Kazakhstan’s Aviation Sector Maintains Growth as International Routes Expand
Kazakhstan’s aviation industry recorded steady growth across key performance indicators in 2025, officials reported at a Feb. 25 meeting of the Ministry of Transport attended by First Deputy Prime Minister Roman Sklyar and regional representatives.
According to the Ministry of Transport, the aviation sector remains strategically important for socio-economic development, regional connectivity, international engagement, and investment attractiveness.
In 2025, Kazakhstan’s airports handled 31.8 million passengers, compared to 29.7 million in 2024. Cargo volumes increased to 173,300 tons, up from 170,900 tons a year earlier. Total airline passenger traffic reached 20.7 million, including 15.4 million carried by domestic operators.
Vice Minister of Transport Talgat Lastayev noted that operational growth has been accompanied by strengthened safety oversight. Kazakhstan’s compliance with international aviation safety standards reached 95.7%, placing the country among the top 20 globally and above both global and regional averages.
Passenger rights enforcement was also reinforced in 2025, with 27 unscheduled inspections of airlines and airports conducted during the year. Authorities carried out 994 inspections overall and issued 960 permits. A specialized Aviation Accident Investigation Center was established with state support to enhance investigative capacity, targeting 80% compliance with international standards in this area.
Five Kazakh airlines currently operate 56 domestic routes. To improve accessibility for remote regions, the government subsidized 23 routes in 2025, facilitating travel for approximately 520,000 passengers. In 2026, subsidies will cover 24 routes, with further expansion planned.
Digitalization remains a priority. Authorities introduced automated passport control, biometric identification systems, and the international e-Freight standard, reducing cargo processing time from 24 hours to one hour. Regulatory frameworks are also being developed for Urban Air Mobility, including unmanned aerial vehicles, eVTOL technologies, and vertiport infrastructure. The sector employs nearly 25,000 people, with annual demand exceeding 600 specialists.
During the first official visit to Kazakhstan in July 2025 by Salvatore Sciacchitano, President of the Council of the International Civil Aviation Organization, a declaration was signed to develop a Civil Aviation Master Plan through 2050. An ICAO expert mission is expected in February–March 2026 to begin implementation. Kazakhstan also plans to participate in the ICAO Council elections scheduled for November 2026.
In parallel, Kazakhstan will continue expanding and restoring international routes across Asia, the Middle East, and Europe, further strengthening its position as a regional aviation hub. Separately, Astana International Airport announced scheduled runway maintenance from April 15 to May 31. During this period, the runway will be closed daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Astana time in accordance with approved documentation and NOTAM notices. Flights scheduled during these hours have been rescheduled in coordination with airlines and state authorities.
