Astana Selects Site for Future Second Airport

Astana, Kazakhstan's capital, has identified a potential location for a second airport as part of amendments to the city's general plan, approved by the local council (Maslikhat). This move anticipates a future increase in tourism and aims to provide necessary infrastructure.

The designated site is located northwest of the city, towards the village of Shortandy along the Astana–Kokshetau highway. Experts selected this area for its potential for convenient transportation links, including future rail and LRT connections, while also considering clear flight paths free from bird strike hazards. The site is approximately 48 kilometers from Astana's city limits.

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Dear colleagues, we have reviewed this matter over several meetings. Do you have any additional questions for Altynbek Zhanauly? If not, we must proceed to a decision, I ask you to vote.

While the construction itself is a long-term prospect, the decision secures a vital "territorial resource reserve" for this function. The urban planning documentation aims to ensure that the necessary land is protected for future development. If dedicated Aeroexpress trains are eventually implemented, travel time from the Nurly Zhol railway station to the new airport is estimated to be around 75-80 minutes, with total journey times potentially reaching two to two and a half hours.

Astana Mayor Zhenis Kassymbek had previously acknowledged the possibility of a new airport in December 2023, stating that the general plan already provided for prospective sites. Deputy Mayor Ersin Otvayev confirmed in May that multiple locations were under consideration. The current decision selects the "most suitable" site, reserving it for future airport functions.

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Undoubtedly, the decision to build a new airport in the region must be based on a balanced and economically sound assessment, taking into account regional economics, demographics, and external factors. The decision to construct a second facility is planned for the long term. The objective of urban planning documentation is to secure a long-term territorial resource reserve for this function.