IATA Highlights Kazakhstan’s Aviation Growth as a Driver of Jobs, Tourism, and Regional Connectivity

IATA Highlights Kazakhstan’s Aviation Growth as a Driver of Jobs, Tourism, and Regional Connectivity

(IN SHORT) The International Air Transport Association highlights Kazakhstan’s aviation sector as a significant contributor to economic growth, employment, and tourism, with a total impact of USD 6.4 billion on GDP and support for over 190,000 jobs. The sector continues to expand rapidly, driven by strong passenger growth and increasing international connectivity. Aviation also plays a crucial role in tourism, attracting billions in foreign spending. IATA stresses that continued progress will depend on aligning with global aviation standards, investing in scalable and cost-efficient airport infrastructure, and developing a domestic Sustainable Aviation Fuel industry. These priorities are expected to strengthen Kazakhstan’s position as a regional hub while supporting long-term sustainability and economic diversification.

(PRESS RELEASE) ASTANA, Kazakhstan, 2026-Apr-15 — /Travel PR News/ — The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has underscored the growing economic and employment impact of aviation in Kazakhstan, pointing to the country’s sustained commitment to the sector as a key driver of national development. The organization’s latest findings indicate that aviation directly employs around 44,700 people in Kazakhstan, generating approximately USD 2.1 billion in economic output, equivalent to 0.8% of the country’s GDP. When broader contributions such as supply chain activities, employee spending, and tourism are considered, aviation’s total economic footprint expands to USD 6.4 billion and supports roughly 191,400 jobs.

The report also highlights aviation’s role in strengthening Kazakhstan’s tourism sector. Air transport-supported tourism contributes about USD 356 million to GDP and provides employment for 15,000 individuals. Meanwhile, international visitors are estimated to inject USD 2.6 billion annually into the economy through spending on local goods and services, further reinforcing the sector’s multiplier effect.

Rafael Schvartzman emphasized that Kazakhstan is well-positioned to benefit from global passenger and cargo flows while enhancing its appeal as a destination. He noted that ongoing investments in safety, airport infrastructure, and Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) will be essential to building a resilient aviation ecosystem, supporting tourism expansion, and attracting foreign direct investment.

To strengthen Kazakhstan’s position as a regional aviation hub, IATA outlined three strategic priorities. The first is alignment with global standards, including safety and operational best practices. Currently, carriers such as Air Astana and SCAT Airlines are among the few from the country authorized to operate flights to the European Union, underscoring the importance of maintaining high regulatory and operational benchmarks.

The second priority focuses on developing affordable infrastructure. With passenger traffic growing at an average rate exceeding 10% annually over the past three years, Kazakhstan is outperforming global growth trends. Investments such as the USD 362 million upgrade of Almaty’s airport and plans for a second airport in Astana demonstrate the country’s efforts to accommodate rising demand and reinforce its regional leadership.

The third priority centers on advancing SAF production and supporting the broader energy transition. SAF is expected to account for at least 65% of the emissions reductions needed for aviation to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. However, global SAF output currently represents only a small fraction of total jet fuel supply. Kazakhstan’s natural resources and feedstock potential present a significant opportunity to establish a domestic SAF industry with export capabilities, provided production meets international Jet A-1 fuel standards required in key markets such as the European Union.

Read the full report (pdf)

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