Kazakhstan aims to establish a national freight airline by the year 2026.
In a significant stride towards enhancing its aviation sector, Kazakhstan is set to launch its first national cargo airline in early 2026. The airline will commence operations with three leased planes, with plans to expand the fleet to 10 aircraft over time [1]. This launch is part of a broader strategy to develop Kazakhstan's transport infrastructure.
The country's total aircraft fleet is projected to grow to 221 by the end of 2030 [1]. The National Development Plan until 2029 outlines a comprehensive approach focusing on flight safety, expanding route networks, modernizing infrastructure, and liberalizing the air transport market to encourage competition, including new low-cost carriers [5]. Efforts are also underway to facilitate direct US-Kazakhstan flights by 2025, pending successful approvals and delivery of long-haul aircraft [5].
Kazakhstan's aviation expansion doesn't stop at air travel. The country is investing heavily in rail freight, with Kazakhstan Temir Zholy (KTZ), the national railway, collaborating with Russian Railways to increase rail freight volumes through infrastructure modernization, digital logistics integration, and increased throughput at key border crossings [3]. This multi-modal approach aims to solidify Kazakhstan's position as a regional transit hub connecting China, Russia, Europe, and Central Asia.
The launch of the national cargo airline is just one piece of Kazakhstan's ambitious plan to develop its aviation and logistics sectors into a major regional transport hub by 2030. Comprehensive work is underway to develop airport infrastructure and domestic transport in Kazakhstan [4].
Notable projects include the construction of new airports in Katon-Karagai, Zaisan, Kenderli, and Arkalyk, which will be funded by the government [2]. Over the past few years, Kazakhstan has renovated 20 runways and 19 terminals and built a new airport in Turkistan [4].
The aviation industry in Kazakhstan is expected to receive a total investment of $2.9 billion [4]. This investment will support the reconstruction of 10 runways and 10 terminals, as well as the modernization of specialized airport equipment [2].
The growth in the aviation sector is evident in the increasing passenger traffic. In the first half of 2025, the number of passengers carried by Kazakh airlines increased by 6% compared to the same period last year, reaching 7.2 million [4]. Domestic air transportation in Kazakhstan operates on 61 routes with 849 flights per week [4].
The creation of a cargo airline is one of the key projects aimed at reorienting transit flows to Kazakhstan and strengthening its position in the cargo air transportation market [4]. Measures are being taken to ensure a guaranteed fuel supply for the national cargo airline [1].
The global air cargo market is experiencing sustained growth, and Kazakhstan's strategic location and investment in infrastructure position it well to capitalize on this trend [4]. Today, approximately 15% of air cargo shipments pass through Kazakhstan's airspace [4].
Kazakh Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov has urged for preparations for the national cargo airline's launch to be made as soon as possible [4]. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has directed efforts to strengthen Kazakhstan's position as a leading aviation hub [4].
In conclusion, Kazakhstan's ambitious plans for its aviation and logistics sectors are well underway. With the launch of a national cargo airline, fleet expansion, and extensive infrastructure development, Kazakhstan is positioning itself as a major regional transport hub by 2030.
References: 1. Kazakhstan to Launch National Cargo Airline in 2026 2. Kazakhstan to Invest $2.9 Billion in Aviation Industry 3. Kazakhstan and Russia to Boost Rail Freight Volumes 4. Kazakhstan's Aviation and Logistics Sector Development 5. Kazakhstan Aims for Direct US Flights by 2025
The National Development Plan until 2029 includes a focus on liberalizing the air transport market, encouraging competition and the potential emergence of new low-cost carriers, aligning with the expansion of Kazakhstan's total aircraft fleet to 221 by 2030 [5]. Furthermore, investments in the aviation industry are projected to reach $2.9 billion, contributing to the modernization of airport infrastructure, domestic transport, and the expansion of the cargo airline industry in Kazakhstan [4].
