Kazakhstan's transport sector grows to 6.1% of GDP, expands to 161 international routes

September 5, 2026 at 09:12 AM2 min

This digest was compiled by AI from multiple sources — links to the originals are below.

Kazakhstan's transport sector now accounts for 6.1% of GDP, with gross output exceeding 14 trillion tenge over the past five years. The government is implementing a comprehensive development program covering road, rail, aviation, and maritime transport. International air connectivity has expanded to 161 routes across 32 countries, with ICAO compliance reaching 95.7%.

Key Facts

The transport sector contributes approximately 6.1% to Kazakhstan's GDP.
Gross output of the transport sector exceeded 14 trillion tenge over the past five years, nearly tripling.
Kazakhstan now has direct air connections with 32 countries and operates 161 international routes.
Kazakhstan's compliance with ICAO aviation safety standards reached 95.7%.
New airports are planned for completion by the end of 2026 in Zaisan, Katon-Karagay districts, and the Kendirli resort area.

Sector Growth

The transport sector has become one of the key drivers of Kazakhstan's national economy, forming approximately 6.1% of GDP. Over the past five years, the sector's gross output has nearly tripled, exceeding 14 trillion tenge. This growth reflects a steady increase in transportation volumes, large-scale infrastructure modernization, and Kazakhstan's rising transit attractiveness.

Aviation Expansion

Kazakhstan's compliance with ICAO aviation safety standards has reached 95.7% over the past five years. The number of countries with direct air connections to Kazakhstan increased from 25 to 32, and international routes grew from 74 to 161. In 2026, modernization of Arkalyk airport will be completed, restoring regular flights to Astana, Almaty, and Kostanay. By the end of 2026, construction of new airports is planned for completion in Zaisan and Katon-Karagay districts, as well as in the Kendirli resort area. By 2029, runways will be built or reconstructed in Astana, Almaty, Shymkent, Taraz, Aktobe, Oral, and Zhezkazgan, along with modernization of terminals at major airports.

International Routes

Since the beginning of the year, new flights have been launched to Armenia, Cyprus, China, Mongolia, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Poland, Turkey, Uzbekistan, and Russia. By the end of the year, new routes are expected to include Almaty–Urgench, Almaty–Tokyo, Aktobe–Baku, Almaty–Chongqing, Hanoi–Almaty–Prague, Astana–Yining, and Oral–Moscow.