Aksuyek Airport

Primarily economic reasons. The airport's existence was tied to the state-funded support of the strategic uranium mining operations in the region. After the collapse of the Soviet Union, the new economic realities made maintaining and operating such a small, specialized airfield financially unviable. The centralized Soviet system that subsidized these routes was dismantled, and traffic shifted to more cost-effective ground transportation as the local road network improved over time.

The airport is completely abandoned and defunct. Satellite imagery of the coordinates confirms the presence of a single, unpaved runway in a state of significant decay. The runway surface is eroded, overgrown, and crossed by vehicle tracks, making it unusable for aircraft. Any associated infrastructure, such as a small terminal or support buildings, is presumed to be in ruins or has been dismantled. The site is inactive and is slowly being reclaimed by the surrounding desert landscape.

Aksuyek Airport was a vital transportation link for the Soviet uranium industry. Built during the Soviet era, its primary and sole purpose was to serve the uranium mines (Stepnoye and Tsentralnoye) and the associated 'secret' settlement of Aksuyek. It provided a crucial connection for this remote desert location, facilitating the rapid transport of specialized personnel, engineers, high-priority equipment, and mail. The airport primarily handled small, rugged transport aircraft capable of operating from unpaved runways, such as the Antonov An-2, and possibly light passenger aircraft like the Yak-40 or An-24 on an intermittent basis. It was essential for the logistical support of a key component of the USSR's nuclear program.

There are no known plans or credible prospects for reopening Aksuyek Airport. The current transportation needs of the local population and the active Kazatomprom mining operations are adequately met by the existing road network connecting Aksuyek to major highways. The cost to restore the runway, build modern infrastructure, and certify the airport for operations would be substantial and is not considered economically justified. For air travel, personnel and residents would use larger, established regional airports like Taraz (JMB) and travel the remaining distance by road.