In 2026, the Republic of Kazakhstan will continue the consistent development of its international air connectivity. A number of new and resumed routes are planned, covering destinations in Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. The expansion of flight geography is being ensured by both domestic airlines and foreign carriers.

SCAT Airlines

SCAT Airlines is launching several new routes from Shymkent:

Shymkent – Bishkek (Kyrgyzstan) – from March 29

Shymkent – Novosibirsk (Russia) – from May 19

Shymkent – St. Petersburg (Russia) – from June 1

Shymkent – Tel Aviv (Israel) – from June 9

Air Astana

Air Astana is expanding its international network with the following routes:

Almaty – Shanghai (China) – from March 29

Astana – Guangzhou (China) – from June 2

Almaty – Larnaca (Cyprus) – from June 2 to September 5 (seasonal)

Astana – Larnaca (Cyprus) – from June 4 to September 6 (seasonal)

Almaty – Dalaman (Turkey) – during the spring–summer season

Almaty – Salalah (Oman) – from March 9

Astana – Salalah (Oman) – from March 9

In addition, the launch of an Almaty – Tokyo (Japan) route is under consideration for 2026.

FlyArystan

FlyArystan plans to launch:

Almaty – Samarkand (Uzbekistan) – from March 17

Almaty – Xi’an (China) – in June (subject to slot approval)

Aktau – Urumchi (China) – in June

There are also plans to open the Almaty – Riyadh (Saudi Arabia) route.

Foreign Carriers

Among international airlines:

LOT Polish Airlines will open the Almaty – Warsaw route from May 31.

Air Arabia (Dammam) is planning to launch the Almaty – Dammam (Saudi Arabia) service.

Royal Jordanian is considering operating the Almaty – Amman (Jordan) route.

The new routes will contribute to strengthening trade, economic, tourism, and cultural ties, as well as to Kazakhstan’s further integration into the global transport system.

The expansion of the route network forms part of a systematic effort to implement strategic objectives for the development of civil aviation, aimed at enhancing transport connectivity and reinforcing Kazakhstan’s position as a regional aviation hub.