ASTANA, Kazakhstan, October 1. Kazakhstan is set to begin construction on three new regional airports next year as part of its tourism development program, said Transport Minister Marat Karabayev, Trend reports via the ministry.
"The head of state has directed the construction of air terminal complexes and airports, along with high-quality road infrastructure, in the resort areas. As part of this initiative, we are visiting the regions to inspect the designated sites for the new airports. Construction on all three airports is set to begin in 2025," said the minister.
According to the information, the airports are set to pop up in prime resort spots, with locations already picked in Katon-Karagai and Zaisan, both nestled in the eastern part of the country. These airports are set to open new doors and put the region on the map for tourism.
Katon-Karagai’s new airport will be built between the villages of Katon-Karagai and Ulken Naryn, near Soldatovo. Meanwhile, Zaisan’s new airport will be located on the former Satpayev military airfield, replacing the existing airport, which has been deemed unsuitable for modernization.
Initially, the airports will feature runways 2,200 meters in length, designed to accommodate regional aircraft such as the De Havilland Dash 8-400 (Q400), ATR 42/72, and Bombardier CRJ200. These planes will connect the resort areas with major cities like Astana and Almaty.
The Ministry of Transport has also noted the possibility of future runway extensions to allow for larger jets, including the Airbus A320 and Boeing 737.
The Kazakh government views this infrastructure expansion as a golden opportunity to open doors to its picturesque eastern regions, give tourism a leg up, and lend a hand to the country’s wider economic ambitions.