Photo: primeminister.kz
Kazakhstan is implementing projects aimed at developing its aviation industry. In recent years, new airport terminals have been commissioned and the number of international flights has increased. At the same time, transit flights through the country and the volume of air cargo handled at its airports have also grown.
In January–July 2026, Kazakhstan’s airports handled 102,500 tonnes of cargo, a 10% increase compared with the same period last year. More than 64% of this volume was handled by airports in Almaty. The city is developing a logistics cluster covering 500 hectares. Cargo infrastructure is also being developed in Aktobe, Karaganda and Aktau.
Passenger handling capacity has also expanded. Over the past three years, new terminals have been commissioned at the airports of Almaty, Kyzylorda and Shymkent. As a result, their combined annual capacity increased from 3.5 million to 23 million passengers.
The development of air connectivity also includes the construction of new facilities. On the President’s instructions, new airports are planned in the resort areas of Katon-Karagai, Zaysan and Kendirli. They are scheduled to be commissioned by the end of 2026.
Kazakhstan’s international air network is also expanding. Under the “Open Skies” regime, the number of international routes has reached 135. This year, new flights were launched to Warsaw, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Larnaca, Ulaanbaatar, Izmir and other cities.
To make more effective use of the country’s geographic position for transit, the fifth freedom of the air mechanism is being applied. One example is Vietjet Air’s Hanoi – Almaty – Prague route. This helps develop air connectivity between Asia and Europe through Kazakhstan.
Transit cargo traffic has also become more active. Over the past three years, the volume of transit flights through Kazakhstan has increased fourfold. Cargolux has resumed flights via Astana and plans to operate up to 14 flights per week. Cathay Pacific Cargo has also launched regular cargo services of up to five flights per week.
Kazakhstan’s aviation safety indicators are also at a high level. According to an assessment by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the country’s compliance with aviation security standards stands at 95.7%, while the implementation level of flight safety standards is 82%. Both indicators are above the average for the European region.
One of the key issues for the industry is aviation fuel supply. Kazakhstan plans to increase domestic jet fuel production to 1.7–1.8 million tonnes per year by 2032. In 2026, the country’s oil refineries are expected to produce 825,000 tonnes of aviation fuel.
The government’s plans go beyond airport modernization. By expanding the international route network, developing cargo logistics and increasing transit capacity, Kazakhstan aims to strengthen its position as an important air hub connecting Asia and Europe.
