Kazakhstan Expands Aviation Network to Central Asia and China
In a significant move, Kazakhstan is set to expand its international flight network in 2025, with several new direct routes launched by Kazakhstani and foreign airlines. This development marks a pivotal year in Kazakhstan’s civil aviation, as the country aims to broaden its air connectivity beyond its current links with over 30 countries.
One of the key additions is the new route between Guangzhou, China, and Almaty, inaugurated by China Southern Airlines on June 25. This service operates three times a week, on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Kazakhstan is also strengthening its air ties with China, as Air Astana has launched a direct flight from Almaty to Guangzhou, adding to its existing flights to Sanya, Urumqi, and Beijing. FlyArystan has also expanded its Chinese network, reopening the Astana-Urumqi route and opening routes such as Almaty-Yining.
European cities such as Munich and Budapest are also connected to Kazakhstan through new routes, alongside new flights to Asian destinations including Shanghai, Da Nang, and Cairo. Notable additions include direct flights to New York, Tokyo, and Singapore, announced by President Qasym-Jomart Toqayev in a meeting with the ICAO President. These new destinations reflect Kazakhstan's broader strategy to enhance air mobility and open access to new global markets.
Regional cooperation is another focus, with Kazakhstan launching new flight routes to neighboring countries including Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and China. Asman Airlines, a Kyrgyz carrier, will launch direct flights from Issyk-Kul to Almaty starting June 27, operating twice a week on Mondays and Fridays. Fly Arystan, a Kazakh low-cost airline, will start its service on the same route from July 3, with flights on Thursdays and Sundays.
The expansion is supported by infrastructure upgrades, including new terminals in Almaty, Shymkent, and Qyzylorda. Almaty Airport’s capacity is increasing sixfold to handle up to 14 million passengers annually. This growing network alongside enhanced airport capacity is expected to increase competition, lower fares, and offer travelers a wider range of flight options.
However, Lufthansa has announced a temporary suspension of its flights to Kazakhstan during the 2025/26 winter season due to aircraft shortages, affecting connectivity from Frankfurt to Almaty and Astana.
The following table provides a summary of the new international flight routes launched in 2025:
| Destination | Airlines | Notes | |---------------------|-------------------|----------------------------------------------------| | New York | Kazakhstani/others| Newly announced direct flights | | Tokyo | Kazakhstani/others| Newly announced direct flights | | Singapore | Kazakhstani/others| Newly announced direct flights | | Munich, Budapest | Various | New European routes launched | | Shanghai, Da Nang, Cairo | Various | New Asian and Middle Eastern routes launched | | Guangzhou (China) | Air Astana | Direct Almaty-Guangzhou flight since March 2025 | | Urumqi | FlyArystan | Reopened Astana-Urumqi route in April 2025 | | Yining | FlyArystan | Newly opened route | | Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan | Various | New regional international flights |
In conclusion, the expansion of Kazakhstan’s international flight network in 2025 is expected to boost tourism, trade, and regional cooperation. The new routes will offer travelers more options, lower fares, and increased competition, while the infrastructure upgrades will support the growing network. However, the temporary suspension of Lufthansa flights may affect connectivity from Frankfurt to Kazakhstan.
Travelers looking to explore new destinations will find numerous options with Kazakhstan's expanded flight network in 2025, as new routes have been announced to cities such as New York, Tokyo, and Singapore. Furthermore, strengthened air ties with countries like China and Europe have resulted in an increased number of direct flights, making it easier for individuals to incorporate travel into their lifestyle.
