Unusual aircraft spotted in the sky over Alatau

Tengrinews.kz – A video of an unusual aircraft flying over the city of Alatau has appeared on social media. The post sparked active discussion among users, with comments suggesting various theories, including new drones, a traffic violation detection system and even a possible air taxi launch.

After the video appeared, Tengrinews.kz sent an official request to the Alatau city akimat to find out what exactly was happening in the city.

@1millionmillioner

Менің бірінші ролигім болғанымен - сразу рекке кіреді! Видеода көрінбейді бірақ мына ұшақтың ішінде пилот жоқ - пустой. Мынау не екенін айталатындар жазып жіберсеңдер, досыммен басекелестік 10 мыңға, оның ойынша бұл дрон, менің ойымша ұшақ (вертолет тектес).

♬ оригинальный звук - 1million😎

The akimat confirmed that the footage shows test flights of AutoFlight’s passenger electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft, or eVTOL.

According to the akimat, the tests are being carried out as part of preparations for the first demonstration flight in Kazakhstan and Central Asia, scheduled for May 19, 2026.

Such large-scale projects require phased preparation, technology testing and checks of all safety systems. That is why a pilot stage is currently underway in Alatau, during which specialists are testing the capabilities of new-generation passenger aircraft, unmanned cargo delivery systems and digital urban air traffic management, or UATM, in an urban environment.

International partners from South Korea, Italy and China are taking part in the project. The demonstration flight and test trials are being organized by Kazakhstan’s Alatau Advance Air Group jointly with government agencies.

The akimat emphasized that all flights have been coordinated with authorized bodies and are being conducted in compliance with safety requirements.

The test flights are taking place as part of the Urban Air Mobility development concept. The initiative is being considered as part of Alatau’s development as a high-tech, environmentally friendly and innovative city. It should be noted that Urban Air Mobility in Alatau is being implemented with private funds.

In May this year, President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev signed a law granting the city of Alatau a unique legal status. It will become the region’s first fully digital city and embody the image of Kazakhstan’s future, combining technological progress with the most comfortable living environment.