Kazakhstan's New Mangystau Airport Nears Completion to Boost Caspian Tourism
A new airport is taking shape in Kazakhstan’s Mangystau Region, near the Kenderli resort area. The project, now 32% complete, aims to boost tourism by improving access to the Caspian Sea coast. Officials expect the facility to open before the end of this year. Construction is underway in the Karakiya District, about 13 kilometres from the Caspian shoreline. The site spans 599 hectares, with 215 workers and 122 pieces of specialised equipment currently in operation. The total budget for the project stands at 56.9 billion tenge, of which 19.9 billion tenge has already been spent.
The first phase focuses on a 2,200-metre runway designed for smaller aircraft like the Q-400, ATR, and CRJ models. Once operational, the airport will introduce nine new air routes, connecting the region to both domestic and international destinations. A second phase is planned to upgrade the infrastructure further. This will allow the airport to accommodate larger jets, including Airbus A320s and Boeing 737s.
The airport’s opening is scheduled for the fourth quarter of this year. Its completion will mark a key step in developing the region’s tourism sector. The expanded air links are expected to bring more visitors to the Caspian coastal area.
