Kazakhstan aims for aviation hub status with major 2026 expansion

Kazakhstan is set to strengthen its position as a regional aviation hub in 2026, with plans to expand both its fleet and international flight network.

The country’s airlines are expected to acquire nine new aircraft this year, bringing the total fleet to approximately 118 aircraft, Saltanat Tompiyeva, Chairperson of the Civil Aviation Committee, confirmed, Caliber.Az reports, citing Kazakh media.

In addition, the government will continue subsidizing 23 socially important air routes to enhance accessibility and stimulate tourism development.

“In 2026, construction of second runways will commence at the airports of Astana and Shymkent. In Almaty, the domestic terminal will undergo a comprehensive renovation, while the apron at Aktau Airport will be extensively repaired,” Tompiyeva said.

On the international front, Kazakhstan plans to open new routes, resume suspended services, and increase flight frequency to destinations in Central Asia and the CIS. The expanded network will also include Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, with flights scheduled to Vienna, Tokyo, Rome, Abu Dhabi, Riyadh, Dammam, Larnaca, Amman, Xi’an, Shanghai, Urumqi, Kashgar, and Warsaw.

By Vafa Guliyeva