A site for the new airport has been chosen in Astana

Tengrinews.kz — Astana has identified a location for the potential construction of a second airport. Members of the city Maslikhat (local council) have approved amendments to the city's general plan, designating a priority site considered most suitable for the new facility, reports our correspondent.

Details

The adjustments to the general plan state that a second airport will be needed in the future as tourism to the capital is expected to increase.

Experts sought a site that would offer convenient transportation links, including rail and LRT connections, while ensuring flight paths remain clear of bird strike hazards.

The exact location is shown in the following diagram:

Data from the Astana General Plan

The proposed site is located approximately 48 kilometers from the Astana city limits and 73 kilometers from the Nurly Zhol railway station. It is estimated that if dedicated Aeroexpress trains are launched, the journey from the station to the airport would take about 75–80 minutes.

Taking travel and wait times into account, it is projected that the average trip could take between two and two and a half hours.

"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," the document clarifies.

Council decision

Following a report by Altynbek Akhmetov, head of the Architecture Department, Maslikhat Chairman Tabigat Zeinulkabden noted that the changes to the general plan had been discussed across several sessions.

"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," the head of the Maslikhat said.

Ultimately, the deputies voted in favor of adopting the adjustments to the city's general plan.

Context

In December 2023, Astana Akim (Mayor) Zhenis Kassymbek acknowledged the potential construction of a new airport in Astana. At the time, he stated that the capital's general plan "provides for prospective sites for the possible construction of an air harbor."

On May 15, Deputy Akim Ersin Otvayev stated that authorities were considering several possible sites simultaneously.

It should be noted that the adjustment to the general plan selects the "most suitable" site, which will be held in a "long-term territorial resource reserve for this function."