SCAT Airlines launches charter service to Sharm El Sheikh from northern Kazakhstan, DKnews.kz reports.
On July 2, 2025, Petropavlovsk International Airport marked a historic moment: its first international passenger flight in six years. Operated by SCAT Airlines, the charter route connects Petropavlovsk with Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt’s iconic resort city. Flights are scheduled every 10 days and operated with modern Boeing 737 aircraft.
This relaunch is a major milestone not only for Kazakhstan’s aviation and tourism sectors but also for the North Kazakhstan Region as a whole. Petropavlovsk, the northernmost airport in the country, is once again opening its doors to the world.
Egypt — now one flight away
The route to Sharm El Sheikh wasn’t chosen by chance. Egypt remains one of the most popular travel destinations among Kazakhstani tourists. For residents of North Kazakhstan, this new service eliminates the need to travel to larger airports in other regions.
“Egypt is one of the most sought-after tourist destinations for Kazakhstani travelers. Launching this route from Petropavlovsk expands the map of direct flights available to residents of the region and reduces the need to travel to distant airports,” SCAT Airlines said in a statement.
A long road back to international status
The last international flights from Petropavlovsk were suspended in 2019. Since then, the airport has undergone major changes: its operator certificate was withdrawn, later re-issued, and management was transferred to a private operator. Infrastructure has been thoroughly renovated and upgraded.
“Restoring international air service is a major step not just for the airport, but for the entire region and the people of North Kazakhstan. Now, anyone wishing to travel abroad won’t need to go to other cities. Before launching the flight, we completed extensive preparations, including upgrades to customs and border service areas,” said Mustafa Yiltan Oktem, Acting Director of Petropavlovsk International Airport.
The airport is now fully compliant with international aviation standards, having set up new border control and customs facilities in cooperation with the National Security Committee and customs authorities.
Who made it possible?
Petropavlovsk Airport is currently under trust management by Kyzyl-Zhar International Airport LLP, under a five-year agreement signed in 2022. The operating company is managed by Orbis Kazakhstan through an authorized representative.
Orbis Kazakhstan considers the airport a socially important project. Since taking over, the holding has invested over 1.2 billion tenge into restoring the airport’s functionality. In 2024, the airport handled 126,879 passengers — a significant figure, especially after years of stagnation.
A socially responsible Kazakh holding
Orbis Kazakhstan, founded in 2001 by Kazakh entrepreneurs Farrukh and Sukhrab Makhmudov, owns and manages assets across multiple industries — including automotive, construction, machinery distribution, oilfield services, and agribusiness.
In 2024, the group posted a total turnover of $1.5 billion. Infrastructure development, particularly in aviation, is a strategic priority. The Petropavlovsk Airport is a clear example of their commitment to social investment.
What's next?
The return of international flights is just the beginning. Airport management is already working with airlines on new routes — both tourist and business-focused. Petropavlovsk’s skies are reopening, and with them, new opportunities are taking off.
For the people of North Kazakhstan, this is more than convenience. It’s a gateway to the world, offering easier travel, more business opportunities, and stronger international ties.
Petropavlovsk is flying again. And this is just the first chapter.
