The airport is undergoing renovation in Balkhash. The modernization of the airport infrastructure is expected to provide new opportunities for the development of the city and tourism. According to the plan, passenger traffic should triple from 13 thousand to 40 thousand per year.
The project consists of two main stages: the reconstruction of taxiways and aprons, as well as the overhaul of the airport terminal building and the construction of a facility for special vehicle services. Work on the first stage was completed at the end of December last year.
The builders laid two layers of concrete pavement, i.e. about 114 thousand square meters, modern lighting and signaling equipment was installed, safety strips, drainage systems and treatment facilities were installed. Since September, the renovation of the airport terminal and the construction of the special vehicle service building have been ongoing. All repair and construction work is scheduled to be completed this year.
As explained by the Department of Passenger Transport and Highways, the implementation of the project will allow increasing the airport's throughput from 60 to 80 passengers per hour, creating comfortable conditions for them and ensuring accessibility for citizens with disabilities, as well as bringing the characteristics and parameters of airport facilities in line with the practice recommended by the International Civil Aviation Organization.
In addition, the issue of the phased purchase of specialized airport equipment at the expense of budget funds to provide a full range of ground services is being worked out. First of all, it is planned to purchase the necessary special equipment: an airport fire truck, a truck tractor, a fuel tanker and a self-propelled ladder.
After all the work is completed, it is planned to expand the geography of flights from Balkhash to the cities of Shymkent, Zhezkazgan and Turkestan. The reconstruction of the airport will make flights more comfortable and affordable.
Let us recall that the need for a large-scale modernization of the airport arose a long time ago: it was built in 1967, and the last time the airport was renovated was in 2007.

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/karaganda/press/news/details/924105