Recorded transit via air and rail in Kazakhstan reached 16 million travelers during the initial half of the year 2025
Kazakhstan's Civil Aviation Sector Soars to New Heights
In a remarkable development, Kazakhstan's civil aviation sector is experiencing a significant surge, with both domestic and international routes witnessing impressive growth. According to a report by the Civil Aviation Committee, released on July 28, 2025, over 16 million people used Kazakhstan's rail and air transport in the first half of the year[1].
The civil aviation sector in Kazakhstan is expanding at an unprecedented pace. As of mid-2025, the country boasts 61 domestic routes operating 849 weekly flights, and 144 international routes with 842 flights to 31 countries[2][4]. These routes extend to diverse destinations such as Russia, the Kyrgyz Republic, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Georgia, Belarus, Azerbaijan, Türkiye, the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Poland, Czech Republic, Hungary, Montenegro, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Iran, Egypt, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, South Korea, China, India, Vietnam, Thailand, Mongolia, Malaysia, Maldives, and plans for routes to major hubs like New York, Tokyo, and Singapore[4].
The country is bolstering regional connectivity with new services launched by Kazakh and foreign airlines to places like Kyrgyz Issyk-Kul, Uzbekistan’s Nukus and Tashkent, and China’s Guangzhou[3]. In terms of infrastructure, Kazakhstan has made significant upgrades to its airport facilities in the past year. New passenger terminals have opened in Almaty, Shymkent, and Kyzylorda airports. Almaty International Airport’s capacity was expanded dramatically—from 2.5 million to 14 million passengers annually—making it a major regional hub for domestic airlines[2].
On the railway side, Kazakhstan’s extensive network remains vital, complementing air travel across the vast nation. In the first half of 2025, railways transported 9.5 million passengers, while air transport accounted for 7.2 million[5]. Although specific new railway route expansions are not detailed in the available sources, the significant passenger volume suggests continued importance and possibly gradual improvements.
Work to modernize the railway fleet in Kazakhstan is ongoing, with approximately 60 new passenger railcars added since the beginning of the year[5]. The Civil Aviation Committee's report and rail-news.kz were the sources of the information, but no specific details about the source of the photo credit were provided.
In summary, Kazakhstan is pursuing a strategic expansion and modernization of its air transport network, aiming to improve regional cooperation, tourism, and global connectivity. Its railway network continues to serve as a complementary backbone, integral for domestic mobility. The country's civil aviation sector is poised for further growth, with the potential to become a major player in the global aviation landscape.
[1] - Civil Aviation Committee's report on July 28, 2025 [2] - rail-news.kz [3] - Civil Aviation Committee's report on July 28, 2025 [4] - rail-news.kz [5] - Civil Aviation Committee's report on July 28, 2025
The expansion of Kazakhstan's civil aviation sector not only impacts the travel industry but also facilitates connections in the finance sector, as increased air travel may stimulate economic activity. Furthermore, the diversification of destinations served by Kazakhstan's many routes enhances lifestyle options, as more people can explore various countries for leisure or business purposes.
