Astana's second airport - minister reveals exactly where it could be built

Tengrinews.kz — The Ministry of Transport has identified a priority location for the construction of Astana’s second airport. Transport Minister Nurlan Sauranbayev shared this update during a government briefing, reports our correspondent.
Journalists asked the minister whether a site for the capital's second airport has already been determined, who the potential investors might be, and what construction timelines are being considered.
According to Nurlan Sauranbayev, two main locations are currently under consideration.

"The priority site is in the direction of Balkaragay. The final decision will be made after the feasibility study. The work is not yet complete. There are two main locations, and one of the primary options is toward Balkaragay," the minister reiterated.

He also addressed questions regarding potential investors and the project's cost. Sauranbayev noted that building a major airport requires significant investment and a strategic technological partner.

"Modern airports are large-scale projects requiring substantial investment. We are currently in the process of selecting a partner. We need both a technological partner capable of building major airports and an investment partner," he noted.

The minister added that the project is being managed by the Astana Akimat (city administration).

"Negotiations are currently underway. This project is with the Astana Akimat, and they are in talks with several companies. I cannot disclose specific details of the negotiations at this time," Sauranbayev said.

Context
It was previously reported that Astana authorities were considering several potential sites for the new airport. Mentioned options included the Kosshy district, as well as locations along the Karaganda and Pavlodar highways. At that time, Deputy Akim Ersin Otebayev stated that while the final location had not been chosen, the city's rapid growth makes a second airport a necessity.
In March, Vice Minister of Transport Talgat Lastaev reported that a working group led by the Astana Akimat had been established for the project. According to him, experts are evaluating various options, as the site selection process must account for a wide range of parameters.
The discussion surrounding a second airport intensified following statements by Astana Akim Zhenis Kassymbek. He noted that the city's master plan includes reserved land for the possible construction of an additional airport. Subsequently, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev instructed the government to study the proposal.