Aktobe Region launches new air routes to cut travel times in 2023

Aktobe Region plans to launch flights to Irgiz, Shalkar, and Bozoi as early as this year, with an additional route to Bayganin District under consideration, Liter.kz reports, citing Diapazon.

The new air services will serve not only passenger transport but also medical evacuation, cargo deliveries, agricultural aviation, and environmental monitoring.

Flights will cut travel time from 8–10 hours by road to just 40–90 minutes. Authorities intend to subsidize the project to make airfares affordable for residents. The initiative aims to reduce interdistrict travel times, improve access to healthcare, boost tourism, and stimulate business activity. Additionally, the project is expected to create over 200 jobs and deliver broader economic benefits to the region. Funding discussions are currently underway.

"Plans include establishing a unified low-cost operator for regional routes, using a standardized fleet of small aircraft—each seating around 19 passengers—capable of operating on short runways," said Marat Dautaliyev, head of the Civil Aviation Subcommittee at the Atameken National Chamber of Entrepreneurs. "Initially, the network will connect Aktobe with Shalkar, Irgiz, and Bozoi."