Air connectivity to and from Kazakhstan is set to increase in 2026 as the country seeks to develop its role as a regional aviation hub. Boosting passenger flight routes, frequencies, and cargo services are all part of the strategy.
Transport Minister Nurlan Sauranbayev spoke about the moves at a government meeting on 21 January 2026, announcing that carriers are expected to launch new routes or resume operations to a range of destinations across Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. Connections will include Abu Dhabi, Amman, Dammam, Kashgar Larnaca, Riyadh, Rome, Shanghai, Tokyo, Urumqi, Vienna, Warsaw, and Xi’an.
The aim to amplify schedules on existing routes was echoed by the Prime Minister’s press office, with the Prime Minister calling for specific proposals “on launching new international flights and further developing the national cargo carrier,” within a week.
It was nice to meet with @DGeurocontrol Mr. Raúl Medina. Discussed ways of cooperation between @eurocontrol and Kazakhstan. Looking forward to expanding cooperation between #Kazakhstan 🇰🇿 and #Europe in the aviation field. ✈️ pic.twitter.com/fi2WDdP2xi
— Roman Vassilenko (@romanvassilenko) January 23, 2026
Helping to make the connectivity expansion possible, aviation fuel prices have been lowered, Energy Minister Erlan Akkenzhenov confirmed. “In the context of developing air hubs, the cost of jet fuel has been reduced from $1,200 to $940 per ton, with a further targeted reduction to $890 per ton,” he said. The fuel price reduction has already prompted Air Atlanta, Hungary Airlines and One Air to increase scheduled flights, the ministry said.
In addition, the Chair of the Civil Aviation Committee, Saltanat Tompiyeva, has reported the expansion of the Kazakh airline fleet by nine aircraft, taking the total to 118. Meanwhile, in terms of bolstering cargo services and Kazakhstan’s strategic position the Middle Corridor of Asia and Europe, Kazakh authorities have been in negotiations with major international providers such as Cargolux, DHL, FedEx, Lufthansa Cargo, and UPS.
Infrastructural work to grow the Kazakh aviation sector includes second runways at both Astana and Shymkent airports, the redevelopment of Almaty’s domestic terminal, and repairs at Aktau Airport. Regionally, Arkalyk Airport is being restored, there will be a brand new terminal at Atyau, reconstruction work is to take place at Pavlodar, and resort airports at Katon-Karagay, Kenderli, and Zaisan are due for completion.
Kazakhstan is targeting 15 million annual visitors and tourism turnover of €10 billion by 2029, and has put significant budget allocations into the sector—increasing investments by 20% in 2024 alone. Aviation upgrades are one part of a four-pronged strategy that the Acting Chairman of the national travel company Kazakh Tourism Daniyel Serzhanuly said in 2025 also includes: expanding the country’s visa-free schemes; the use of technology to better inform and serve visitors; and modernising infrastructure at natural and historical sites like Kalan-Karagay National Park, Almaty hiking routes, and the Baikonur Cosmodrome. The country is expecting UNESCO to confirm 11 more Kazakh World Heritage sites in 2026, taking the total to 17.
