Almaty International Airport continues large-scale modernization, solidifying its position as a major aviation hub, reports Todayinfo news agency.
The growth of passenger traffic, expansion of the route network, development of cargo transportation, and modernization of fuel infrastructure are part of a long-term master plan designed for 25 years. These tasks are being implemented within the framework of the head of state's instructions on the development of the transport and logistics sector.
Almaty Airport is considered the largest air gateway in Central Asia. According to last year's results, it showed steady growth in passenger and cargo traffic: 82 destinations, 44 airlines, 9 new routes, and 126 thousand tons of processed cargo. The airport has repeatedly won Skytrax awards, which are considered the "Oscar" in the aviation industry.
In 2025, the airport received the titles "Best New Terminal in the World" and "Best Regional Airport in Central Asia and the CIS," and in 2026 it entered the list of the world's top 100 airports, ranking 89th.
According to the airport's vice president, since the facility was acquired in 2021, passenger traffic has almost doubled and now amounts to 12 million people per year. By 2030, it is planned to bring this figure to 23 million passengers.
In the coming years, development will continue under the "Horizon" project. This project, launched in 2025, is the first phase of the 25-year master plan. The investment volume at this stage is $362 million. The project aims to completely transform the airport's infrastructure, making it more spacious, modern, and efficient.
The airport's development concerns not only terminals and runways but also all auxiliary infrastructure. Ensuring a stable supply of aviation fuel remains one of the main priorities. As part of developing competition and uninterrupted fuel supply, Almaty Airport has begun cooperation with the national operator "KazMunayGas-Aero." Additionally, the parties are discussing the modernization of the airport's refueling complex.
As noted by the General Director of KazMunayGas-Aero LLP, Ildar Shamsutdinov, the management of Almaty Airport, the management of TAV Airports, and the national oil company KazMunayGas are holding meetings and negotiations on potential cooperation within the framework of modernizing the refueling complex. The Chairman of the Management Board of KazMunayGas gave a number of instructions that KMG-Aero is fulfilling. To date, a roadmap for this modernization has been signed between KMG-Aero and Almaty Airport. Further negotiations and assessments on cooperation are underway," he said.
The interest of international carriers in Almaty Airport is growing, which strengthens its status as a regional hub for air transportation between Asia, CIS countries, and Europe. The expansion of flight geography became possible due to lower fuel costs and improved service quality.
