Kazakhstan Sets Course to Become Asia–Europe Transit Powerhouse

Kazakhstan is rapidly transforming its transportation landscape, with sweeping upgrades across the aviation and railway sectors aimed at turning the country into a key transit and logistics hub linking Asia and Europe.

In 2025, five new low-cost airlines have entered the Kazakh aviation market, including Thai AirAsia X (Thailand), Air Arabia Abu Dhabi (UAE), T'way Air and Eastar Jet (South Korea), and SpiceJet (India), The Caspian Post reports via Kazakh media.

These additions reflect Kazakhstan’s growing appeal as a destination and transit point in the global air network.

Meanwhile, negotiations are underway to launch direct flights to Tokyo, Singapore, and New York, signaling further expansion of Kazakhstan’s international air connectivity.

With the launch of more than 30 new international routes-including to Budapest, Munich, Xi’an, and Guangzhou-Kazakhstan now offers direct air links with 31 countries. This progress is supported by new terminals at Kyzylorda, Almaty, and Shymkent airports, along with modernized runways that have enabled new direct services to countries such as Germany, Hungary, China, South Korea, and Egypt.

A significant boost to Kazakhstan’s global aviation ties came with the removal of European Union restrictions on Kazakh airlines, further enhancing access to European destinations.

To support long-term growth, new airports are being built in Zaisan, Katon-Karagai, and Kenderli, and the revival of Arkalyk Airport-closed for nearly 35 years-is underway. Additionally, major air hubs in Astana, Shymkent, and Karagandy are being developed with over $1 billion in investment, including a new terminal, second runway, and aerotropolis project in the capital.

With annual passenger traffic increasing by 10-15 per cent, Kazakhstan expects to triple volumes in the near future. In the first half of 2025, six new aircraft were added to the national fleet, with ten more due by year-end.

On the rail front, Kazakhstan is also undergoing significant modernization. By 2029, the country will acquire 557 advanced passenger railcars from Swiss manufacturer Stadler, with more than 50 set to arrive this year. Infrastructure upgrades are in progress at 125 railway stations, including 20 popular tourist destinations.

Kazakhstan’s freight transport capacity is expanding through large-scale rail projects. The Dostyk-Moyinty and Almaty bypass lines are strengthening the Middle Corridor to China, while the Darbaza-Maktaaral line near the Uzbekistan border is set to increase capacity fivefold. Additional routes to Ayagoz and Kyzylzhar are also being developed.