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Kazakhstan is set to significantly boost its tourism appeal with the upcoming launch of a new airport serving the popular Kenderli resort area. This development promises to make the Caspian Sea destination more accessible to both domestic and international travelers.

Airport Opening Timeline

The timeline for the new Kenderli airport was revealed by Nurlan Sauranbayev. He indicated that initial test flights could commence as early as this year. However, regular, full-scale operations are planned to begin in 2027, with the main flight schedule kicking off next year, in 2025.

Ticket Pricing and Subsidies

Discussions are ongoing regarding ticket prices, which remain an open question. Sauranbayev explained that airfare costs will be influenced by regional authorities. Their commitment to attracting tourists and the extent of subsidies allocated for flights will play a crucial role in determining affordability for travelers.

Kenderli: A Developing Resort Hub

Kenderli is a resort area and bay located on the Caspian Sea coast in the Mangystau region. Situated approximately 210 kilometers south of Aktau and 70 kilometers from the city of Zhanaozen, it boasts beautiful sandy beaches, shallow waters, and warmer temperatures compared to Aktau's coastline.

Strategic Tourism Development

The development of the Kenderli airport is part of a broader strategy to enhance Kazakhstan's tourism infrastructure. In 2024, sites for new airports in three resort areas across Kazakhstan were identified, with Kenderli being a key project. Planned routes from the new airport include destinations like Nukus, Baku, and Astrakhan, in addition to several domestic routes within Kazakhstan.

The importance of this project was underscored in 2025 when President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev urged for the acceleration of airport construction in the Kenderli resort area. He highlighted the significant potential of the Mangystau region and its role in transforming Kazakhstan into a vital transport and logistics hub in Eurasia.