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Construction Airports Jalal-Abad International Airport

Kyrgyzstan Begins Construction of New Jalal-Abad International Airport

On May 13, President Sadyr Japarov laid the foundation stone for a new international airport in Jalal-Abad, Kyrgyzstan’s third-largest city. The new airport will span over 380 hectares and include a two-story passenger terminal covering 10,000 square meters, with the capacity to handle 350 passengers per hour. Its airfield infrastructure will meet international standards, featuring a 3,800-meter runway and six aircraft parking bays. The facility will accommodate both passenger and cargo aircraft, including Boeing 737, Airbus A320, and A321 models. Unlike a renovation of the existing facility, the project entails entirely new construction. The current Jalal-Abad airport dates back to 1938, originally serving as an airfield, with a terminal building and asphalt runway added in 1972. Boosting Air Infrastructure At the groundbreaking ceremony, Japarov emphasized the rising demand for both domestic and international flights, underscoring the need to expand the country's airport infrastructure. “Since 2021, Kyrgyzstan has increased passenger traffic by 46% and the number of flights by 31%. New aircraft have been acquired, and previously idle regional airports have resumed operations,” he said. He also noted that the newly established Asman Airlines has restored all domestic routes, linking the capital, Bishkek, with Talas, Karakol, and Kerben. In 2024, the airline added two Canadian-made Bombardier Dash 8 Q400 short-haul aircraft to its fleet for domestic service. Regional Impact Japarov stated that the new Jalal-Abad International Airport would enhance logistics, trade, tourism, and investment across the Fergana Valley, a region shared by Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. This project is part of Kyrgyzstan’s broader strategy to modernize its aviation infrastructure. In February 2025, construction began on a new airport complex at Osh International Airport, located in the country’s second-largest city. Kyrgyzstan has also recently inaugurated Karakol International Airport and Talas Airport. Reconstruction efforts are currently underway at Issyk-Kul International Airport and Naryn Airport.

Investments Airports UAE Astana Aerotropolis Project

UAE Investor to Inject $1.1 Billion into Astana Aerotropolis Project

The Ministry of Transport of Kazakhstan has signed a long-term investment agreement with Terminals Astana Airport Limited, a subsidiary of UAE-based Terminals Holding, to transform Astana International Airport into a world-class Aerotropolis. The deal, valued at $1.1 billion, was formalized on May 12 during the official visit of Crown Prince Sheikh Khalid bin Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan of Abu Dhabi to Kazakhstan. Strategic Infrastructure Development The agreement outlines a comprehensive development plan, including the construction of a second runway, a third passenger terminal, and a dedicated cargo terminal at Astana International Airport. According to the Ministry of Transport, the investor also aims to build a multifunctional Aerotropolis complex, encompassing an industrial and logistics zone, a business cluster, hotels, retail space, and logistics terminals. An Aerotropolis is a modern urban model that integrates aviation, logistics, and commercial infrastructure to create a self-sustaining hub catering to both passengers and businesses. The concept is designed to provide short-term accommodation and consumer services in proximity to the airport, effectively transforming it into a small city. Operational Modernization In addition to physical infrastructure, the project includes plans to modernize the airport's operational systems. Terminals Astana Airport Limited will upgrade the fleet of specialized airport equipment, introduce digital solutions and automation, and implement phased training and retraining programs for airport staff. Following the restoration of municipal control over the airport in January, Astana’s local authorities extended the trust management agreement, with Terminals Astana Airport Management continuing in its role as the airport operator. Both Terminals Astana Airport Limited and the current operator are subsidiaries of Terminals Holding. In 2024, Astana International Airport served 8.315 million passengers, an 11% increase from the previous year. Broader Investment Context As previously reported by The Times of Central Asia, Kazakhstan continues to attract foreign investment in its aviation infrastructure. Earlier this year, Vietnam’s Sovico Group, which owns Kazakh airline Qazaq Air, was offered the opportunity to manage an airport in the Kyzylorda region.

VietJet Airports SOVICO Group Qazaq Air Kyzylorda Airport

Vietnam’s Sovico Group Tapped to Manage Airport in Kazakhstan’s Kyzylorda Region

Vietnam's Sovico Group, owner of Kazakh airline Qazaq Air, soon to be rebranded as VietJet Kazakhstan, has been offered the opportunity to manage one of the airports in Kazakhstan’s Kyzylorda region. This week, Kazakhstan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Economy, Serik Zhumangarin, confirmed Sovico’s interest in acquiring or taking over the management of an airport in the country, though he did not specify which facility was under consideration. On Thursday, during a session of the Senate (the upper house of Kazakhstan’s parliament), Deputy Foreign Minister Alibek Bakaev clarified that the proposal concerned an airport in the Kyzylorda region. “The point is that the Vietnamese side would manage the airport temporarily to improve its operations. This is not about a buyout, we do not sell strategic assets. We are attracting advanced technologies and companies to enhance the functioning and services of our airports from both technological and administrative perspectives,” Bakaev told reporters. The Kyzylorda region, located in southern Kazakhstan, hosts five airports: in the regional capital Kyzylorda, the district center of Aralsk, the village of Zhosaly, and two airports serving the Baikonur Cosmodrome, Krayniy and Yubileiny. The largest among them is Korkyt Ata International Airport, located in Kyzylorda city. Its 2,700-meter-long, 45-meter-wide asphalt runway, which can accommodate all categories of helicopters and first-class aircraft with a maximum take-off weight of 75 tons or more, includes the Tu-204, Boeing 757 and 747, and Airbus A320, as well as lighter aircraft. In November 2023, a new passenger terminal was inaugurated at Korkyt Ata, boosting the airport’s annual capacity from 300,000 to 2 million passengers. Korkyt Ata International Airport is currently managed by Airport Management Group and owned by the regional akimat (governor’s office). As previously reported by The Times of Central Asia, last autumn, Sovico Group announced plans to modernize and develop airport infrastructure in both the Kyzylorda and Turkestan regions of Kazakhstan.

Investments Airports SOVICO Group Qazaq Air

Vietnamese Investment Group Eyes Airport Purchase in Kazakhstan

Vietnam’s SOVICO Group, the new owner of Kazakh airline Qazaq Air, is considering acquiring or managing an airport in Kazakhstan, according to Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Economy Serik Zhumangarin. SOVICO Group, one of Vietnam’s leading investment conglomerates, operates across sectors including finance, aviation, energy, and digital transformation. The group also owns VietJet Air, an international low-cost airline with a fleet of 85 aircraft. In 2024, SOVICO acquired Qazaq Air, a domestic carrier the Kazakh government had been trying to sell since 2023 for KZT 10.2 billion (approx. $19.7 million). However, the final sale price was significantly lower: KZT 2 billion (approx. $3.8 million), according to Transport Minister Marat Karabaev. Qazaq Air currently serves 14 domestic routes, four of which are state-subsidized and four international destinations. New Brand, Broader Ambitions During a Kazakhstan-Vietnam business roundtable in Astana on Tuesday, it was announced that Qazaq Air will be rebranded as VietJet Kazakhstan. “We highly appreciate the intention of SOVICO Group and VietJet Air to manage Qazaq Air under the new brand,” said Nurlan Zhakupov, Chairman of the Board of Samruk-Kazyna JSC. “Expanding the route network will enhance regional connectivity and foster new economic growth.” Zhumangarin mentioned that SOVICO Group is actively exploring options to either acquire or manage a Kazakh airport. “The company is large, rapidly expanding, and maintains numerous international partnerships. An airline needs a base airport, and they are considering establishing one here,” he said. Strategic Infrastructure Interest SOVICO has also signaled its interest in modernizing regional airport infrastructure, specifically in the Turkestan and Kyzylorda regions, a move seen as part of its broader strategy to expand operations in Central Asia. In 2023, bilateral trade between Kazakhstan and Vietnam reached nearly $1 billion, although it dipped slightly to $879 million by the end of 2024.

Airport Modernization Osh International Airport Transport Fergana Valley Airports

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.