Almaty Airport Aims to Lead Central Asia's Aviation Sector with Infrastructure Focus

Kazakhstan is charting a course to establish Almaty International Airport as Central Asia's premier aviation hub, focusing on operational efficiency and infrastructure development rather than solely expanding passenger terminals. This strategy comes as regional competitors also accelerate airport expansions.

The airport recently saw a significant financial transaction as Qazaqstan Investment Corporation (QIC) sold its 15% stake in the Almaty International Airport project to TAV Airports for $133 million. This divestment by QIC, through the Kazakhstan Infrastructure Fund, signifies the airport's transition from a modernization project to a vital transport asset for Kazakhstan.

During the previous investment phase, which began in 2021, the airport underwent substantial upgrades, including a new international passenger terminal, a VIP terminal, and an expanded baggage handling system. These improvements have led to a dramatic increase in passenger traffic, more than doubling from 5.6 million in 2021 to 11.93 million by the end of 2025, with the city's tourism market also seeing significant growth.

The current development phase shifts focus from terminal construction to enhancing operational infrastructure. Key projects include the "Ground Handling Village," a consolidated center for technical, maintenance, and administrative services designed to streamline ground operations and reduce aircraft turnaround times. Additionally, a new four-kilometer parallel taxiway is under construction to alleviate constraints caused by current runway usage, aiming to improve overall airport functionality as traffic continues to climb.