As part of the government’s infrastructure development strategy, a new airport is being built in the Katon-Karagai district of the East Kazakhstan region. The project is one of three airports planned for construction in key resort areas, including Zaisan, Katon-Karagai, and Kenderli. The initiative aims to enhance regional connectivity and support the growing tourism sector.

Minister of Transport Marat Karabayev and Akim (mayor) of the East Kazakhstan Region Nurymbet Saktaganov recently inspected the construction site near the village of Belkaragay, where the airport will span 266 hectares. The facility is designed to accommodate the region’s climatic and geographical conditions, featuring a 2,200-meter runway with potential expansion capabilities. This will allow it to serve regional aircraft such as the Bombardier Q400 and ATR-72.

The airport will include comprehensive infrastructure, including an apron for four aircraft, taxiways, an air terminal covering up to 4,000 square meters, a command and control center, an emergency rescue service, and a laboratory and production building. Advanced radio navigation and meteorological equipment will also be installed. With a projected capacity of up to 150 passengers per hour, the airport is expected to facilitate stable and regular air traffic.

“Katon-Karagai already attracts approximately 100,000 tourists annually, and this figure is expected to rise to 250,000 in the next five years. The route is popular among both local and international travelers,” said Minister Karabayev. 

Planned flight routes include domestic connections to Astana, Almaty, and Ust-Kamenogorsk, as well as international destinations such as Altai and Kanas in China and Bayan-Ulgii in Mongolia.

To complement the airport development, significant road infrastructure improvements are also underway. The Kalbatau-Maikapshagay highway is expected to be completed this year, while upgrades on routes between Altai, Katon-Karagai, and the Rakhmanovskiye Klyuchi ( Rakhman Springs) are in progress. Additionally, work on the Terekty-Urunkhaika road leading to Lake Markakol and the Austrian road, spanning 120 km, is planned. Other road repairs are being carried out to enhance connectivity to Semey, Ridder, and Shemonaykha.

“This large-scale project will be a major breakthrough for the region, fostering economic growth by strengthening transport infrastructure and attracting both domestic and foreign investments,” said Akim Saktaganov. “It will create new business opportunities, generate employment, and increase tax revenues, ultimately improving the quality of life for local residents.”