Kazakhstan expands air network to 135 routes, builds three airports
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Kazakhstan's airports handled 102,500 tonnes of cargo in January–July 2026, up 10% year-on-year. The government has expanded the international route network to 135 destinations across 30 countries and is building three new airports. Cargolux resumed flights via Astana in June 2026 and plans up to 14 weekly flights.
Key Facts
- Kazakhstan's airports handled 102,500 tonnes of cargo in January–July 2026, a 10% increase year-on-year.
- Almaty International Airport accounted for 66,100 tonnes, over 64% of total cargo volume.
- The international route network expanded to 135 destinations across 30 countries.
- New terminals at Almaty, Kyzylorda and Shymkent airports raised combined annual passenger capacity from 3.5 million to 23 million.
- ICAO assessed Kazakhstan's aviation security compliance at 95.7% and flight safety standards implementation at 82%.
Cargo Expansion
Almaty International Airport is implementing the first phase of the Horizon 2025–2028 programme, expanding the export zone by 5,000 square metres. The airport is building a cargo apron with seven stands for the largest long-haul freighters, including Boeing 747-8 and Airbus A380. A 500-hectare logistics cluster is being formed at Almaty airport. Cargolux resumed flights via Astana in June 2026 and plans up to 14 flights per week. Cathay Pacific Cargo launched regular cargo flights to Astana in August 2026, operating up to five weekly Boeing 747 Freighter flights.
Network Growth
New routes opened in 2026 include Warsaw, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Larnaca, Ulaanbaatar and Izmir. The fifth freedom of the air mechanism is used to develop connecting routes between Asia and Europe. VietJet Air is preparing a Hanoi–Almaty–Prague route under this mechanism. Transit flight volume increased fourfold over the past three years.
Infrastructure Modernisation
New terminal complexes at Almaty, Kyzylorda and Shymkent airports were commissioned over the past three years using private investment. Their combined annual passenger capacity rose from 3.5 million to 23 million, a 6.5-fold increase. Three new airports are under construction, and regional airports are being modernised. A logistics complex with fuel-refuelling infrastructure is being created in Aktobe, and cargo aircraft reception infrastructure is being expanded in Karaganda. Aktau is integrating aviation, sea and rail routes.
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Kazakhstan expands air network to 135 routes, builds three airports
