FAA begins Kazakhstan aviation safety audit for direct US flights

September 21, 2026 at 09:31 AM2 min

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The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration began an International Aviation Safety Assessment of Kazakhstan on September 21, running through September 25. The audit evaluates Kazakhstan's civil aviation oversight against ICAO standards, a step toward direct flights between the two countries. A Category 1 rating would allow Kazakh airlines to apply for US operations and codeshare agreements.

Key Facts

The FAA's International Aviation Safety Assessment runs from September 21 to 25, 2026.
A Category 1 rating would allow Kazakh airlines to apply for US operations and codeshare agreements.
FAA experts will visit Air Astana in Astana on September 24, 2026.
Kazakhstan's Ministry of Transport has worked with the Civil Aviation Committee, Aviation Administration of Kazakhstan, and the Kazakh Embassy in the US for two years to prepare for the assessment.
A preliminary technical review was conducted in August 2024.

Assessment Scope

The FAA team will examine Kazakhstan's aviation legislation and regulations against ICAO standards. The assessment covers state oversight of flight safety, including personnel licensing, airworthiness, and flight operations. Experts will evaluate compliance with ICAO Annex 1 on personnel licensing, Annex 6 Part I on international commercial air transport, and Annex 8 on airworthiness. The team includes specialists in international aviation law, personnel licensing, airworthiness, and flight operations.

Air Astana Visit

FAA experts will visit Air Astana in Astana on September 24, 2026. Air Astana has applied to the US Department of Transportation for commercial operating authority. The Ministry of Transport clarified that the visit is not an inspection of the airline.

Preparation and Next Steps

Kazakhstan's Ministry of Transport, Civil Aviation Committee, Aviation Administration of Kazakhstan, and the Kazakh Embassy in the US have worked for two years to prepare for the assessment. A preliminary technical review was conducted in August 2024. After the assessment, the US side will hold a final briefing and later provide a written report.