Senator names reason behind high airfare prices in Kazakhstan

Tengrinews.kz - Senate deputy Suindik Aldashev has raised concerns over a shortage of aviation fuel in Kazakhstan.
According to Aldashev, the country’s oil refineries are unable to meet growing demand, forcing Kazakhstan to rely on imported fuel. He stated that the current deficit is around 237,000 tons, and this figure is expected to grow to 550,000 tons by 2030.

“High airfare prices are also a concern for Kazakhstanis. Fuel makes up 36.5 percent of the ticket price, aircraft maintenance accounts for 14.9 percent, airport services 10.7 percent, and passenger services 6.1 percent. At the same time, the fuel market remains closed and non-transparent,” the senator said in his official request.

He also noted that profits from aviation fuel sales make up a significant portion of income for certain airports.

“There are airports that are not interested in allowing other players access to fuel infrastructure. This leads to high fuel prices for airlines and, consequently, higher airfare costs. Unfortunately, there is currently no transparent mechanism for fuel sales and price formation, nor is there a unified government approach to regulating the issue. There is also a lack of systematic planning in airport development. Many airports are funded by local budgets and operate at a loss. Their infrastructure is worn out, equipment is outdated, and half of the country’s airports require urgent reconstruction,” Aldashev stated.

To address the issue, the senator proposed developing an efficient and optimal management model for Kazakhstan’s civil aviation sector, increasing production at domestic oil refineries, and establishing a unified and systematic approach to ensuring airlines are supplied with aviation fuel.

“Airports need to focus on their core operations and eliminate non-core activities. Efforts should be made to boost the investment appeal of the sector and create optimal mechanisms for attracting investors,” he concluded.

Earlier, the Main Transport Prosecutor’s Office announced that airlines will now be fined for overbooking in Kazakhstan.