Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Transport has signed an agreement with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) to develop a Strategic Master Plan for the Development of Kazakhstan’s Civil Aviation through 2050.
The agreement marks a significant milestone in the country’s aviation sector, setting a long-term vision for modernization and expansion.
The master plan will focus on key areas such as airport development, air navigation systems, airline growth, flight safety, aviation security, and increased accessibility. It will also emphasize the liberalization of air transport, aligning with global aviation standards and best practices.
Kazakhstan becomes the first country in Central Asia and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) to establish a strategic partnership with ICAO for the sustainable advancement of its civil aviation industry. The initiative is part of the government’s broader strategy to position Kazakhstan as a leading regional transit and transport hub.
According to the Ministry of Transport, domestic airlines carried 14.3 million passengers in 2024, reflecting a 9% increase from the previous year. Additionally, passenger traffic at Kazakhstan’s airports surged by 14%, reaching 29.7 million travelers.
Currently, Kazakhstan operates 582 flights per week to 31 countries, including Russia, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Georgia, Belarus, Azerbaijan, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, South Korea, China, India, Germany, Italy, and the Netherlands. The country’s expanding air connectivity also includes routes to Southeast Asia, the Middle East, South Asia, Turkey, and the Maldives.
Officials from both Kazakhstan and ICAO emphasized that the strategic partnership will drive further investment, enhance regional connectivity, and reinforce Kazakhstan’s role in the global aviation network. The implementation of the master plan is expected to bring long-term benefits to the aviation sector, supporting economic growth and enhancing passenger experience.