Kazakhstan Aims to Expand Its Aviation Infrastructure Network
Kazakhstan Plans to Expand Aircraft Fleet and Increase International Routes
ASTANA — Kazakhstan aims to expand its aircraft fleet from the current 104 to 221 by 2030 and boost international routes from 119 to 200, according to Talgat Lastayev, the Kazakh Deputy Minister of Transport.
Acquiring 10-15 new aircraft annually, Kazakh airlines anticipate adding two new Airbus A320 NEO airliners in early 2025 and an additional 14 by the end of the year. This expansion is anticipated to increase carrying capacity by 15%, as announced at a government meeting on Feb. 19.
Three regional airports—Katon-Karagay, Zaisan, and Kendirli—are currently under development. The government also plans to subsidize 26 socially significant air routes each year, with a focus on tourist destinations like Aktau, Balkhash, Kokshetau, Turkistan, Usharal, and Urzhar. Upgrades to small aircraft terminals and airfields, including those at Usharal, Urzhar, and Balkhash, have been completed, and 12 tourist routes will continue to receive subsidies this year.
Kazakhstan has also invested in airport infrastructure, with construction and repair work carried out at 10 airports last year. Three modernized passenger terminals in Almaty, Shymkent, and Kyzylorda have increased capacity by 6.5 times. Routine runway repairs were performed at five airports, while major airfield surface repairs are planned for Aktau and Pavlodar airports in 2022.
Six airports, including Astana, Almaty, Aktobe, Karagandy, and Shymkent, will become key air hubs as part of a broader strategy to boost air traffic and cargo capacity, aiming to attract $2.1 billion in private investment.
Aktau is also slated to become a multimodal hub, offering a combination of air, road, rail, and sea transportation, along with a technical center for aircraft maintenance and an aviation training facility.
Enrichment Data:
- Vietjet Qazaqstan: The new low-cost airline, a joint venture between Vietjet Air and Qazaq Air, plans to operate at least 20 Boeing 737 aircraft, focusing on connecting Kazakhstan with southeast Asia.[3][5] A comprehensive services agreement with Boeing for fleet support is also in place.[3][5]
- AlphaSky: Set to launch VIP charter flights with the addition of a Boeing Business Jet, AlphaSky marks a move into executive charter services.[2]
- Astana Airport Expansion: A $1.1 billion agreement with Terminals Holding from the UAE has been signed to modernize Astana Airport, including construction of a second runway, a third passenger terminal, and a new cargo terminal, along with technology upgrades and development of an aerotropolis complex.[1][4] No construction timeline has been announced, but the project is part of Kazakhstan's broader strategy to improve aviation infrastructure and global connectivity.[4]
Kazakhstan's increased aircraft fleet and expanded international routes could potentially open up new travel opportunities for its citizens, possibly allowing for more lifestyle experiences such as exploring various tourist destinations like Aktau, Balkhash, Kokshetau, Turkistan, Ushararal, and Urzhar. With the addition of 10-15 new aircraft annually and the launch of a new low-cost airline, Vietjet Qazaqstan, connecting Kazakhstan with southeast Asia, sporting events and competitions in those regions may become more accessible.
