 2029
Air service on five new routes from Kazakhstan will be launched this year. The country’s aircraft fleet will also be expanded with new planes, while modernization work is underway at domestic airports. These developments were discussed during a government meeting focused on the development and digitalization of the aviation industry, reports «24KZ».
Kazakhstan plans to establish air connections with popular domestic resorts and open new international destinations. By the end of the year, a direct flight between Almaty and Tokyo will be launched. Direct flights are also planned from Astana to Ulaanbaatar, Guangzhou, and Larnaca. These plans were announced at the government meeting by Minister of Transport Nurlan Sauranbayev.
To support the expansion, preparations are required, including renewing the national aircraft fleet. This year, the fleet is expected to grow by nine aircraft. Currently, Kazakhstan operates more than 110 airplanes. The government also plans to renovate existing airports and complete the construction of new ones.
Nurlan Sauranbayev, Minister of Transport of Kazakhstan:
- Over the next three years, five airports in Almaty, Atyrau, Urjar, Pavlodar, and Aktau will be modernized. Projects are also planned for two runways in Astana and Shymkent. A significant portion of airport infrastructure modernization is being carried out with the involvement of private investment.
Digital technologies are also expected to be introduced at airports across the country. Some have already been successfully tested, including 16 Q-Gate terminals installed at the airports of Astana and Almaty. These systems allow passengers to pass through security screening three times faster than before — in less than a minute. Similar terminals will also appear at airports in Shymkent, Atyrau, Aktobe, and Aktau.
As for domestic transportation, 24 socially important air routes will receive subsidies this year, with a particular focus on tourist destinations. Starting June 1, travelers will be able to reach Kazakhstan’s resorts at affordable prices.
Sarsen Zharylgasov, Deputy Chairman of the Civil Aviation Committee of the Ministry of Transport:
- If we talk about the destinations of Usharal, Urjar, and Balkhash, flights from Astana and Almaty will begin operating from June 1. Ticket prices range from 16,000 to 20,000 tenge. Socially significant interregional routes are subsidized, including flights to Turkestan, Kokshetau, Karaganda, and other cities. Prices are fixed, with maximum fares ranging from 16,000 to 30,000 tenge.
During the next tourist season, air routes will also be launched to Katon-Karagay, Zaysan, and Kenderli. Construction of airports near these resort destinations is expected to be completed this year.
Nurymbet Saktaganov, Akim of East Kazakhstan Region:
- As of today, construction of Zaysan Airport is 76% complete. The airfield section, including the runway, apron, and taxiway, has been fully completed. Work is ongoing on the terminal buildings, engineering infrastructure, roads, and fencing. The Katon-Karagay Airport project is currently 55% complete.
Authorities in East Kazakhstan Region have high expectations for the new airport, which is expected to increase passenger traffic to 800,000 people per year and help attract both domestic and international tourists.
Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov instructed officials to complete the construction of the airports on schedule and accelerate the launch of new international routes from Astana. He also stressed that airfare prices must remain competitive.
Olzhas Bektenov, Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan:
- Special attention should be paid to international air routes departing from Astana. In this regard, I instruct the Ministry of Transport and Air Astana to launch direct flights from the capital to Tokyo and New York by the end of this year, and in 2027 to establish direct air service from Astana to London, Paris, Rome, Venice, and other European capitals and major cities.
Routes to Shanghai, Yerevan, and Tashkent have already been launched. By the end of the year, Kazakhstan plans to establish air service on 11 additional routes, five of them for the first time.