Will Kazakhstan's New Cargo Airport Near China Border Transform Eurasian Trade?

January 10, 2026 at 01:31 AM•2 min read

Kazakhstan plans a new international cargo and passenger airport in the Zhetysu region near the Chinese border to establish a major multimodal aviation and logistics hub.

Key Points

1Kazakhstan is building a new international cargo and passenger airport in the Zhetysu region near the Chinese border.
2The project, led by Kazakh-German JV Skyhansa, involves an estimated investment of $480 million.
3Phase One is scheduled for completion by mid-2027, with the final cargo capacity goal set at 250,000 tons per year by 2032.
4The airport will serve as a multimodal hub, integrating air, rail, and road transport along the New Silk Road.

Kazakhstan is advancing plans to build a new international cargo and passenger airport in the Zhetysu region. This strategic location sits near the border with China. The goal is to develop a major multimodal aviation and logistics hub. This project will strengthen the country’s role as a key transit point.

This new facility is situated within the Khorgos–Eastern Gate Special Economic Zone (SEZ). The SEZ is a critical logistics cluster along the modern Silk Road air logistics routes. The project is a joint effort by a Kazakh-German venture, Skyhansa LLP. Total investment is estimated to be around $480 million.

Strategic Importance and Regional Impact

Kazakhstan is already a leader in Central Asian air freight. This new Kazakhstan new cargo airport aims to significantly boost the nation's capacity. It will create a new China-Kazakhstan trade route connection. The airport is designed to ease congestion at the existing Almaty transport hub. It will also bolster regional passenger transport and tourism.

Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov noted the project will strengthen Kazakhstan’s role. The country is positioned as a key transit hub between China, Central Asia, and Europe. This aviation infrastructure investment aligns with the government’s focus on logistics.

Phased Development and Capacity Goals

The construction follows a three-stage program. This plan adheres to international civil aviation standards set by ICAO.

Phase One: Mid-2027 Launch

The first stage is scheduled for completion by mid-2027. This phase includes the core airfield infrastructure. It will also deliver an initial cargo terminal. The initial cargo capacity is planned for 50,000 tons annually.

Full Project Completion: 2032

Full project completion is expected by 2032. The final cargo terminal capacity is targeted to reach 250,000 tons per year. The passenger terminal capacity will also expand significantly. It is expected to handle up to 500 people per hour by 2032. The final stages will also include Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facilities.

This project will create a true multimodal aviation and logistics hub. The design integrates air links with existing rail and road networks. This Eurasian transport corridor scheme is called Air-Rail-Auto-Air. The new airport will be a critical component of Central Asia's growing air freight market, as reported in recent IATA analyses. For more commercial aviation news and updates, follow industry developments.