By order of President Kassym-Zhomart Tokayev, the Government, represented by the Ministry of Transport, will continue its efforts in 2026 to develop aviation hubs and strengthen Kazakhstan’s transit potential in the field of civil aviation. The main focus areas were presented by Saltanat Tompiyeva, Chairwoman of the Civil Aviation Committee of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

In particular, the implementation of a set of infrastructure projects is planned at the country’s largest aviation hubs. Construction of second runways will begin at Astana and Shymkent airports; the domestic terminal at Almaty Airport will be реконstructed; and major repairs will be carried out on the apron at Aktau Airport, she noted.

At the same time, regional projects are being implemented, including: construction of a new terminal at Atyrau Airport,reconstruction of the Pavlodar aerodrome, completion of airport construction in the resort areas of Katon-Karagay, Zaysan, and Kenderli,restoration of Arkalyk Airport.

As part of infrastructure modernization, Jet A-1 aviation fuel storage and refueling systems at airports will be upgraded, which will increase the reliability of fuel supply and services for air carriers.

In addition, by the end of 2026 airlines plan to acquire nine new aircraft, which will increase the total fleet to approximately 118 aircraft and expand passenger and cargo carrying capacity. To ensure transport accessibility of regions and promote tourism, the subsidy program for 23 socially significant air routes will be continued, Saltanat Tompiyeva explained.

 At the same time, efforts to develop international air connectivity will continue in 2026. It is planned to resume and open new international air routes, as well as to increase flight frequencies on existing routes.

An expansion of the route network is envisaged to Central Asian and CIS countries, as well as to the Middle East, Europe, and Asia, including destinations such as Vienna, Tokyo, Rome, Abu Dhabi, Riyadh, Dammam, Larnaca, Amman, Xi’an, Shanghai, Urumqi, Kashgar, Warsaw, and other destinations.

Reforms of the industry’s personnel training system will continue, including work on establishing a new aviation training center, as well as the introduction of digital solutions in civil aviation, automation of passport control systems, implementation of the e-Freight system, and other initiatives.

In addition, in 2026 the development of the Civil Aviation Master Plan, jointly with ICAO, outlining the industry’s development strategy through 2050, will be completed. Overall, the outlined objectives are comprehensive and systemic in nature and are aimed at addressing both current infrastructure and regulatory issues, as well as creating sustainable conditions for the long-term development of the sector. Their implementation will improve the quality and accessibility of air transport, strengthen flight safety, and enhance Kazakhstan’s role in the regional and international aviation system, the Chairwoman of the Civil Aviation Committee concluded.