Kazakhstan sees 7% rise in airport passenger traffic, 2026 outlook positive

:: CentralAsia+ Aero

In 2025, passenger traffic at Kazakhstan’s airports reached 31.8 million, a 7.1% rise compared to the previous year. Transport Minister Nurlan Saurambayev confirmed the figures, which were accompanied by an air cargo volume of approximately 173,280 tons for the period (+1.5% year-on-year).

The Central Asian country’s international connectivity continues to broaden. Its air network now spans 135 routes to 30 countries, facilitated by 626 weekly flights—an increase from 117 routes and 582 weekly flights to 31 countries the previous year.

Domestically, the network currently covers 42 destinations.

Overall airlines served 20.7 million passengers. Nation’s carriers contributed to the growth, transporting 15.4 million passengers in 2025, a 4.8% rise year-on-year.

The outlook for 2026 remains positive, underpinned by a fleet renewal drive.

Local airlines plan to integrate nine new aircraft, which will grow the nation’s combined commercial fleet to 118 units (a target originally set the previous year).

The expected deliveries include the Air Astana Group’s first two Boeing 787-9 widebodies and three Airbus A320neo family aircraft. Privately-owned carrier SCAT expects two Boeing 737MAX-8s, with Vietjet Qazaqstan set to receive two of the same type.

This additional capacity will support a route expansion. Airlines have scheduled the launch or resumption of nine domestic and fifteen international services.

New international destinations highlight a push for deeper global integration, reaching from the Gulf and Europe to East Asia, including:

• Middle East & South Asia: Abu Dhabi (UAE), Amman (Jordan), Delhi (India), and Riyadh (Saudi Arabia).
• Europe: Warsaw (Poland), Vienna (Austria), Larnaca (Cyprus), Riga (Latvia), and Rome (Italy).
• East Asia: Tokyo (Japan) and multiple points in China (Shanghai, Xi’an, Urumqi, Kashgar).
• Central Asia: Bishkek (Kyrgyzstan).