Astana, Singapore's Changi Airports sign framework deal for new airport

September 23, 2026 at 04:52 PM2 min

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Astana city administration, Kazakhstan's Transport Ministry and Singapore's Changi Airports International signed a framework cooperation agreement on September 23, 2026. The deal covers construction of a new airport in Astana and development of the existing capital airport. Signatories included Deputy Akim Y.S. Glotov, Deputy Transport Minister T.T. Lastayev and CAI CEO Eugene Gan.

Key Facts

The framework agreement was signed on September 23, 2026, by Deputy Akim Y.S. Glotov, Deputy Transport Minister T.T. Lastayev and CAI CEO Eugene Gan.
The agreement covers two areas: construction of a new airport in Astana and development of the existing Astana International Airport, including CAI participation in management and operations.
The new airport project implements President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev's directive to form an international aviation hub and develop Astana's transit potential.
In August 2026, Changi Airport Group expressed readiness to provide expertise for the new airport project during negotiations in Kazakhstan.
Deputy Akim Yersin Otebayev said several locations are being considered for the second airport, and work on the project continues.

Agreement Signing

Astana city administration, Kazakhstan's Transport Ministry and Changi Airports International (CAI), a subsidiary of Changi Airport Group, signed a framework cooperation agreement on September 23, 2026. The agreement was signed by Deputy Akim Y.S. Glotov, Deputy Transport Minister T.T. Lastayev and CAI CEO Eugene Gan. The signing formalizes agreements reached during a visit by Changi Airport Group leadership to Astana and creates a basis for joint implementation of the new airport project.

Project Scope

The agreement covers construction of a new airport in Astana and development of the existing Astana International Airport, including CAI participation in management, operations and other areas. The new airport project implements President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev's directive to form an international aviation hub and develop Astana's transit potential. Deputy Akim Yersin Otebayev said several locations are being considered for the second airport, and work on the project continues. The parties are currently working to agree on the partnership structure, project implementation terms and necessary documents.

Background and Expertise

In August 2026, Changi Airport Group expressed readiness to provide expertise for the new airport project during negotiations in Kazakhstan. A Kazakh delegation subsequently met with Changi Airports International representatives in Singapore, where the parties identified main areas of cooperation. Changi Airport Group is a Singapore state-owned company responsible for managing and developing the country's airport infrastructure, including Changi International Airport.