Kazakhstan will launch the construction of an international cargo and passenger airport in the Jetisu region in partnership with German investors, following instructions from President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. The project aims to enhance the country’s role as a key transit hub between China, Central Asia, and Europe.
The facility will be located near the Khorgos International Border Cooperation Center, within the Khorgos – Eastern Gate Special Economic Zone (SEZ).
The initiative was confirmed during a meeting between Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov and Dr. Christine Grötzbach, co-founder and board member of Skyhansa, a joint Kazakh-German enterprise leading the project.
According to the plan, the new airport will be developed in three stages and will follow international aviation standards as recommended by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). The first phase, to be completed by 2027, includes the construction of:
- A passenger terminal with an initial capacity of 50 passengers per hour, expandable to 500 by 2032
- A JET A-1 aviation fuel storage facility with an annual capacity of 200,000 tons (rising to 550,000 tons)
- A cargo terminal equipped with parking and railway siding capable of handling 50,000 tons of cargo annually (increasing to 250,000 tons)
Subsequent development phases, to be completed by 2032, will focus on building tourism, entertainment, and business infrastructure. The overall investment for the airport project is expected to reach approximately 250 billion tenge.
"President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has identified the transport and logistics sector as a key priority in diversifying Kazakhstan’s economy. The construction of this modern airport will drive infrastructure development and strengthen Kazakhstan’s role as a transit hub connecting China, Central Asia, and Europe," Prime Minister Bektenov emphasized the strategic significance of the airport.
Dr. Grötzbach described the airport as more than a transportation facility.
“We are building a multifunctional regional hub,” she said, “with state-of-the-art cargo and passenger terminals, a fueling complex, an aircraft maintenance center, hotels, and a business center. Its location near the Chinese border and integration into rail and road networks makes it a vital point on the New Silk Road.”
Following the meeting, the Ministry of Transport of Kazakhstan and Skyhansa signed an Investment Agreement. The investor committed to using primarily domestic materials and services and employing at least 90% Kazakhstani citizens for the project. The government will support the project by providing engineering and transport infrastructure, as well as incentives under SEZ regulations.
Skyhansa is a joint venture between Germany’s Hansa Consortium, which specializes in aviation infrastructure development, and Kazakhstan’s Skymax Technologies, known for its airport engineering services across Central Asia and the Caucasus.
Follow Daryo's official Instagram and Twitter pages to keep current on world news.
Comments (0)