Kazakhstan transit cargo up 24% in H1 2026, government says
This digest was compiled by AI from multiple sources — links to the originals are below.
Kazakhstan's transit cargo volume reached 21.7 million tonnes in January–June 2026, a 24% increase from 17.5 million tonnes a year earlier, the government reported. The growth reflects ongoing infrastructure development across road, rail, air, and sea transport. The country aims to strengthen its position as a key Eurasian logistics hub.
Road Infrastructure Expansion
A record 11,000 km of roads are under construction, reconstruction, or repair in 2026, according to the government. Of this, 3,400 km are republican-level roads under construction or reconstruction, 5,000 km are capital and medium repairs, and 2,400 km are local roads. Six new toll road sections totaling about 1,600 km will be added soon, including Karaganda–Balkhash, Aktobe–Kandyagash, and Atyrau–Astrakhan. Total toll road length will rise from 4,900 km to 6,700 km.
Aviation and Rail Growth
Kazakhstan's aircraft fleet now numbers 111, with additions of one Airbus A321neo and two Boeing 737 MAX 8 in 2026. The country operates flights to 32 countries on 158 international routes, with 915 flights per week. Major aviation projects include restoring Arkalyk airport, building new airports in Zaysan, Katon-Karagay, and Kenderli, constructing a second runway at Shymkent airport, and modernizing Almaty airport's terminal. Rail freight also showed positive results, though specific figures were not detailed.
What's Next
The government plans to complete the new toll road sections and several airport projects by year-end. It remains unclear whether the growth rate can be sustained amid global economic uncertainty and competition from other transit routes.
2 sources
Kazakhstan transit cargo up 24% in H1 2026, government says
