Kazakhstan ranks among the world’s top 20 countries for aviation security. According to an ICAO audit, the country achieved a 95.7% compliance rate with international standards. The figure exceeds the global average and is among the highest in Central Asia. Kazakhstan’s achievements were praised by international experts at ICAO Security Week, which is being held in Astana for the first time. The event has brought together more than 1,000 aviation industry representatives from 62 countries. ICAO Secretary General Juan Carlos Salazar is making his first visit to Kazakhstan. He noted that the country’s high aviation security standards are strengthening its position as an international transport hub.
«I can say that the high compliance of the standards position Kazakhstan very well as a central hub for cargo, as a central hub for passengers, transportation in the Eurasian region. And we encourage Kazakhstan, I was discussing with the minister, with the deputy minister, with the chairwomen from the Civil Aviation Committee, that this work should continue and that ICAO will be working together with Kazakhstan in order to maintain his high standards,» Salazar said.
Meanwhile, Kazakhstan is continuing preparations to launch direct flights to the United States. According to the Ministry of Transport, U.S. experts have already audited the country’s civil aviation system and given it high marks in their preliminary assessment. The official results are expected in November. The ministry expects to secure confirmation of compliance with U.S. aviation authorities’ requirements by the end of the year. This would mark a significant step towards establishing direct air links between the two countries as early as 2027.
«A Dreamliner is expected to arrive in December. The aircraft is capable of operating such flights. Before it can enter service, the crew and technicians need to log a certain number of flight hours on the aircraft. I believe that, if all these requirements are met, we can expect direct flights to begin next year. New York is being considered as a destination in the U.S., while Astana is our priority in Kazakhstan,» said Talgat Lastayev, Kazakh Vice Minister of Transport.
The future of aviation security was the main focus of the international forum. Experts are discussing the use of AI, the development of digital security systems and ways to counter cyber threats. Particular attention is being paid to new technologies and the protection of aviation infrastructure. The outcomes of the discussions are expected to be presented during a high-level conference at ICAO headquarters in Montreal next year.
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