Direct flight service established between Shanghai and Almaty inaugurated
China Eastern Airlines is set to launch a new direct flight between Shanghai and Almaty on July 4, 2025, marking the airline's first foray into Central Asia and an expansion of its international network. This move follows agreements reached between the Almaty city administration and China Eastern Airlines' management in February 2025 [1][2].
The new route, which is expected to complement the existing network, will increase the frequency of flights between China and Kazakhstan, which already exceed 150 flights per month on various routes. However, specific details about the frequency of the Shanghai-Almaty flights have not been explicitly stated [1][2].
The launch of this new route is significant as it aims to strengthen tourist, cultural, and business ties between Shanghai and Almaty. The city's tourism department will organise an 'Almaty Symbol as a Gift' event to mark the occasion. In addition, the increased accessibility for Chinese travellers is expected to capitalise on a surge in Chinese visitors to Almaty, with over 20,900 visitors in Q1 2025, a 39.9% increase year-on-year [1][2].
Currently, Almaty is already connected to China by direct flights to Beijing, Guangzhou, Xi'an, Urumqi, Hangzhou, and Sanya. Moreover, a Kyrgyz airline is also launching flights from Almaty to Issyk-Kul. However, information on the resumption of flights from Kazakhstan to Middle Eastern countries and a temporary closure of the runway at Astana Airport are not provided in the given text [1][2].
In summary, the launch of the new China Eastern Airlines route from Shanghai to Almaty is a strategic expansion into Central Asia, enhancing connectivity between the two cities for the first time. This move is expected to boost tourism, business, and cultural exchange, making travel between Shanghai and Almaty more accessible for Chinese travellers [1][2].
| Aspect | Details | |-----------------|-----------------------------------------------| | History | Route launched July 4, 2025; first-ever direct flight by China Eastern to Central Asia starting 2025 | | Agreements | Initiated after February 2025 agreements between China Eastern and Almaty administration | | Frequency | Not explicitly stated; will add to 150+ monthly China-Kazakhstan flights overall | | Purpose | Boost tourism, business, and cultural exchange; improve accessibility for Chinese travelers | | Passenger Growth| Almaty saw nearly 21,000 Chinese visitors in Q1 2025, +39.9% YoY |
[1] China Eastern Airlines Launches New Direct Flight to Almaty, [News Source], [Date] [2] China Eastern Airlines to Boost Ties Between Shanghai and Almaty with New Route, [News Source], [Date]
The new route from Shanghai to Almaty, initiated by China Eastern Airlines, not only marks their first venture into Central Asia but also expands their international business network. This move is anticipated to foster tourism, cultural, and business relationships, providing a more seamless finance and travel experience for Chinese tourists visiting Almaty.
