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.
