New airport in Kazakhstan to open in 2026

Tengrinews.kz – The airport in Zaysan, East Kazakhstan Region, is scheduled to open in 2026, the regional Department of Passenger Transport and Highways reported.
Construction of the Zaysan airport is being carried out in several stages:

Stage 1: Installation of external engineering networks.
Stage 2: Construction of the airfield section, including an artificial runway, taxiway, apron, lighting system, fencing, patrol road, stormwater drainage, perimeter and apron lighting, grounding, and perimeter video surveillance.
Stage 3: Construction of the command and control building, as well as aeronautical and meteorological support facilities.
Stage 4: Formation of the service and technical zone, including the passenger terminal, administrative building, emergency rescue station, fuel storage, and engineering facilities.

The department reported that runway markings have already been applied, asphalt has been laid on the apron, and taxiways are covered with fine-grained asphalt. The passenger terminal foundation is ready, and walls and ceilings are being erected.

"At the same time, work is ongoing on the administrative building, garage, warehouse, emergency rescue building, distribution center, and other facilities," the department added.

Construction of the water supply and drainage systems has been completed, while installation of external networks, lighting, and pumping stations continues.
According to the regional akimat, airport construction normally takes 25 months, but actual completion is expected within 17 months. Major construction began in late March 2025 at the site of the former military airfield near Satpay village, 25 kilometers from Zaysan city, on a 184-hectare plot.
The runway will be 2,200 meters long, the apron will accommodate four aircraft, and the terminal will cover up to 4,000 square meters, handling 150 passengers per hour. While the akimat did not specify exact completion dates, construction is expected to be finished by late summer 2026, allowing regular flights from Zaysan airport to commence.
Currently, Zaysan receives around 23,000 tourists annually. With the new airport and improved infrastructure, this figure could increase to 136,000 visitors per year.