FlyArystan Launches Direct Flights Between Astana and Yining
Kazakhstan’s FlyArystan commenced direct air services between Astana and Yining on Oct. 26, becoming the largest foreign airline operating in China’s Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region.
The inaugural service, flight FS 7989, was operated by an Airbus A320 and departed Astana International Airport at 7:55 a.m. The flight duration was two hours and 25 minutes. Upon arrival in Yining, the aircraft was greeted with a traditional water cannon salute.
The route will be served by three scheduled flights per week, operating on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays. FlyArystan President Johan Eidhagen noted that demand for direct air connections to Xinjiang was growing among business travelers, trading companies and tourists visiting the region.
The airline currently operates four direct routes between Kazakhstan and Xinjiang, linking Almaty, Astana and Aktau with Urumqi and Yining.
The introduction of the Astana–Yining service coincides with Kazakhstan’s ongoing efforts to expand its international air network. Air Astana is scheduled to introduce seasonal direct flights from Almaty to Langkawi, Malaysia, on Dec. 25, and launch flights between Astana and Bangkok on Dec. 11. These services are intended to enhance air links supporting tourism and business travel.
Photo credit: FlyArystan
