Astana Expands International Air Routes with China and Uzbekistan

Kazakhstan is expanding its international air connectivity, with new routes and increased flight frequencies to China and Uzbekistan following the Central Asia-China Civil Aviation Cooperation Working Group Conference (C5+1). According to the Ministry of Transport, Kazakhstan and China signed a Memorandum of Understanding to enhance bilateral air traffic and broaden the route network. The agreement includes adding a new Chinese destination, Kulja, to the Kazakh airline network and discussing future flights to Kashgar. Kulja (also known as Yining) lies in the Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture of China’s Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, about 100 kilometers from the Kazakh border. Kashgar (Kashi), also in Xinjiang, is located approximately 455 kilometers from the border. While launch dates for flights to these cities have not yet been announced, the total number of flights between Kazakhstan and China is set to increase to 124 per week starting in 2025. SCAT Airlines has already opened three new routes this year: Shymkent-Shanghai (since May, two flights per week) Shymkent-Xi’an (since July, two flights per week) Shymkent-Ürümqi (since July, two flights per week) In addition, China Eastern Airlines began operating flights from Almaty to Guangzhou in July, with three flights per week. On August 13, a COMAC C909 aircraft flew from Urumqi to Karaganda and back, marking the first landing of the Chinese-made aircraft in Kazakhstan. During the same conference, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan’s aviation authorities also reached agreements to boost bilateral air traffic. Designated airlines may now operate up to 42 weekly flights on the Almaty-Tashkent and Astana-Tashkent routes, and up to 14 flights on other routes between the two countries. The list of permissible destinations has also been expanded. In July, Uzbekistan’s My Freighter (operating as Centrum Air) launched twice-weekly flights between Aktau and Nukus. FlyArystan began flying between began flying between Atyrau and Tashkent three times a week on July 15. “These steps are aimed at improving transport accessibility, strengthening business and cultural ties, and unlocking the tourism potential of both countries,” the Ministry of Transport stated. As previously reported by The Times of Central Asia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and other regional partners established the Eurasian Civil Aviation Conference in 2024 as a joint regulatory body to address rising passenger and cargo demand amid the decline of Russian aviation dominance.”

Air Astana to Serve Horse Meat and Baursaks to VIP Passengers

Kazakhstan’s flagship carrier, Air Astana, is introducing a new in-flight dining concept on international routes, offering business class passengers a taste of national cuisine reimagined through contemporary culinary techniques. The updated menu, available from June 2025, features dishes such as pumpkin-stuffed manty (dumplings), horsemeat tartare, and traditional desserts, part of a collaboration with the AUYL neo-nomadic cuisine restaurant and its chef, Ruslan Zakirov. Available from June, the menu also includes sweets infused with sesame, salted caramel, and balkaymak (a sweet made with camel's milk). “Our goal was to express Kazakhstan’s culture through flavor and a modern presentation,” said Zakirov, highlighting the project’s fusion of authenticity and innovation. The new offerings were tested on domestic flights during the Nauryz holiday and received overwhelmingly positive feedback, leading to their expansion to international routes. “We want passengers to feel at home, even at cruising altitude,” said Air Astana CEO Peter Foster. He added that the airline is committed to working with local producers and supporting small businesses, with plans to broaden the range of Kazakh-made products on board.  Vice President of Onboard Services Elena Obukhova noted that these initiatives enhance the airline’s cultural identity and create a unique travel experience for international guests. “It’s not just a menu, it’s Kazakhstan’s business card,” echoed Zakirov.  Beyond food, Air Astana has also updated its entertainment system. The airline now offers an expanded media library, including new movies, music, and audiobooks in Kazakh. With help from the National Library of Kazakhstan, passengers can listen to folk epics and modern interpretations of classic works. Long-haul business class passengers will also receive Moschino-branded travel kits containing cosmetics by the British brand TEMPLESPA. Cabin interiors now feature subtle elements reflecting Kazakh aesthetics. Air Astana’s efforts align with a broader shift in Kazakhstan’s tourism strategy. The Ministry of Tourism and Sports is now focusing on attracting high-spending travelers. “While growing numbers matter, quality should come first,” said Vice Minister Yerzhan Erkinbayev, who advocates for targeting tourists capable of spending $250 per day without overwhelming local infrastructure.  Kazakhstan, he added, is well-positioned to develop luxury tourism offerings, especially in its mountainous regions. Drawing on models from Barcelona, Milan, and the Alps, the country aims to build high-end infrastructure rather than pursue mass tourism. In this context, Air Astana’s gourmet in-flight service becomes more than just a culinary upgrade, it’s a strategic move to showcase Kazakhstan’s cultural sophistication and strengthen its appeal to discerning global travelers.