“It’s not enough” - Tokayev on Kazakhstan’s international flight network
Tengrinews.kz - Kazakhstan needs to significantly expand its air connections with other countries, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said during a ceremony honoring transport industry workers, citing Akorda.
Tokayev emphasized that one of the key areas requiring focused attention is the country’s mechanical engineering sector. He called for the development of domestic manufacturing with the support of leading global companies.
“Today, some of the world’s top corporations are operating in Kazakhstan. Earlier this year, I visited a locomotive plant in Astana that produces both freight and passenger electric locomotives, as well as spare parts. I especially want to highlight that Kazakh specialists are employed there. The state will continue to fully support such important projects,” Tokayev stated.
He also identified aviation development as a top priority in Kazakhstan’s transport policy.
“We’re carrying out a comprehensive upgrade of aviation infrastructure across the country. For example, new terminals launched last year in Almaty, Shymkent, and Kyzylorda have significantly increased passenger capacity. Almaty’s airport, which used to handle 2.5 million passengers annually, can now accommodate up to 14 million,” he noted.
New airports are currently under construction in Zaysan, Katon-Karagay, and Kenderli, and renovation has begun in Arkalyk. These projects, Tokayev said, will not only improve passenger volumes but also stimulate growth in logistics, tourism, trade, and related sectors.
“We’re making systematic efforts to expand our flight network. Currently, Kazakhstan has direct flights to over 30 countries. But considering our national potential, this is not enough. Work in this area will continue,” he added.
Earlier this year, President Tokayev instructed officials to urgently create an international aviation hub in Kazakhstan.
“We must take decisive action to transform our major airports into competitive international hubs. This will require developing an integrated ecosystem of cargo and passenger terminals, logistics centers, and modern airport services,” Tokayev said at a government meeting.
The president also stressed the importance of developing domestic air routes, particularly those linked to key tourist destinations.
“Runways at the resort areas of Balkhash and Alakol have already been modernized. We must now unlock the potential of resort zones like Katon-Karagay, Zaysan, and Kenderli. This involves building airport terminals and airfields, as well as connecting them to quality road infrastructure,” he said.
He added that small aircraft should be purchased through Kazakhstan’s Industrial Development Fund to enhance regional air connectivity.
Finally, Tokayev reminded officials that tourism development must go hand in hand with environmental responsibility.
Read also: Astana airport to be transformed into 'a city within a city'