Flights to Foreign Destinations Resume at Petropavl Airport Following a Six-Year Interruption
Petropavl International Airport in Kazakhstan has resumed international passenger flights after a six-year hiatus, marking a significant milestone for the aviation and tourism sectors, as well as the North Kazakhstan Region.
The airport's infrastructure has been upgraded to meet international aviation standards, including enhanced border control and customs facilities, enabling it to handle international passenger traffic once again. This development demonstrates a major milestone for the airport and regional aviation.
SCAT Airlines, a Kazakhstani airline, operates the first resumed international charter flight to Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, using Boeing 737 aircraft every ten days. This expansion in flight options is expected to stimulate outbound tourism from North Kazakhstan, making international holiday travel more accessible and convenient for local residents.
Orbis Kazakhstan, a diversified group with assets in various sectors, has been managing the airport under a trust agreement since 2022. The company has invested over US$2.3 million in the airport, positioning it to support future growth and international connectivity.
The new direct route to Sharm el-Sheikh connects residents of North Kazakhstan directly to one of the most popular travel destinations for Kazakhstani tourists, removing the need for lengthy travel to larger airports. This direct flight option is expected to boost outbound tourism from North Kazakhstan.
The reopening of international flights is regarded as a major boost for the region, enhancing its connectivity and economic prospects. The improved airport operations and international access contribute to strengthening the region’s social and economic infrastructure, positively affecting business, tourism, and mobility.
In 2024, Petropavl International Airport served over 126,000 passengers even without international flights, showing strong existing demand that is likely to grow with new routes.
Orbis Kazakhstan took over management of the airport as part of a socially significant project to restore operations after the airport's operator certificate was revoked. The company oversees the airport's operations through a trustee representative.
The charter flight connected Petropavl with Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, a popular holiday destination for travelers from Kazakhstan. Flights on this route will operate every ten days.
The airport upgraded its infrastructure to meet international aviation standards and legal requirements. Extensive preparation preceded the launch of the new route.
Orbis Kazakhstan has invested over 1.2 billion tenge (US$2.3 million) in Petropavl International Airport since taking over management. The aircraft used for these flights will be Boeing 737.
- The investment made by Orbis Kazakhstan, a diversified company with assets in various sectors, has positioned Petropavl International Airport to support future growth and international connectivity, contributing US$2.3 million to its infrastructure.
- The charter flights operated by SCAT Airlines, a Kazakhstani airline, using Boeing 737 aircraft, connect North Kazakhstan residents directly to popular travel destinations like Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, every ten days, potentially stimulating outbound tourism.
- The resumption of international flights at Petropavl International Airport has a significant impact on the North Kazakhstan Region, enhancing its connectivity, economic prospects, and positively affecting business, tourism, and mobility, as well as the aviation and tourism sectors at large.
