BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 19. Kazakhstan may obtain FAA Category 1 (CAT 1) status in November 2026, paving the way for direct flights to the United States, head of the Aviation Administration of Kazakhstan (AAK) Michael Daniel said during a government meeting, Trend reports via Ukimet.
According to him, experts from the US Federal Aviation Administration’s International Aviation Safety Assessment (FAA IASA) program are expected to visit Kazakhstan in September as part of the evaluation procedure.
The specialists will assess the country’s compliance with international aviation legislation and oversight standards.
“Our main goal is to obtain FAA CAT 1 status in November 2026,” Daniel said.
He noted that achieving the status requires Kazakhstan to ensure continuous oversight and control, maintain the professional qualifications of inspectors, and continue implementing international aviation standards.
According to Daniel, these measures will help Kazakhstan maintain an effective state aviation safety oversight system in line with ICAO standards and FAA requirements.
Currently, the Aviation Administration of Kazakhstan supervises 104 operators, 973 aircraft, and 25 certified airports.
Over the past year and the first quarter of 2026, authorities conducted more than 1,200 inspections. As a result of violations, operations of seven airlines, four training centers, and two service organizations were suspended or terminated.
In addition, Kazakhstan continues to modernize airport services under the “Best Airport Service” project. Airports in Karaganda, Semey, and Kyzylorda are currently undergoing a six-month passenger service modernization program.
