BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 16. Kazakhstan's
airlines carried 12.4 million passengers in the first nine months
of 2026, while the country's airports handled 136,500 tons of
cargo, the Ministry of Transport of Kazakhstan reported.


Saltanat Tompiyeva, Chair of the Civil Aviation Committee of
Kazakhstan's Ministry of Transport, announced the figures at the
eighth International Transport and Logistics Business Forum New
Silk Way in Astana.


According to Tompiyeva, Kazakhstan's international air route
network covers 31 countries and 137 destinations. Kazakh and
foreign airlines have launched 24 new air routes.


Alongside efforts to address the industry's immediate
priorities, Kazakhstan is developing a master plan for civil
aviation through 2050 in cooperation with the International Civil
Aviation Organization (ICAO). The plan is intended to establish a
long-term development model for the sector.


Cargo aviation is also among the industry's current priorities.
The government has introduced support measures for domestic cargo
carriers, including preferential import conditions for certain
categories of cargo aircraft and expanded opportunities to access
international markets.


Participants in the aviation market also presented specific
development plans.


Astana International Airport presented its development strategy
through 2035, which provides for the construction of a second
runway, the expansion of cargo infrastructure, and
digitalization.







Karaganda Airport is developing its QarGo Hub concept and
forecasts cargo traffic to reach 61,000 tons this year. In Aktau, a
project to develop an aviation and logistics hub was presented,
with potential investment estimated at $400 million to $500
million.


Domestic air travel affordability also received attention. A
representative of Petropavlovsk Airport outlined challenges facing
smaller regional airports, including ensuring their financial
sustainability and supporting their further development.


Kazakh airline SCAT presented an extensive program to develop an
aviation hub in Shymkent. The program includes 12 investment
projects, covering aircraft maintenance and the expansion of
airport infrastructure.


Vietjet Qazaqstan presented its vision for developing the
domestic aviation market and proposed measures to improve the
affordability of air travel and ensure sustainable industry
growth.


Kazakhstan's national cargo carrier Alatau Air Cargo is
preparing to begin operations in the near future.


Tompiyeva emphasized the importance of maintaining an ongoing
dialogue with airlines, airports, and other industry participants,
noting that aviation development is a shared responsibility across
the sector.