WHY EUROPE?

WHY EUROPE?

KAZAKHSTAN’S Karaganda Airport is positioning itself as a key transit hub between Asia and Europe, leveraging its strategic location and competitive advantages to attract cargo flows shifting due to geopolitical and economic factors. For Karaganda Airport, expanding into the European market is a natural step.

While Kazakhstan boasts vast territory, its domestic market remains relatively small, with a population of just twenty million. “If we want to grow, we need to think globally,” Erlan Ospanov, Chief of the Board & Owner of Karaganda Airport, stated.

“Kazakhstan alone is not enough. We need to connect East and West, and Karaganda is positioned right at the heart of this trade corridor.”

Rather than targeting one specific European market, Karaganda Airport’s goal is to serve as a bridge between China and Europe. This aligns with broader industry trends, where air cargo flows are shifting due to increased trade between Asia and Europe, and disruptions in traditional routes. Ospanov emphasised the lack of capacity in global air cargo—particularly the shortage of wide-body aircraft on key routes.

“We see two major issues in today’s air cargo market: limited capacity and high operational costs,” he explained. “Our location allows us to optimise routes and offer lower costs, which makes us an attractive alternative for airlines and logistics companies.”

To address these challenges, Karaganda Airport is working on a comprehensive infrastructure expansion, including:

• Runway upgrades to handle heavier cargo aircraft.

• Expanded warehouse and fuel farm facilities.

• Introduction of a new Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility.

• Streamlined customs and regulatory support to facilitate smoother cargo movement. Kazakhstan’s aviation regulations also offer an advantage, particularly in traffic rights.

“Kazakh airlines can use our airport as a transit point, gaining access to traffic rights that are otherwise restricted,” Ospanov noted.

“This opens up new possibilities for carriers looking for cost-effective alternatives.” Karaganda Airport Unlike many state-operated airports in the region, Karaganda is fully privately owned—a major advantage in an industry where quick decision-making and operational efficiency are crucial.

“We handle all services in-house, which means faster processes and higher quality service at competitive prices,” Ospanov highlighted. “Our jet fuel costs are significantly lower than in many European airports, making us an attractive option for carriers looking to reduce expenses.” Additionally, Kazakhstan’s air traffic control and navigation fees offer cost savings compared to other transit hubs, further increasing the airport’s appeal to global carriers. Despite its advantages, Karaganda faces competition from wellestablished cargo hubs.

“We are still relatively small compared to the giants in the industry,” Ospanov admitted. “But every major hub starts somewhere, and we are committed to building a strong foundation for long-term growth.” He acknowledged that airport infrastructure still needs investment, with plans to expand cargo facilities and improve connectivity to surrounding regions. Additionally, Kazakhstan’s regulatory environment is evolving, and Ospanov stressed the importance of collaborating with the government to create a more cargo-friendly framework.

Master plan

Karaganda Airport’s long-term vision extends beyond being just a transit hub. Ospanov revealed plans to develop a full-scale “Cargo City”, with the airport as the central logistics hub surrounded by warehousing, manufacturing, and freight-forwarding facilities. “Our master plan extends 20–30 years, ensuring that we have a structured roadmap for sustainable growth,” he explained. “We want to create a comprehensive logistics ecosystem where businesses can store, process, and distribute goods seamlessly.” • Key elements of the master plan include: • Expansion of cargo terminals and storage facilities. • Additional taxiways and fuel infrastructure. • Integration of new technologies for digitalised cargo handling.

While five years is a short time in the aviation industry, Ospanov is confident that Karaganda Airport will become a well-known name in global logistics.

“In the next five years, we won’t be competing with the biggest players, but we will have established ourselves as a key transit hub that global carriers trust,” he stated.

“We are not trying to replace traditional cargo hubs—we are offering a strategic alternative that enhances global connectivity.”

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Anastasiya Simsek

Anastasiya Simsek is an award-winning journalist with a background in air cargo, news, medicine, and lifestyle reporting. For exclusive insights or to share your news, contact Anastasiya at anastasiya.simsek@aircargoweek.com.

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