Kazakhstan Eyes Launching Unmanned Aero Taxi Service by 2026

Kazakhstan plans to introduce an unmanned aero taxi service by 2026, inspired by South Korea's model, Minister of Transportation Marat Karabayev revealed.

He outlined the project’s timeline and potential routes, The Caspian Post reports, citing The Times of Central Asia.

According to Karabayev, there are currently no legal restrictions preventing the launch of aeromobile services in Kazakhstan.

“The first stage will involve a route from Almaty to the town of Alatau. We are in discussions with Kazakh entrepreneurs, and a pilot launch is planned for 2026. These will be silent, hydrogen-fueled helicopters capable of carrying five passengers. One Kazakhstani company has already expressed interest in developing the aeromobility sector,” he said.

He noted that similar technologies are being actively developed in South Korea and the United States, and Kazakhstan is studying their potential implementation.

“We are currently assessing how this technology can be adapted for our country,” Karabayev added.

The minister also mentioned that the Ministry of Digital Development, Innovation, and Aerospace Industry has proposed studying international regulatory practices for such vehicles.

“We will review this proposal. As unmanned vehicles become more common in Kazakhstan, we will develop the necessary legislative framework,” he assured.

However, Karabayev clarified that no amendments are currently being considered regarding liability for accidents involving unmanned vehicles.

Unmanned aero taxis are already being tested and partially deployed in several countries. In the UAE, the Chinese company EHang has conducted pilot flights in Dubai, while in China, EHang has obtained certification for commercial operations.