Kazakhstan could begin operating passenger and cargo air taxi services between Almaty, Alatau and Konayev as early as 2027, as the country accelerates plans to introduce a new generation of electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft.
The announcement follows Kazakhstan’s first-ever demonstration flight of an air taxi on 19 May at the country’s first vertiport in Alatau, part of the wider Alatau City development project.
Speaking during a press conference on the development of Alatau City, Deputy Prime Minister Kanat Bozumbayev said 2026 would focus on large-scale testing and safety verification before the system could enter commercial operation.
According to Bozumbayev, Kazakhstan’s Transport Ministry has already introduced temporary regulations for test flights and granted permits for pilot launches.
Authorities hope the project could help ease traffic congestion around Almaty, Kazakhstan’s largest city, while also improving access to tourism destinations and emerging urban developments.
“For example, a passenger arrives at Almaty airport. Right now, because of traffic congestion, the trip can take one-and-a-half to two hours,” Bozumbayev explained. “Nearby, drones are expected to be stationed, and passengers would book flights in advance.”
He added that, based on preliminary estimates, flights could cost approximately $1 per kilometre. A 15-kilometre journey, for example, would cost around $15.
Kazakhstan launches 15-minute air taxi between Alatau and Almaty 🇰🇿 pic.twitter.com/L6wBkVpHnl
— Daily Turkic (@DailyTurkic) March 20, 2026
Officials are currently studying possible flight corridors, wind conditions, terrain characteristics, and safe operating altitudes throughout the year. Proposed routes under consideration include links between Alatau, Almaty International Airport, Almaty railway stations, Konayev, and the Kapshagai Reservoir area.
“These routes are connected to the mountain tourism cluster,” Bozumbayev said. “It is necessary to clearly determine at what altitude flights can operate safely during all four seasons.”
Specialists are also assessing aeromagnetic zones and high-voltage power lines as part of the broader safety analysis.
“If we complete full testing this year, the system could be launched into operation next year,” he added.
Kazakhstan is developing the project in cooperation with specialists from both China and the United States, countries currently seen as leaders in the rapidly growing air taxi sector.
On May 19, CATL's ecosystem partner, AutoFlight, in collaboration with Alatau Advance Air Group (AAAG), successfully completed a flight demonstration of its 2-ton eVTOL aircraft in Almaty, Kazakhstan.
— CATL (@catl_official) May 20, 2026
This historic event marks the first flight of a large eVTOL in Central Asia.… pic.twitter.com/kpR4O4QPgE
The government expects the initiative to rely mainly on private investment and support from Kazakh companies rather than state funding.
Beyond passenger transport, officials believe the aircraft could eventually play a role in cargo logistics and last-mile deliveries.
The project places Kazakhstan among a growing number of countries exploring urban air mobility solutions as cities worldwide seek alternatives to road congestion and more sustainable transport systems.
For the tourism industry, the potential introduction of air taxis could significantly reduce transfer times between airports, city centres, mountain resorts, and leisure destinations, potentially reshaping regional travel experiences in southeastern Kazakhstan.
