Kazakhstan’s ICAO security compliance soars to 95.7%, among highest in Eurasia

Image: Civil Aviation Committee of Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan has raised its compliance level with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation security standards from 83% to 95.7%, according to the results of an ICAO audit conducted in September under the USAP‑CMA (Universal Security Audit Programme – Continuous Monitoring Approach).

The 95.7% score significantly exceeds the global average of 72.01% and the European average of 87.92%, positioning Kazakhstan among the top performers in the ICAO European and North Atlantic (EUR/NAT) region:

• Russia – 94.14%
• Belarus – 91.85%
• Georgia – 89.75%
• Kyrgyzstan – 85.76%
• Uzbekistan – 85.47%
• Azerbaijan – 74.66%

For comparison, several Middle Eastern states have achieved similarly high results:

• UAE – 98.4%
• Qatar – 96.72%
• Saudi Arabia – 94.41%

The audit assessed critical aviation security elements, including:

• Legislative framework
• Security programmes and regulations
• State authority and responsibilities
• Personnel qualification and training
• Technical guidance and security‑critical information
• Certification and approval obligations
• Quality control obligations

According to the Civil Aviation Committee of Kazakhstan, strong compliance in these areas demonstrates a high level of security at the country’s airports, enhances airline confidence, and supports Kazakhstan’s bid for ICAO Category 1 flight status – a prerequisite for launching direct flights to the United States.

The ICAO recognition reflects comprehensive aviation sector reforms undertaken since 2019, including the development of the Aviation Administration of Kazakhstan, improved specialist training, and the introduction of risk‑based oversight mechanisms. It also underscores Kazakhstan’s deepening integration into the global aviation security system.