Kazakhstan Enhances Infrastructure, Includes Worldwide Flight Destinations in 2025 Plan
Kazakhstan is making significant strides in modernizing its aviation and rail infrastructure, with a particular focus on expanding global flight connectivity. Ongoing negotiations aim to open direct flights to Tokyo, Singapore, and New York, although these routes have yet to commence as of mid-2025[1][2][3].
The country's aviation sector has experienced a surge in growth, launching over 30 new international routes to 31 countries. This expansion has facilitated easier access to cities like Budapest, Munich, Xi’an, and Guangzhou, thanks to upgraded airports and runways in key cities such as Almaty, Shymkent, and Kyzylorda[1][2].
Astana, Shymkent, and Karagandy are being developed as major international air hubs, with over $1 billion invested in airport modernization[1]. This includes the construction of new airports and terminals, with new airports under construction in Zaisan, Katon-Karagai, and Kenderli. The opening of new terminals at the airports of Kyzylorda, Almaty, and Shymkent has contributed to this expansion.
In addition to these developments, Kazakhstan is investing heavily in railway projects. The Dostyk-Moyinty and Almaty bypass lines support cargo movement along the Middle Corridor to China[1]. Work on the Darbaza-Maktaaral route near Uzbekistan will increase cargo capacity fivefold. Meanwhile, modernization work is underway at 125 railway stations, with over 20 of them being tourist spots.
The aviation sector has also welcomed five new low-cost airlines - Thai Air Asia X, Air Arabia Abu Dhabi, TWay, EasyJet, and Spice Jet - this year[1]. Six new aircraft will join Kazakhstan's national fleet by the end of the first half of 2025, with ten more expected by year-end.
The lifting of the European Union restrictions on Kazakh airlines has boosted accessibility to Europe. As a result, direct flights are now available from Kazakhstan to various destinations in Germany, Hungary, China, South Korea, and Egypt, among others[1]. With the ongoing negotiations for direct flights to Tokyo, Singapore, and New York, Kazakhstan's aviation growth is set to continue.
[1] Source: The Astana Times [2] Source: The Diplomat [3] Source: The Kazakhstan Times
Traveling to numerous international destinations has become more convenient due to the expansion of Kazakhstan's aviation sector, with direct flights now available to cities like Budapest, Munich, Xi’an, and Guangzhou, as part of the 30 new international routes launched so far. As the country develops Astana, Shymkent, and Karagandy as major international air hubs, one can expect the lifestyle of Kazakhstan residents to change with increased global connectivity, particularly with the ongoing negotiations for direct flights to Tokyo, Singapore, and New York.
