Almaty Airport Set to Emerge as Central Asia’s Leading Aviation Hub
ALMATY: Kazakhstan is advancing plans to transform Almaty International Airport into one of Central Asia’s largest air transport hubs under President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s Aviation Hub 2050 initiative, Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov announced during a project review meeting.
Executives from TAV Airports Holding — the Turkish company operating Almaty Airport — presented updates on the Horizon 2050 strategic development program, outlining major infrastructure and capacity upgrades.
The plan includes a complete reconstruction of the main runway, construction of two additional runways, and expansion of cargo, logistics, and passenger facilities. A new cargo apron, modern warehouse complexes, and a fully renovated domestic terminal are also part of the ongoing works.
Environmental and operational improvements, such as a state-of-the-art de-icing platform and noise insulation for nearby residential areas, are being implemented in parallel.
Upon completion, the modernization will raise Almaty Airport’s annual passenger capacity to 55 million and cargo throughput to 500,000 tons by 2050. Currently, the airport serves over 12 million passengers annually, handling 70% of Kazakhstan’s total air traffic.
TAV Airports Holding CEO Serkan Kaptan confirmed that $260 million has already been invested, with the company committed to reinvesting profits to ensure timely completion of all project stages.
The meeting also addressed broader transport connectivity, including integration with the Big Almaty Ring Road (BAKAD) and plans for a new cargo terminal and main passenger entrance to improve access and efficiency.
Once fully realized, the Horizon 2050 program is expected to position Almaty as a key international gateway, linking Europe and Asia and strengthening Kazakhstan’s role in global aviation logistics and passenger transit.
