Kazakhstan Expands Air Links as It Plans Direct Flights to the US

Kazakhstan is expanding its air connectivity and preparing to launch direct flights to the United States. The final report from US aviation authorities is expected in November, while the launch of the Astana–New York route is being considered for 2027. At the same time, the country is modernising its airports, expanding its international route network and increasing air cargo volumes,  24KZ reports.

Last year, Kazakhstan’s airports handled nearly 32 million passengers. And this may be just the beginning. Passenger traffic could multiply over the next few years. Astana International Airport expects modernisation to increase its capacity to around 40 million passengers a year. Plans also include the construction of a new airport.

Talgat Lastayev, Vice Minister of Transport of Kazakhstan:

- Just a month ago, a memorandum was signed between the Astana city administration, the Ministry of Transport and the management of Singapore’s airport regarding support for this project. Feasibility study and design and cost-estimation documentation are being prepared. Survey work is currently underway. Projects of this scale are megaprojects. Their construction typically takes at least five years.

Almaty has even more ambitious plans. By 2050, the capacity of the city’s airport is expected to increase almost fourfold, reaching 55 million passengers a year. If these plans are realised, Kazakhstan will be able to significantly strengthen its position and move closer to the strategic goal set by the President: becoming one of Eurasia’s leading aviation hubs.

Assel Bagissova, Head of the AIFC Aviation Finance Hub:

- Kazakhstan has an excellent geographical location at the crossroads of Europe and Asia. That is why it is important for us to ensure that as much cargo traffic and, where possible, passenger traffic as possible passes through Kazakhstan. This will contribute to the country’s development and boost GDP.

Kazakhstan plans not only to expand airport capacity but also to open new air routes, aiming to increase their total number to 160. Priority will be given to additional flights to China and India to attract more transit passengers. The number of flights to Europe and Türkiye will also increase. In Russia, priority will be given to cities with populations of more than 500,000.

The country is also expanding its long-haul network. On 30 November, Air Astana will launch direct flights between Almaty and Tokyo. The next step is to establish air links with the United States.

Talgat Lastayev, Vice Minister of Transport of Kazakhstan:

- We expect to receive the final official report from the US Federal Aviation Administration in November. We believe Kazakhstan will officially obtain permission to operate flights to the United States by the end of the year. In any case, that is our goal. New York is being considered as the destination in the United States, while Astana is the priority departure point in Kazakhstan. It is a relatively long route, but given the development of relations between our countries, the demand for Kazakhstan and growing investment in the economy, I believe the route will be profitable. Any new route needs time to establish itself, but over time it will undoubtedly become commercially viable.

Kazakhstan is increasing both passenger and cargo air transport. From January to June, the country’s airports handled 102,500 tonnes of cargo, a 10% increase compared with the same period last year. As cargo volumes grow, so does demand for aviation fuel. Kazakhstan therefore plans to increase domestic production.

Sabit Mukhan, Chief Expert at the Department of Oil Transportation and Refining, Ministry of Energy of Kazakhstan:

- At the initial stage, we plan to increase output at existing refineries by optimising technological processes. Further growth will be achieved through the comprehensive modernisation of current facilities and the expansion of their capacity. In addition, as part of our strategic objectives, a project is planned to build a new refinery with an annual capacity of 10 million tonnes. This will create significant potential for increasing production of all types of light petroleum products, including aviation fuel.

Becoming a major air bridge between Europe and Asia requires reliable and safe operations. Kazakhstan is making progress in this area: its aviation safety performance has exceeded 90%, placing the country among the world’s top 20 and first in its region. Hosting the global ICAO forum in Astana was a recognition of these achievements.

Alisher Nakipov, correspondent:

- Kazakhstan is hosting an international forum of this scale for the first time. Representatives of the global aviation industry have gathered in Astana to discuss how threats are changing and what needs to be done today to ensure flight safety. The event brought together thousands of participants from 62 countries.

Among the distinguished guests was Juan Carlos Salazar, Secretary General of the International Civil Aviation Organization, who arrived in Astana on an official visit. He said one of the organisation’s main goals is to make air transport accessible and safe for everyone by 2050. At the same time, development must not come at the expense of passenger safety or the environment. The ICAO Secretary General also praised Kazakhstan’s achievements.

Juan Carlos Salazar, Secretary General of the International Civil Aviation Organization:

- ICAO Week in Astana is an important step towards the successful hosting of future international aviation conferences. Kazakhstan’s aviation safety score has reached 95.7%, demonstrating a high level of compliance with international standards. ICAO welcomes this result and will continue working with Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation Committee to maintain the current level of safety and ensure high-quality passenger and cargo transport.

Protection against cyberattacks, armed conflicts and the integration of artificial intelligence are among the new challenges the aviation industry must be prepared to address today. Kazakhstan’s ambitious task is not limited to building new infrastructure. The main challenge is to create a competitive aviation ecosystem in which passenger and cargo transport, airports, fuel supply, digital technologies and private investment operate as a single, integrated system. The country’s ability to bring these elements together will determine whether it can turn its advantageous geographical location into a lasting economic advantage.

Authors: Alisher Nakipov, Merey Talap