Kazakhstan Strengthens Collaboration with ICAO
President Kassym‑Jomart Tokayev received International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) President Salvatore Sciacchitano today in Astana, reaffirming Kazakhstan’s commitment to advancing flight safety and expanding its civil aviation network.
During the meeting, President Tokayev highlighted the establishment of an independent national aviation administration—the first of its kind in the region—as a significant step toward enhancing regulatory oversight and ensuring compliance with international safety standards. He also noted that, since last year, Kazakhstan has maintained a Permanent Mission to ICAO in Montreal to facilitate ongoing coordination and technical support.
Both leaders reviewed recent infrastructure developments, including the opening of new passenger terminals at Almaty, Kyzylorda and Shymkent airports. As a result of these upgrades, Almaty International Airport’s capacity has increased from 2.5 million to 14 million passengers annually. The civil aviation master plan jointly signed by Kazakhstan and ICAO was underscored as the strategic framework guiding the sector’s modernization through 2035.
President Tokayev and Mr. Sciacchitano also discussed Kazakhstan’s growing route network, which now links directly to more than 30 countries. They expressed mutual interest in negotiating new services to key global hubs such as New York, Singapore and Tokyo, reflecting Kazakhstan’s ambition to become a leading transit and aviation center in Central Asia.
Photo credit: Akorda.
