Construction of Two Airports Speeds Up in East Kazakhstan

East Kazakhstan is rapidly transforming its transport landscape with the construction of two new airports in Zaisan and Katon-Karagai.

Governor Nurymbet Saktaganov announced that work is progressing steadily: the Zaisan airport is already 66 per cent complete, while Katon-Karagai has reached 55 per cent, The Caspian Post informs via Kazakh media.

Runways and taxiways are finished at both sites, and crews are now focused on aprons and terminal buildings, expected to be completed by year’s end.

Saktaganov said that Kazaeronavigation is currently procuring and installing key aviation equipment, allowing the new airports to welcome their first aircraft as early as April-May - just in time for the next tourist season.

The governor noted that East Kazakhstan is actively modernizing its transport, utilities, and energy infrastructure to improve logistics and boost quality of life. This year, the region launched new international flights to Moscow and Novosibirsk, with a China route planned next.

Border checkpoints in Maikapchagai and Uba, along with five railway stations, are undergoing major upgrades, while preparations continue for the launch of the Ust-Kamenogorsk-Almaty train service.

Earlier, the region reported strong agricultural growth, with grain and oilseed production rising by 101.5 per cent and 107 per cent respectively.