UAE's Terminals Holding to transform Astana airport into multimodal hub

ASTANA. Oct 18 (Interfax) - Kazakhstan and Terminals Holding (UAE) have signed an agreement to collaborate on the development of Astana airport as a versatile multimodal hub, Kazakhstan's prime minister said.

"The investor will conduct a thorough assessment of the airport's operations and take over management responsibilities to improve passenger service quality and overall airport efficiency," the prime minister's press service said.

The investor's primary task is to prepare the runway for reconstruction and proceed with its modernization. Considering the preparatory work required, and the short construction season, the reconstruction of the ground infrastructure is planned to begin next year.

In addition, a long-term business plan for the development of the airport will be developed, taking into account the balance of interests of the state and the company, which will serve as the basis for future investments, the report says.

Currently, Terminals Holding operates in the markets of a number of countries in Asia and Africa, including in airport management and consulting.

Kazakhstan already has connections with companies from the UAE. In February 2023, Caspian Integrated Maritime Solutions was registered, a joint venture of Kazmortransflot (a subsidiary of the national company KazMunayGas) and AD Ports Group, for transporting goods by sea.

Astana Airport is the second largest international airport in Kazakhstan after Almaty.