Kazakhstan to Launch New International Air Routes in 2026
Kazakhstan plans to open and resume multiple international air routes in 2026 while increasing flight frequencies on existing destinations, Transport Minister Nurlan Sauranbayev said at a Jan. 21 government meeting. The initiative is part of broader efforts to strengthen Kazakhstan’s position as a regional aviation hub, according to the Prime Minister’s press service.
Airlines are expected to resume or launch flights to destinations including Vienna, Tokyo, Rome, Abu Dhabi, Riyadh, Dammam, Larnaca, Amman, Shanghai, Kashgar, and Warsaw. The government also intends to increase frequencies on current international routes.
Supporting the expansion, Energy Minister Erlan Akkenzhenov announced a reduction in aviation fuel prices to enhance the competitiveness of Kazakh airports. The measure has already contributed to increased operations by international carriers such as Air Atlanta, Hungary Airlines, and One Air.
Authorities are also negotiating with major global cargo carriers, including FedEx, UPS, Cargolux, DHL, and Lufthansa Cargo, to expand Kazakhstan’s air freight transit capabilities.
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