AGP Executive Report

Airport Tech & Passenger Flow: Treva, an app-based “super app” for the full airline journey (fast-track, lounges, transfers, terminal navigation and updates), has launched in Türkiye and plans to expand into Kazakhstan and Georgia. Aviation Connectivity: flydubai and Cyprus Airways announced a new interline agreement via Dubai, giving one-itinerary access to destinations including Almaty and Astana. Tourism Growth in the Capital: Astana is being showcased at ITB China 2026, highlighting 1.6mn tourists in 2025 and a push for more B2B meetings to grow MICE travel. Eid Travel & Culture: Eid al-Adha celebrations drew crowds across Kazakhstan, with visitors flocking to mosques and public spaces for prayers and community events. Visa-Friendly Travel: Sri Lanka waived entry fees for citizens of 40 countries (including Kazakhstan) for up to 30 days, with an ETA still required—good news for regional travelers. Digital Air Mobility: A2Z Drone Delivery partnered with Alatau Advance Air Group to support Kazakhstan’s Alatau City urban air mobility test plans, including drone logistics and vertiport infrastructure. Regional Spotlight: Kazakhstan’s Mangistau region continues to attract travelers with remote, ancient-landscape nature trips, including Bozzhyra’s “Fangs” canyon views.

Tourism Boost: Astana is showcasing strong growth at ITB China 2026, with the city welcoming 1.6 million tourists in 2025 and highlighting its expanding hotel base and MICE business travel momentum. New Routes & Connectivity: Azerbaijan Airlines will launch direct Shymkent–Baku flights from June 16 (twice weekly), while flydubai and Cyprus Airways are rolling out an interline deal via Dubai that adds smoother one-stop access to Astana and Almaty. Air Mobility in the Making: A2Z Drone Delivery has partnered with Alatau Advance Air Group on Kazakhstan’s Alatau City urban air mobility program, tied to the new UAM Test Center Eurasia. Regional Travel Demand: Kyrgyzstan has joined the Alipay+ international QR network, making cross-border payments easier for tourists and travelers. Culture & Travel Spotlight: A Kazakhstan “Tourism Ambassador” award went to Chinese horse influencer Tao Mingxiu, whose Kazakhstan trips and posts have drawn huge online attention. Eid al-Adha in Kazakhstan: Eid celebrations included visits to livestock markets in Almaty, reflecting how holiday traditions shape local travel experiences. Big Diplomatic Moment: Putin’s state visit to Kazakhstan (May 27–29) is expected to include cooperation topics that also touch tourism and people-to-people ties.

State Visit & EAEU: Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in Kazakhstan for a May 27–29 state visit, with talks expected to focus on trade, energy and regional integration alongside the Eurasian Economic Union summit in Astana. Diplomatic Protocol: Kremlin officials say the visit is timed to highlight the “unprecedentedly high” level of Russia–Kazakhstan ties, with leaders meeting for one-on-one talks and an informal lunch. Tourism Policy Push: Kazakhstan is stepping up tourism development via a new coordination council and an updated action plan through 2029, targeting better infrastructure, investment, products and international promotion. Aviation Connectivity: flydubai and Cyprus Airways launched an interline agreement feeding passengers via Dubai, including one-stop access to Almaty and Astana. New Routes: Azerbaijan Airlines will start direct Shymkent–Baku flights from June 16 (twice weekly). Regional Payments for Travelers: Kyrgyzstan rolled out international Alipay+ QR payments, already working in Kazakhstan and Malaysia, to simplify tourist and business spending. Travel Inspiration: Mangistau is spotlighted for its remote, ancient-ocean landscapes and iconic sites like Bozzhyra.

MMA Spotlight: Omar Solomanov steps into the main event of BRAVE CF 105 in Almaty on Sunday, aiming to become the undisputed featherweight champion when he faces Nicholas Hwende for the vacant title at Baluan Sholak Sports Palace. Tourism Push: Kazakhstan’s tourism drive stays front and center, from Shymkent residents packing documentary screenings to a fresh focus on Mangistau’s “raw wilderness” and Bozzhyra’s iconic “Fangs.” Aviation Boost: New connectivity keeps stacking up—Azerbaijan Airlines launches Shymkent–Baku direct flights June 16, and SunExpress adds Izmir–Almaty direct service from July 31. Rail Freight Leap: KTZ is planning a major China–EU freight expansion, with $10bn earmarked for infrastructure by 2030 and more Caspian shipping capacity. Eid Atmosphere: President Tokayev congratulated Kazakhstanis on Eid al-Adha as local communities prepare for the holiday. Regional Context: Putin’s upcoming Kazakhstan visit is set to coincide with EAEU summit talks, with Armenia’s EU ambitions expected on the agenda.

Putin’s Kazakhstan State Visit: Vladimir Putin is arriving in Astana for a three-day state visit, with Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov saying the unusually high-level ties are behind the protocol shift. Leaders are set to meet one-on-one and sign 16 documents spanning energy, finance, healthcare, and tourism. Diplomatic Passports Update: Kazakhstan has updated rules for issuing diplomatic and official passports, clarifying which officials qualify and allowing the Foreign Ministry—coordinating with the President—to issue passports outside the main list. Middle East Travel Risk Watch: Iran condemned fresh U.S. strikes as ceasefire talks stay fragile, while the U.S. says its “self-defense” actions targeted mine-laying boats and missile sites near the Strait of Hormuz—an issue that can quickly ripple into flight schedules and fuel prices. Regional Mobility: Uzbek outbound travel surged in early 2026, with Kazakhstan ranking third among destinations. Air Connectivity: Direct Izmir–Almaty–Izmir flights are set to start July 31, twice weekly through October. Tourism Push: Almaty’s Superski project is framed as a mountain-cluster plan balancing access, safety, and environmental limits.

Almaty Superski Push: Kazakhstan’s tourism ministry says the Almaty Superski plan is about more than lifts—it’s a mountain-cluster strategy focused on access, visitor safety, and protecting the Zailiyskiy Alatau environment, with strict ecological rules and monitoring to keep development and nature moving together. New Wellness Stay at Issyk-Kul: A major year-round five-star Kazakhstan health resort is under construction near Issyk-Kul, aiming to open this November with up to 180 guests, a medical center, pools, sports areas, and rehab treatments like mud and hydrotherapy. Gambling Zones Expand: Kazakhstan is adding new gambling zones—on the Caspian coast, Zaysan, Markakol—and allowing casinos in Alatau from July 1, marking a shift toward more urban entertainment hubs. Sports Tourism Boost: Astana has been confirmed to host the 2026 Wrestling World Championships at Barys Arena, after the event was moved from Bahrain. Travel Policy Ripple: Kazakhstan’s tourism story also intersects with regional visa moves—Sri Lanka just launched a free 30-day ETA for citizens of 40 countries, including Kazakhstan.

Kazakhstan-Russia Diplomacy: President Vladimir Putin will begin a three-day state visit to Kazakhstan on Wednesday (May 27–29), with talks expected to focus on deepening the strategic partnership and alliance ties as the Eurasian Economic Forum runs May 28 and the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council meets May 29. Resort Boom at Issyk-Kul: A new five-star Kazakhstan health resort is under construction at Issyk-Kul, aiming to open this November with year-round wellness, a medical center, mineral-and-freshwater pools, and rehab programs—mud therapy, hydrotherapy, physiotherapy, and more—plus about 260 jobs. Sports on the Move: United World Wrestling has confirmed Astana as host of the 2026 Wrestling World Championships at Barys Arena, after the event was shifted from Bahrain. Tourism Tech & Travel Ease: Kazakhstan’s name also appears in Sri Lanka’s new free 30-day Electronic Travel Authorisation list for 40 countries starting May 25.

Aviation Push: Kazakhstan’s Prime Minister has told Air Astana to open Astana links to New York and Tokyo by year-end, with more European connections planned for 2027—though sanctions and airspace limits could affect timing. Urban Air Mobility: Kazakhstan is drafting rules for air taxis and urban air mobility after eVTOL test flights in Alatau City, with vertiports and infrastructure work targeted through 2028. Tourism Safety: Almaty mountaineering groups are urging tighter controls as more unprepared hikers hit peaks—mandatory route registration is being considered. Connectivity Boost: flydubai and Cyprus Airways launched a new interline deal via Dubai, listing Astana among the onward destinations. Environment Watch: Kazakhstan’s Caspian shoreline continues to shrink, with scientists warning livelihoods in Aktau are already being reshaped. Sports & Culture: Astana is set to host the 2026 World Wrestling Championships, and Turkistan’s culture-and-arts workers were honored.

Aviation Push: Kazakhstan is moving closer to new long-haul routes as Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov urged Air Astana to open flights from Astana to New York and Tokyo by year-end, with more European links planned for 2027—though sanctions and airspace limits remain a key constraint. Urban Mobility: In Alatau City, Kazakhstan has carried out test flights for electric eVTOL air taxis and is drafting the rules for air taxis and urban air mobility, including vertiports and eVTOL trials. Capital Transport Upgrade: Astana has launched its light rail transit system, adding a long-awaited rail option to daily commuting. Tourism Safety: Almaty’s mountain authorities are debating mandatory registration for hikers as social-media-driven hiking surges bring more unprepared visitors into risky terrain. Wildlife & Environment: Kazakhstan’s Syrdarya-Turkistan park says its Bukhara deer restoration has grown from 6 animals in 1999 to 319 today, while the Caspian Sea’s shrinking shoreline continues to threaten ports and livelihoods.

Astana Light Rail Launch: Kazakhstan’s capital has officially opened the first phase of its light rail transit system, a long-awaited upgrade to city mobility. Golden Horde Storytelling: Astana is also hosting a UNESCO-patroned symposium on the Golden Horde, as President Tokayev pushes a deeper, post-Soviet national narrative—while warning against politicizing history. Air Taxis & Urban Air Mobility: Kazakhstan is drafting rules for eVTOL air taxis, with test flights in Alatau City and plans for vertiports by 2028. Wildlife Win: The Syrdarya–Turkistan park says its Bukhara deer restoration has grown from 6 animals in 1999 to 319 today. Travel Connectivity: flydubai and Cyprus Airways launched an interline deal that routes passengers via Dubai to destinations including Astana and Almaty. Regional Context: UWW moved the 2026 World Wrestling Championships from Bahrain to Astana, citing travel and geopolitical uncertainty.

Aviation Policy Push: Kazakhstan is moving fast on next-gen flying—test flights of electric eVTOL “air taxis” have been run in Alatau City, while the Transport Ministry drafts rules for air taxi services, urban air mobility, and plans for vertiports and eVTOL testing. New Route Momentum: Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov has urged Air Astana to open direct links from Astana to New York and Tokyo by year-end, with more European connections targeted for 2027. Connectivity Boost via Dubai: flydubai and Cyprus Airways launched an interline deal that lets passengers connect through Dubai International to Kazakhstan cities including Astana (plus Almaty listed in the network). Culture & Tourism Spotlight: Turkistan honored culture and arts workers, while Astana is set to host the 2026 World Wrestling Championships at Barys Arena. Environment Watch: Kazakhstan’s Caspian shoreline continues to shrink, already reshaping livelihoods around Aktau.

Air Mobility Push: Kazakhstan is drafting rules for air taxis and urban air mobility after eVTOL test flights in Alatau City, with plans for vertiports and six sites targeted for construction by 2028. New Route via Kazakhstan: Vietjet Air will launch the first regular Prague–Hanoi service from 10 October 2026, twice weekly, with a stopover in Almaty. Connectivity Boost: flydubai and Cyprus Airways have signed an interline deal, letting passengers connect through Dubai to destinations including Astana and Almaty. Visa Policy Ripple: Thailand is restoring 30-day visa-free stays for many travelers, and Kazakhstan is expected to return to normal visa requirements under the revised rules. Tech on the Move: O! (Nur Telecom) has launched 5G roaming for travelers in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. UFO Buzz (Global, not Kazakhstan): the Pentagon released another batch of declassified UFO files, including fresh accounts from U.S. intelligence and NASA-era reports.

UFO Files Drop: The Trump administration released a new batch of declassified UAP records, including chilling accounts from NASA and U.S. military sources—plus fresh Apollo 12 “streaks of light” audio that NASA says came from internal vision effects. Mobile Connectivity: Kyrgyz operator O! (Nur Telecom) launched 5G roaming for travelers in Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and select countries. Kazakhstan–China Air Links: FlyArystan marked its first year of the Yining–Almaty route (43,000+ passengers) and plans more frequency in 2026. Kazakhstan–Kenya Push: Kazakhstan and Kenya signed major cooperation deals after landmark talks, with IT, transport, space and tourism on the agenda. Health Travel Alert: Kazakhstan’s MFA issued guidance for Ebola-related travel risks in Africa. Astana Transit Milestone: Astana’s light rail is now operating, with residents already lining up for rides. Tourism Inspiration: Kyrgyzstan’s new climate-ready Ak Ilbirs ecological corridor is designed to protect snow leopards while keeping herding possible.

Visa Shock for Travelers: Thailand has cut visa-free stays for 90+ countries, including the U.S., South Africa and Seychelles, citing crime and illegal work concerns—while Kazakhstan travelers should watch for Ebola-related advisories before booking. Ebola Alert: Kazakhstan’s MFA urged citizens to factor in the Ebola situation in parts of Africa and follow safety guidance. Astana–Kenya Push: President Tokayev and Kenya’s Ruto signed new cooperation deals in ICT/e-government, transport, agriculture, finance, tourism and more, with talk of a Kazakhstan–Kenya Business Council and possible direct flights. Tourism Momentum: Tajikistan reported strong early-year growth—439,400 entries in Q1 2026 (+20.9%); meanwhile Kazakhstan is gearing up for summer with upgraded resort safety and transport. New Routes: Prague is set to get its first direct flight to Hanoi via Vietjet, with an Almaty technical stop. Big 2027 Sport: Astana will host the ITTF World Table Tennis Championships (May 22–30, 2027).

Kazakhstan–Kenya Summit: Presidents Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and William Ruto wrapped landmark talks in Astana, agreeing to deepen trade and launch joint projects in transport, agriculture, industry, IT and tourism—plus exploring regular direct flights. Tokayev also pushed for a Kazakhstan–Kenya Business Council and a Kenyan trade hub idea to give Nairobi access to the Eurasian market. Travel Safety: Kazakhstan’s MFA issued an Ebola-related travel advisory, urging citizens to monitor the sanitary situation in African destinations, follow personal safety steps, and seek medical help if symptoms appear. Tourism Push: Kazakhstan is gearing up for summer with upgraded resort and transport infrastructure and added safety measures. New Routes on the Horizon: Air taxi plans are moving forward, with possible passenger/cargo services between Alatau–Almaty–Konayev discussed for later testing phases. Regional Context: Kyrgyzstan tightened rules by banning motorized vehicles in recreational zones.

Tourism Pulse: Kazakhstan’s travel scene gets a fresh boost from pop-culture and practical planning at once: BBC’s Race Across the World contestants keep spotlighting Kazakhstan rail routes, while the wider region eyes new demand drivers like monsoon-season travel markets. Diplomacy & Deals: The biggest Kazakhstan headline is the arrival of Kenya’s President William Ruto in Astana for a two-day state visit, with both sides signing agreements across ICT, e-government, transport, tourism, mining, finance, climate action and space tech—and Kazakhstan backing a Kenyan trade hub in the republic to open Eurasian market access. Aviation Watch: Air taxi plans in Alatau are real but delayed—commercial service is unlikely before 2029. Health & Safety: Kazakhstan’s Health Ministry issued Ebola travel precautions for citizens heading to Africa. Rail & Routes: Kazakhstan’s connectivity story continues in the region, with renewed rail momentum across the wider corridor network.