Kazakhstan Completes Aviation Safety Review for Potential US Flights

Kazakhstan has recently completed an important aviation safety review conducted by experts from the United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The assessment, part of the International Aviation Safety Assessment (IASA) program, took place from September 21 to 25, 2026, and focused on the country's aviation safety oversight system.

Assessment Overview

The FAA team evaluated Kazakhstan's compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards. Their visit included meetings with key officials, including Kazakhstan’s Vice Minister of Transport, Talgat Lastayev, and a field visit to Air Astana, which is pursuing authorization to operate flights to the US.

Preliminary Findings

On September 25, the FAA experts presented their preliminary findings, indicating that Kazakhstan's aviation authorities have made significant progress in enhancing aviation safety. The results reflect a strong commitment to meeting international safety standards.

Next Steps

The FAA will send an official notification to Kazakhstan's aviation authorities, followed by consultations to address any necessary corrective actions. Achieving Category 1 status from the FAA would allow Kazakh airlines to initiate direct flights to the United States.

This assessment marks a crucial step in Kazakhstan's efforts to align its aviation safety practices with international standards and improve connectivity with the US.