Airports - The Times Of Central Asia

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Osh Airport to Undergo Modernization

On February 14, Kyrgyzstan’s President Sadyr Japarov laid the foundation stone for the construction of a new airport complex at Osh International Airport, the country’s second-largest city. Expanded Facilities and Increased Capacity According to the presidential press service, the new terminal will offer modernized passenger facilities, including: A spacious hall with improved check-in areas; A food court and recreation areas; A 650-car parking lot. The terminal will have the capacity to serve over 5 million passengers per year. Additionally, the number of aircraft parking spaces will increase by 25, and a runway extension is planned for 2026. A Key Hub for the Fergana Valley Japarov emphasized that Osh International Airport is Kyrgyzstan’s second-busiest airport and a strategic transportation hub for the entire Fergana Valley. It connects southern Kyrgyzstan with Central Asia, the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), and the Middle East. Currently, the airport is capable of handling Airbus A320 and Boeing 737 aircraft. However, built in 1974, the facility is now outdated and unable to fully meet the growing demands of passenger and cargo traffic. "The construction of a new airport complex is just the beginning of our large-scale plans," Japarov stated. "We aim to expand the airport’s route network, attract new airlines, and boost cargo transportation." Kyrgyzstan’s Broader Airport Modernization Efforts Japarov highlighted Kyrgyzstan’s ongoing efforts to modernize regional airports, noting recent developments: Karakol International Airport and Talas Airport have been put into operation. Runway renovations were completed at Jalal-Abad, Kazarman, and Batken airports. Reconstruction is underway at Issyk-Kul International Airport and Naryn Airport. Construction of a new airport in Jalal-Abad is set to begin soon. In 2024, Kyrgyzstan purchased two Canada-manufactured Bombardier Dash 8 Q400 short-haul aircraft for domestic routes. Two more are expected to be acquired later this year.

Public Security Russia Air Transport Airports

Turkmenistan Airlines Extends Suspension of Moscow Flights Until March

Turkmenistan Airlines has extended the suspension of its Ashgabat-Moscow-Ashgabat flights until at least March, the airline confirmed on January 31, according to Interfax. No official reason was provided for the extension. Flights on this route were initially halted at the end of December 2024. At the time, the airline announced that there would be no flights between December 30, 2024, and January 31, 2025, but did not explain their decision. The Russian News Agency TASS has noted that Turkmenistan Airlines previously halted flights to Moscow in August 2023 due to safety concerns. That suspension followed a report from the Russian Defense Ministry stating that a Ukrainian drone had been intercepted in the Moscow region. Interfax, meanwhile, reports that Russia’s S7 Airlines has received approval to operate up to 14 weekly flights between Moscow and Ashgabat. Daily flights began on January 15, making S7 the only airline currently serving this route. In related news, as previously reported by The Times of Central Asia, Uzbekistan Airways has adjusted its flight routes to Europe, avoiding Russian and Belarusian airspace. The airline’s press service stated that this decision was based on recommendations from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and was not connected to the recent Azerbaijan Airlines crash.

Transport Air Transport Transport and Logistics Infrastructure Development Airports

Kazakhstan Modernizes Civil Aviation Infrastructure to Boost Tourism and Investment

In 2024, Kazakhstan made significant strides in modernizing its air transport infrastructure, opening three new passenger terminals at the airports of Almaty, Shymkent, and Kyzylorda. The upgrades are expected to expand the capacity of these airports, increase the number of air routes, and stimulate growth in passenger traffic. According to the Ministry of Transport, these developments will enhance domestic and international tourism while boosting the investment appeal of Kazakhstan’s regions. The Role of Air Transport As the world’s 9th-largest country, Kazakhstan relies heavily on air transport to complement its extensive railway network. Fast and efficient air travel is crucial for connecting the nation’s vast territories and integrating its economy into global markets. New Terminals and Capacity Expansion Almaty International Airport The new terminal at Almaty International Airport, which opened on June 1, has increased the airport’s capacity from 2.5 million to 14 million passengers annually. Almaty Airport serves as a hub for domestic airlines such as Air Astana, SCAT, Qazaq Air, and Fly Arystan. It operates regular flights to 19 cities across Kazakhstan and offers international connections on 50 routes to 26 countries through 30 foreign airlines. Shymkent Airport In southern Kazakhstan, the new terminal at Shymkent Airport expanded the facility’s capacity from 800,000 to 6 million passengers per year. The airport now offers international flights to 10 destinations, including Jeddah and Medina (Saudi Arabia), Doha (Qatar), Phu Quoc (Vietnam), and Phuket (Thailand). The frequency of flights has also increased to 24 per week. Kyzylorda International Airport The new terminal at Kyzylorda International Airport in south-central Kazakhstan has raised its capacity from 300,000 to 2 million passengers per year. The airport now operates 25 domestic flights, significantly enhancing connectivity for the region. Strategic Projects: Khorgos-Eastern Gate Beyond passenger terminals, a $500 million project to construct a cargo-passenger airport at the Khorgos-Eastern Gate Special Economic Zone (SEZ) is underway. The project, led by the Kazakh-German consortium SKYHANSA, will position Kazakhstan as a critical link on the Western Europe–Western China highway and the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR), which connects China and Europe. The new airport will include: A passenger terminal capable of handling up to 500 passengers per hour. A cargo terminal with an annual capacity of 250,000 tons. A fuel storage facility with a capacity of 550,000 tons. A technical center for aircraft servicing. Tourism, shopping, and entertainment facilities. This project underscores Kazakhstan’s commitment to expanding its role as a logistics and trade hub in Central Asia. Growth in Air Transportation The air transport sector in Kazakhstan continues to grow at a rate of 10-15% annually. In 2024, Kazakh airlines transported approximately 15 million passengers, while the nation’s airports served 30 million passengers. Cargo transportation also saw significant growth, with 28,000 tons transported in the same period. Kazakhstan’s domestic airlines add 10-15 aircraft to their fleets each year, bringing the total fleet to 102 aircraft as of 2024. Expanding International Connectivity Kazakhstan operates 582 flights per week to 31 countries, including Russia, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Georgia, Belarus, Azerbaijan, the UAE,...

wildlife Airports Art and Culture Design

Cat Houses Installed at Tashkent Airport

Tashkent International Airport has introduced a heartwarming initiative by installing cat houses in the green space between the departure hall and the main terminal. Designed by students from the Tashkent University of Architecture and Civil Engineering, the structures provide a safe and comfortable habitat for the airport's feline residents. According to the press service of Uzbekistan Airports, cats have long been part of the airport's ecosystem. “Cats are natural inhabitants of the urban environment and play a vital ecological role. Apart from their aesthetic charm, they are skilled hunters, helping control populations of mice and rats,” the service said. The idea to construct cat houses had been under consideration for years but was delayed due to ongoing construction at the airport. With the involvement of the Mushukkent project and university students, the houses were finally completed and installed in locations safe for both the animals and airport operations. Materials used in building the cat houses are durable, resistant to decay, non-combustible, and environmentally friendly. The houses are equipped with heating systems for winter and ventilation for summer, ensuring the cats' comfort year-round. [caption id="attachment_27583" align="aligncenter" width="1151"] Image: Uzbekistan Airports Telegram[/caption] “For Uzbekistan Airports, this is more than just an ecological project - it’s a social initiative that reflects the company’s commitment to animal welfare. It symbolizes Uzbekistan’s hospitality, beginning right at the airport, and highlights the city’s humane values,” the company added. The Mushukkent project, launched in 2019, is supported by various government agencies, the National Guard of Uzbekistan, and non-governmental organizations. Its goals include fostering kindness towards animals, establishing shelters, controlling the stray cat population, and increasing penalties for animal cruelty. This initiative is not unique to Uzbekistan. Two years ago, animal rights activists in Almaty, Kazakhstan, installed wooden shelters for street cats. These huts, raised above the ground, feature a roof, ladder, and feeder, providing a safe and comfortable place for up to nine cats to sleep, eat, and stay protected from the elements.

Issyk-Kul Economy Air Transport Infrastructure Development Airports international tourism

Kyrgyzstan Opens Airport in Karakol – More New Routes Coming Soon

On December 11, Kyrgyzstan’s President Sadyr Japarov inaugurated the reconstructed international airport in Karakol, the main city of the Issyk-Kul region. Situated southeast of Lake Issyk-Kul, Karakol is Kyrgyzstan’s winter tourism hub and home to the nation’s largest and most popular mountain ski resort. President Japarov highlighted the reopening of the Karakol International Airport as a pivotal move toward strengthening regional connectivity, boosting tourism, and enhancing Kyrgyzstan’s international profile. “This is just the beginning,” Japarov remarked, announcing plans for a major new development: a “Kyrgyz Courchevel,” envisioned as Central Asia’s largest and most modern ski resort. Located 70 kilometers from the airport, the year-round facility is planned to accommodate up to a million tourists per season. Kyrgyzstan’s government is also prioritizing the modernization of regional airports to improve domestic air connectivity. Renovation projects are underway in Naryn, Kazarman, Kerben, and Batken, while construction of a new airport in the southern city of Jalal-Abad is set to begin soon. Starting in May, the government plans to launch domestic flights on routes including Kazarman-Bishkek, Naryn-Bishkek, Kerben-Bishkek, Karakol-Osh, and Talas-Osh. These flights will be operated by the state-owned Asman Airlines. This follows the reopening of the Talas airport in May, as previously reported by The Times of Central Asia, marking its return to operation after decades of inactivity since the Soviet-era. Originally built in 1979 to accommodate planes and helicopters, the airport had long been out of service until its recent renovation. To support the enhanced domestic air network, Kyrgyzstan’s Manas International Airport Open Joint Stock Company has procured two Bombardier Dash 8 Q400 aircraft for Asman Airlines. Manufactured in Canada, the Dash 8 Q400 is a short-haul plane capable of carrying up to 80 passengers over distances of up to 2,000 kilometers.

tourism industry international tourism Airports Infrastructure Development Tourism

Kazakhstan to Construct Three New Airports

Kazakhstan has started the construction of airports in the resort zones of Katon-Karagai, Zaisan, and Kenderli, which are popular tourist destinations. The airports will link the three resort areas with Astana and Almaty. Together with other measures, this will give the tourism industry a new push. Katon-Karagai State National Nature Park is the largest national park in the country. It is located in the East Kazakhstan region and is included in UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere Programme as a biosphere reserve. Lake Zaisan is also located in Eastern Kazakhstan. It is a beautiful freshwater lake fed by the Irtysh River and surrounded by cliffs. Kenderli is a resort in the Mangistau region located on the coast of the Caspian Sea. It is becoming increasingly popular every year. The Civil Aviation Committee (CAC) said reaching these tourist destinations will be much easier. The sites for the construction of airports have already been identified. CAC reported that “In Zaisan, the airport will be located on the territory of the former military airfield named after Satpayev. The distance from the construction site to the city of Zaisan is 25 kilometers. In Katon-Karagai district, a new air harbor will be built between the villages of Katon-Karagai and Ulken Naryn, near Soldatovo. The distance from the construction site to Katon-Karagai village is 38 kilometers”. The Kenderli airport will be built 13 kilometers from the resort area. Construction of the three airports will begin in 2025 and provide direct air routes from Astana and Almaty. In December 2023, the Ministry of Transport reported that it plans to spend 16 billion KZT to build the airport in Zaisan and an additional 23.2 billion KZT in Katon-Karagai. Other major expenditures are planned for the development of the tourism industry. According to the Ministry of Sports and Tourism budget plan, these expenditures will increase the number of foreign tourists from 2 million in 2024 to 3.5 million in 2026 (+75%). The number of domestic tourists will also grow by 15% over three years to 8.5 million in 2026. It is reported that 4.6 billion KZT will be allocated for the formation and promotion of the tourism industry, including 1.52 billion KZT in 2024. In 2023, 2.44 billion KZT was spent on these purposes. It is further planned to allocate 11.9 billion KZT for the training and education of professionals in the industry, including 3.5 billion KZT in 2024, for this purpose. Efforts to modernize the industry are already bearing fruit. In May 2024, Kazakhstan improved its position in the tourism development index. Kazakhstan ranked 52nd among 119 countries, beating Qatar, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, Egypt, and Latvia. Kairat Sadvakasov, Chairman of the Board of Kazakh Tourism, called it a victory. He stated, "Our long-term goal is to enter the TOP-50 in this rating”. Achieving this ambitious goal will require serious efforts. In the summer, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev listed the shortcomings of the tourism sector and outlined priority areas of work. One of the most important points was logistics, as it...