Nursultan Nazarbayev Astana International Airport (NQZ) reported strong growth in passenger and cargo traffic for 2024, handling 8.315mn passengers—an 11% increase from 2023.

Domestic travel accounted for 5.668mn passengers (+9%), while international routes saw 2.647 million passengers (+16%). The airport also expanded flight frequencies to major cities such as Abu Dhabi, Seoul, Tbilisi, Prague, and St. Petersburg, while introducing new routes to Dushanbe, Phu Quoc, Phuket, and Milan.

Cargo operations also saw expansion, with total volume reaching 12,470 tons, reflecting a 39% y/y surge. International air freight saw a 78% increase, underlining Astana’s growing importance in global logistics networks.

Plans for the airport’s development include the construction of a second runway, expansion of existing terminals, and improvements to infrastructure. 

In January 2025, a new trust management agreement was signed between the Astana city authorities and Terminals Astana Airport Management (TAAM), a UAE-based firm. A long-term investment plan is under discussion, with the company expected to present a 30-year development strategy.

Earlier, Kazakhstan announced plans to enhance regional connectivity in 2025 by subsidizing 24 domestic routes, making air travel more accessible. The Civil Aviation Committee awarded operating rights to SCAT Airlines, Qazaq Air, and Southern Sky through a competitive bidding process, selecting them for their suitability in serving regional destinations.

Kazakhstan has also begun constructing three new airports in Zaisan, Katon-Karagay, and Kendirli to enhance domestic tourism and air transport. Initiated under the president’s leadership, these projects aim to boost the local economy, attract visitors, and generate jobs.