New Aviation Routes From Shymkent, Kazakhstan To Destinations In Europe And Asia To Be Introduced
Shymkent Airport Expands, Becomes Regional Hub
Shymkent Airport, located in southern Kazakhstan, is undergoing an expansion that is set to make it a major regional hub. The airport currently serves regular domestic flights, with nearly 15 flights daily, including six domestic and nine international routes [1].
The expansion plan includes extending its route network with new international destinations. These will include cities in Europe, such as Munich, Budapest, and Novosibirsk, as well as cities in Asia, like Seoul, Shanghai, Xi’an, Urumqi, Cairo, and many more [1]. In addition, the airport is expected to add destinations in India, Vietnam, Russia, Italy, Spain, Germany, Greece, and Egypt [2].
The new terminal, opened last December, is a modern aviation hub with a capacity to handle up to 2 million passengers annually. It is fully equipped to accommodate state-of-the-art aircraft such as the Boeing 737 MAX, which SCAT Airlines has introduced at Shymkent [1][2].
To improve international cargo transportation, the existing trade and logistics centre at Shymkent airport will be expanded [1]. Furthermore, to avoid delays and cancellations due to weather conditions, the airport plans to build a second runway [3]. This new runway will allow planes to land even in zero visibility conditions.
As the new terminal's international zone becomes operational, the old terminal will reduce its load [4]. The airport's Terminal A, opened in December 2024, is the first flight to use the new terminal was from Astana to Shymkent [1].
Kazakhstan’s broader aviation development agenda, endorsed by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, emphasizes significant airport capacity expansions, including Shymkent's. Recent terminal expansions there have increased capacity and connectivity, and national plans include boosting passenger and cargo transport capabilities as part of making Kazakhstan a regional air hub [3][5].
However, specific details on the construction of a second runway at Shymkent airport were not found in the available data [3]. Nonetheless, the expansion focuses on modern terminal infrastructure, adding new international flight routes, increasing flight frequencies, and improving transit efficiency, supported by national strategic aviation development.
[1] The Astana Times. (2024, December). Shymkent Airport Opens New Terminal. Retrieved from https://www.astanatimes.com/2024/12/shymkent-airport-opens-new-terminal/
[2] SCAT Airlines. (2024, December). Boeing 737 MAX Now Operating at Shymkent Airport. Retrieved from https://scat.kz/en/news/boeing-737-max-now-operating-at-shymkent-airport/
[3] Kazakhstan 2050 Strategic Plan. (2021). Aviation Development. Retrieved from https://kazakhstan2050.kz/en/strategic-plan/sectors/economy-and-infrastructure/aviation-development/
[4] Shymkent Airport. (2024, December). Old Terminal to Reduce Load as New Terminal Opens. Retrieved from https://shymkentairport.kz/en/news/old-terminal-to-reduce-load-as-new-terminal-opens/
[5] President of Kazakhstan. (2021, September). Address to the Nation. Retrieved from https://president.kz/ru/events/address-to-the-nation/2021/09/23/address-to-the-nation-by-kassym-jomart-tokayev-on-the-occasions-of-the-national-day-of-republic-of-kazakhstan-and-the-day-of-the-first-president-of-the-republic-of-kazakhstan-nursultan-nazarbayev
- As Shymkent Airport continues its expansion and modernization, it aims to support various aspects of the industry, including finance by attracting international investments, aerospace through advanced technology and improved infrastructure, lifestyle by offering a seamless travel experience, and travel by connecting more destinations worldwide.
- With new international destinations added to its route network, such as Munich, Budapest, Seoul, and Cairo, and plans to extend services to cities in India, Vietnam, Russia, Italy, Spain, Germany, Greece, and Egypt, Shymkent Airport is poised to significantly impact the lifestyle and travel sectors, making it a regional hub that caters to a diverse range of passengers.
