Tengrinews.kz — Construction of new airports is continuing in Katon-Karagai and Zaisan in East Kazakhstan Region. It has now become known what facilities are planned at the sites and when the air harbors will begin receiving passengers.
When they will open and how construction is progressing
As the regional Department of Passenger Transport and Highways explained, construction is planned to be completed in June 2026 in Zaisan and in September in Katon-Karagai.
“The issue of launching flights will be considered additionally after construction is completed and the facilities are officially commissioned,” the department said.
The lighting systems and engineering infrastructure are already ready. Other work is being carried out in stages.
“The procurement and installation of airport equipment are being carried out step by step as part of the project implementation. At present, installation of radionavigation, meteorological, lighting, and engineering equipment is underway. Part of the work has already been completed, including certain elements of the lighting systems and engineering infrastructure, while the rest is still in progress,” the agency explained.
According to the project, each airport will have a capacity of up to 150 passengers per hour. The facilities will be equipped with surveillance systems, radionavigation and meteorological equipment, and will also be staffed with aviation security services and emergency rescue units.
Destinations
The department plans to launch international flights from the new airports, but no details have been specified yet.
“The issue of attracting airlines and forming the route network is being worked out. Domestic destinations are under consideration, including the Ust-Kamenogorsk–Zaisan route, as well as flights to Almaty and Astana. Work is also underway on launching international destinations,” the department noted.
The transport department added that airfare prices have not yet been determined — they will depend on the airlines, approved routes, and market conditions.
The airports will operate year-round. The project customer is Kazaeronavigatsia.
It should be recalled that earlier it was reported that Zaisan Airport plans to handle domestic flights to Astana, Almaty, and Ust-Kamenogorsk, as well as international destinations to China (Urumqi, Altay, Kanas) and Mongolia.
