Aviation generates USD 6.4 billion for Kazakhstan’s economy, equivalent to 2.5% of GDP, while supporting 191,400 jobs including direct, supply chain, and tourism impacts. This sector unlocks broader prosperity through enhanced trade, investment, and connectivity between Europe and Asia.
Direct aviation employment stands at 44,700 people, producing USD 2.1 billion or 0.8% of GDP from airlines, airports, air navigation, and manufacturing. Tourism bolstered by air travel adds USD 356 million and 15,000 jobs, with international visitors injecting USD 2.6 billion annually into local businesses.
Kazakhstan leverages its geographic position as a transit hub, serving nearly 30 million passengers in 2024 with 14% passenger turnover growth and 11% transit increase. Passenger traffic rose 5.8% year-over-year, fueled by fleet expansions at Air Astana, FlyArystan, and newcomers like VJET Kazakhstan planning 20 aircraft acquisitions.
Open Skies policies boost competition, lowering fares and spurring over 600 weekly flights to 30 countries across 130 routes. Priorities target China, India, Russia, Europe, and the Middle East within a seven-hour radius, reaching four billion potential customers.
Airport modernizations, seven investor-backed facilities, three new regional airports, and AIFC financing draw private capital. These efforts aim to double passengers and multiply cargo eightfold by 2030, amplifying economic multipliers like 0.75% employment growth per 1% passenger rise.