A new terminal at Korkyt Ata International Airport in Kyzylorda, Kazakhstan, was officially opened on November 12, marking a milestone in the region’s development. The launch of the terminal increases the airport’s capacity sevenfold, allowing it to handle up to 2mn passengers annually.

Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov highlighted the importance of the project for the region and the nation as a whole. 

“The new terminal of Korkyt Ata airport is an important infrastructure project not only for the region but for all of Kazakhstan. Its realization will enable the opening of new routes, including international ones, boosting transit potential and passenger and cargo traffic. This will have a positive impact on the development of domestic tourism, trade, and the economy,” he stated during the opening ceremony.

Spanning 7,500 square meters, the new terminal is equipped with two telescopic passenger boarding bridges and complies with the standards of both the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

The project was funded through the social initiatives fund of businessman Bulat Utemuratov, who invested KZT 20.9bn ($35mn). An additional KZT 4.3bn ($8.7mn) was provided by the local government to support the construction of engineering and communication infrastructure, as well as improvements to the surrounding highway, landscaping, and lighting.

The airport, owned by the Kyzylorda regional authorities (akimat), is now set to undergo further development in collaboration with the Vietnamese investment group Sovico Group. In September, Sovico signed a memorandum with the akimat to jointly develop the airport, signaling a new phase in its growth.

From January to September of this year, Korkyt Ata International Airport served 265,000 passengers, reflecting a 20% increase compared to the previous year. The new terminal is expected to further accelerate passenger traffic, playing a key role in the region’s economic and tourism growth.