Kazakhstan’s Arkalyk Airport reopens after 33-year hiatus, launches subsidized regional routes

Image: Civil Aviation Committee of Kazakhstan

Commercial operations have resumed at Arkalyk Airport in Kazakhstan’s Kostanay Region after a 33-year operational hiatus. Following an initial technical flight on August 22, scheduled service commences September 1 with state-subsidized routes connecting Arkalyk to Astana, Almaty, and Kostanay. SCAT Airlines will operate all three routes twice weekly.

Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Transport highlighted the reopening as a strategic catalyst for regional socio-economic development, aiming to boost regional transport integration, workforce mobility, and inward investment.

The property returned to public ownership in December 2024 after the Kostanay Region Akimat acquired the asset from a private entity. Comprehensive infrastructure rehabilitation began in summer 2025, featuring the complete reconstruction of the 2,500 × 45-meter paved runway, the installation of modernized air navigation and meteorological systems, and the construction of a new 3,200 sq. m passenger terminal with throughput capacity for up to 70 passengers per hour.

The facility secured full operational certification ahead of its commercial launch. Aviation security clearance was granted August 3, state air navigation provider Kazaeronavigatsia certified its navigation services August 18, and final airfield airworthiness certification followed on August 21.

Additionally, the International Air Transport Association has formally reinstated the airport’s historical three-letter location identifier, AYK.

With current certification and upgraded infrastructure, Arkalyk Airport is rated to handle a broad range of regional turboprops (including the An-24, L-410, De Havilland Canada Dash 8-Q400, and ATR 72) as well as regional jets such as the Bombardier CRJ200.

The reopening of Arkalyk Airport aligns with Kazakhstan’s broader strategy to expand its regional air transport network. In recent years, the government has actively invested in secondary and regional airports, leveraging them as key drivers to enhance domestic connectivity and support regional tourism growth.

Infrastructure modernization is progressing nationwide. In June, Balkhash Airport resumed commercial operations following extensive redevelopment, while Pavlodar Airport restored air service in August after completing airfield infrastructure overhauls. Concurrently, greenfield construction continues on three regional airports serving key leisure destinations—Katon-Karagai, Zaysan, and Kenderli—with commissioning scheduled by late 2026. Additionally, the passenger terminal expansion at Urdzhar Airport is slated for completion in February 2027.