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Tengrinews.kz – Authorities in East Kazakhstan have shared fresh details on two long-awaited airport projects, confirming that both facilities are expected to begin operations in 2026.
At a regional briefing, Governor Nuryumbet Saktaganov outlined the current progress on the construction of new airports in Zaysan and Katon-Karagai, noting that both projects have entered their final stretch.
Zaysan and Katon-Karagai airports
According to Saktaganov, construction in Zaysan is now 66 percent complete, while the Katon-Karagai project has reached 55 percent.
“The runways and taxiways have already been built. Work is now underway on the aprons and terminal buildings. We expect these construction works to be completed by the end of the year. Equipment procurement and installation are also in progress. By the start of the next tourist season, the airports should be able to receive their first aircraft,” he said.
The governor added that both airports are expected to be ready for flight operations in spring — approximately April or May.
Airport in Katon-Karagai’s resort zone
The airport is being built near the village of Belqaragai on a 266-hectare site. Plans include a 2,200-meter runway and a terminal capable of handling up to 150 passengers per hour, according to the Transport Ministry.
Earlier, Transport Minister Marat Karabayev said the airport will open flights to major Kazakh cities — Astana, Almaty and Oskemen — as well as to destinations in China (Altay, Kanas) and Mongolia (Bayan-Ölgii). Road upgrades leading to nearby tourist sites are also planned.
Katon-Karagai currently welcomes about 100,000 tourists annually, and the government expects the number to grow to 250,000 within five years.
Airport in Zaysan’s resort zone
Construction in Zaysan began in March 2025 on the site of a former military airfield near Satpay village, located about 25 kilometres from Zaysan. The project occupies roughly 184 hectares selected for optimal climate and transport access.
The airport will feature a 2,200-meter runway and will be capable of handling aircraft such as the Bombardier Q400 and ATR-72. Infrastructure will include an apron for four aircraft and a 4,000-square-meter terminal with capacity for 150 passengers per hour.
After opening, Zaysan airport is expected to operate flights to China — Urumqi, Altay and Kanas — as well as domestic routes to Astana, Almaty and Oskemen.
Regional authorities have already completed runway markings, laid asphalt on the aircraft apron, and finished fine-grade asphalt on the taxiways.
