Direct flights from Astana, Kazakhstan to Milan will commence shortly.
Kazakhstan and Italy bolster air traffic links for transport collaboration, Vice Minister of Transport Talgat Lastayev stated during the Italy-Kazakhstan Supply Chain Forum on May 28, coinciding with the Astana International Forum (AIF).
On July 13, 2024, an Italy-operated Neos flight touched down in Astana, with additional flights scheduled last year in anticipation of increased demand. A direct Almaty-Milan flight is already operational, with an imminent launch of the Astana-Milan route.
Lastayev emphasized Kazakhstan's strategic advantage due to its geographical position between Europe and Asia. The country has been growing its infrastructure and participating in international projects, such as the European Union's initiative to develop the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR) or the Middle Corridor.
"I see this corridor as an opportune choice to serve as an alternative route for transporting goods from China to Europe, particularly via our country," Lastayev observed.
Around $50 billion is anticipated to be invested in the transport sector, with invitations extended for Italian companies to tap the nation's competencies, superior quality, and advanced technologies, and establish a conducive environment for investment and free economic zones.
Ten agreements were signed during the business forum in Astana, with trade turnover between Kazakhstan and Italy reaching nearly $20 billion in 2024.
The expansion of air traffic between Kazakhstan and Italy is driven by the burgeoning bilateral trade—with Italy being a top five EU investor in Kazakhstan—and the strategic importance of the TITR for linking Central Asia with Europe. The growing volume of European-Asian air traffic also bodes well for air connectivity between the two countries.
- The expansion of air traffic between Kazakhstan and Italy is not only driven by the burgeoning bilateral trade, but also by the strategic importance of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR) for linking Central Asia with Europe.
- With the anticipated investment of around $50 billion in the transport sector, and the TITR serving as an opportune choice for an alternative route for transporting goods from China to Europe, there seems to be a promising future for a lifestyle that blends finance, business, and travel between Kazakhstan and Italy.
