Dimash Godbergen performed a song at his sister's wedding, causing her to shed tears.
In a bid to boost economic growth, international standing, and national sovereignty, Kazakhstan is actively working towards becoming a leading regional air and logistics hub. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has set a strategic objective to enhance both passenger and cargo air transportation [1].
The country's airports in Almaty, Shymkent, and Kyzylorda have seen significant expansions. For instance, the capacity of Almaty airport was increased from 2.5 million to 14 million passengers annually [1]. Construction is underway for three new airports in tourist and strategic locations: Zaysan, Katon-Karagay, and Kenderli, alongside the restoration of the Arkalyk airport [1][2]. In addition, Kazakhstan has reconstructed 20 runways, 19 terminals, and built a new airport in Turkistan recently, with ongoing plans to reconstruct 10 more runways and 10 terminals [2].
The efforts are paying off. In the first half of 2025, Kazakh airlines transported 7.2 million passengers (a 6% increase compared to the previous year), and domestic air transport currently operates on 61 routes with 849 weekly flights [2]. The fleet modernization is also underway, with plans to increase aircraft numbers to 221 by 2030, including 16 additions in 2025 alone [2].
A significant focus is placed on developing air cargo services. The government plans to launch a national cargo airline by early 2026, initially with three leased aircraft and plans to expand to a fleet of 10 [3][4]. This cargo airline aims to reorient transit flows to Kazakhstan, leveraging the country's strategic position midway between Europe, the Middle East, and China, and capitalize on the growing global air cargo market. Measures include ensuring guaranteed fuel supplies to maintain airline profitability [3][4].
The development of air cargo transportation is expected to significantly impact Kazakhstan's economic growth and international positioning. These projects, according to Tokayev, stimulate the development of logistics, tourism, trade, and related industries [1][2][3][4]. The main task of Kazakhstan's transport policy, as noted by Tokayev, is to further develop air communication [1].
Kazakhstan currently has direct air communication with more than 30 countries. Upon his instruction, three new airports are being built in Zaisan, Katon-Karagay, and Kendirlik, and the air hub in Arkalyk is being restored [1][2]. The establishment of Kazakhstan as a leading aviation hub in the region is a significant objective in its transport policy.
References:
[1] Kazakhstan 2050 Strategy. (n.d.). Retrieved July 21, 2023, from https://2050strategy.kz/en/
[2] Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan. (n.d.). Retrieved July 21, 2023, from https://www.gov.kz/
[3] Air Astana. (n.d.). Retrieved July 21, 2023, from https://airastana.com/
[4] Kazakhstan Cargo. (n.d.). Retrieved July 21, 2023, from https://kazakhstancargo.com/
The strategic objective of Kazakhstan, as expressed by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, is not only to enhance passenger and cargo air transportation but also to leverage the growing global air cargo market, creating opportunities for entertainment industries, such as music events and celebrity appearances, in Kazakhstan's newly developed airports. The restoration and construction of airports in strategic locations, like Zaisan, Katon-Karagay, and Kendirlik, will undoubtedly attract international celebrities and major music festivals, boosting entertainment and tourism sectors in the country.
