Experts from the United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have completed their assessment of Kazakhstan's aviation system, which is required to open direct air links between the two countries. In their preliminary findings, the specialists noted the results achieved by Kazakhstan.
WHAT THE AMERICAN EXPERTS CHECKED
According to the Ministry of Transport, the International Aviation Safety Assessment (IASA) took place from 21 to 25 September 2026. The FAA experts examined Kazakhstan's aviation legislation, regulatory documents and how the state monitors compliance with flight safety requirements.
The American side was checking not individual aircraft but the entire system of state oversight: how capable Kazakhstan's aviation authorities are of monitoring civil aviation safety and meeting international requirements.
HOW THE AIR ASTANA CHECK WENT
On 24 September, the FAA experts visited Air Astana in Astana. The airline has applied for a permit from the United States Department of Transportation (DOT), which is required to carry out commercial operations in the United States.
At the same time, the visit was not an inspection of the airline as an aviation operator. The experts came to verify the information received from the Aviation Administration of Kazakhstan (AAK).
WHAT RESULTS THE ASSESSMENT PRODUCED
On 25 September, the American specialists presented the preliminary results of the assessment. According to them, Kazakhstan has done considerable work and has demonstrated good performance in a number of areas. The experts also noted the country's political will on the issue of ensuring flight safety.
However, there are no final results yet. In accordance with FAA procedure, the agency will send an official notification to the Kazakh aviation authorities. After that, the parties will hold final consultations and discuss the necessary corrective measures.
WHAT CATEGORY 1 WILL GIVE KAZAKHSTAN
Category 1 (CAT 1) is the category the FAA assigns to countries whose system of state oversight of civil aviation safety complies with the applicable standards of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
For Kazakhstan, obtaining this category means the opportunity to move on to the next stages of opening direct air links with the United States. It will allow domestic airlines to complete the necessary procedures to enter the American market.
At the same time, Category 1 does not mean automatic permission to fly to the United States. Carriers must also meet other requirements of American legislation.
