Destinations2 min read
Kazakhstan Increases Domestic Flights and Restores Arkalyk Airport
In September 2026, the frequency of domestic flights in Kazakhstan reached 890 per week. Three new airports are scheduled for completion by the end of the year.
Kazakhstan2 min read
According to Kazinform news agency, Kazakhstan is actively expanding its domestic aviation network. As of September 2026, domestic flights cover approximately 60 routes, with a total frequency reaching 890 flights per week. For comparison, 2025 saw 821 weekly flights across 60 destinations, 2024 featured 669 flights across 57 destinations, and 2023 recorded 630 flights across 51 destinations.
In 2026, airlines launched additional routes from Astana to Almaty, Aktau, Aktobe, and Urhar, as well as from Almaty to Aktau and Urhar.
As reported by Kazinform, a major milestone in the development of regional aviation was the restoration of the Arkalyk airport. Following the resumption of operations in August 2026, subsidized flights from Astana, Almaty, and Kostanay were introduced. These routes operate twice a week, with the flight from Astana to Arkalyk taking approximately 40 minutes.
According to the agency, the modernization of the runway at Pavlodar airport was also completed in 2026. By the end of 2026, the construction of new airports in Zaisan, Katon-Karagay, and the Kendirli resort area is scheduled for completion.
Long-term plans up to 2029 include the construction and reconstruction of runways at the airports of Astana, Almaty, Shymkent, Taraz, Aktobe, Uralsk, and Jezkazgan. Upgrades to passenger terminals at the country's major aviation hubs are also planned.
What this means for travelers
- Travelers: direct subsidized flights to Arkalyk from Astana, Almaty, and Kostanay are now available twice a week, with the flight from the capital taking about 40 minutes.
- Travelers: flights to Zaisan, Katon-Karagay, and Kendirli should be planned for no earlier than the end of 2026, when airport construction is scheduled to finish.
- Travelers: for trips to Lake Alakol and the Caspian Sea in 2026, additional flights from Astana and Almaty to Urhar and Aktau are available.
Read also
- Seven aircraft and 50 tourism locations to be connected to the internet in Kazakhstan
- KTZ trains to introduce free access to WhatsApp and Telegram
- Bavarian business expresses interest in Kazakhstan projects
Source: Kazinform
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