To develop domestic tourism and enhance passenger air transportation, construction has officially begun on three new airports in Kazakhstan's resort areas—Zaisan, Katon-Karagay, and Kendirli. These projects, initiated under the direction of the Head of State, are poised to stimulate the economy of the surrounding regions and attract both domestic and foreign tourists, while generating additional job opportunities for local residents.
Alongside the airport developments, Kazakhstan's air transport infrastructure is also undergoing modernization. In 2024, three new passenger terminals were launched in Almaty, Shymkent, and Kyzylorda. These upgrades have greatly increased their capacity, facilitating both domestic and international air travel.
At Almaty International Airport, the terminal's capacity has surged from 2.5mn to 14mn passengers annually. The airport serves as a hub for domestic airlines—Air Astana, SCAT, Qazaq Air, and Fly Arystan—offering regular flights to 19 cities within Kazakhstan. Furthermore, international connections to 26 countries on 50 routes by 30 foreign airlines are now available.
Shymkent airport has also seen a dramatic increase in capacity, expanding from 800,000 to 6mn passengers per year. With the addition of 10 new international air routes, including direct flights to destinations such as Jeddah, Medina, Doha, Phu Quoc, and Phuket, the city is now connected to 24 international flights per week.
Similarly, Kyzylorda's Korkyt Ata International Airport has increased its capacity from 300,000 to 2mn passengers annually. The airport currently operates 25 domestic flights.
In addition to these projects, Kazakhstan is collaborating with the Kazakh-German company Skyhansa on a significant development in the Khorgos Special Economic Zone. The project includes the construction of a passenger terminal capable of handling 500 people per hour, a fuel storage facility, a cargo terminal with a capacity of 250,000 tons annually, and an aviation technical center. This initiative is expected to create over 300 permanent jobs and further contribute to regional tourism and commerce.
Kazakhstan's air transport industry has experienced impressive growth in recent years, with annual passenger traffic increasing by 10-15%. In 2024 alone, Kazakhstan's airlines transported approximately 15mn passengers, while airports served a total of 30mn passengers, including those flying with foreign airlines. The country has also seen an increase in cargo air transportation, which reached 28,000 tons in 2024.
One of the key factors driving this growth is the ongoing renewal of Kazakhstan’s aircraft fleet, which is replenished with 10-15 new aircraft each year. The fleet now consists of 102 aircraft, and international air traffic connects Kazakhstan with 31 countries, operating 117 routes and 582 flights per week.
Kazakhstan's airports are fully equipped to accommodate passengers with special needs. Ground service staff undergo regular training in first aid and assist passengers with mobility challenges using ambulifts, wheelchairs, tactile tiles, and sound navigation systems. In addition, airports offer a wide range of services such as mother-and-child rooms, currency exchange offices, postal services, and wireless Internet access, ensuring accessibility for all passengers.
The expansion of passenger air transportation and the broadening of Kazakhstan’s route network are expected to fuel growth in both domestic and international tourism, making the country an even more attractive investment destination.
International recognition of Kazakhstan’s aviation industry is also on the rise, as the country maintains an impressive 82% compliance rate with global flight safety standards, the highest among the CIS nations.
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