Enhanced air travel frequency between Kazakhstan and Turkey will occur.
In a significant move to promote competition and provide more options for passengers, the appointment of alternative airlines on routes between Nur-Sultan, Almaty, and Istanbul has been initiated [1]. This decision comes as a response to the growing transit passenger flow from CIS countries to Turkey via Kazakhstan, due to the increasing flights between the countries [2].
The aviation authorities of Kazakhstan and Turkey have reached an agreement that will see the number of flights between the two countries increase dramatically. Flights from Nur-Sultan to Istanbul will increase from seven to 14 per week, while flights from Almaty to Istanbul will rise from 13 to 21 per week [2]. New flight routes between Istanbul Airport (IST) and multiple airports in Kazakhstan, such as Aktau (SCO), Almaty (ALA), and Nursultan Nazarbayev International (NQZ), will also be introduced [3][4].
Airlines operating these routes include Turkish Airlines, SCAT Airlines, and Air Astana, with flight frequency being daily or near-daily on these major routes [2][4]. For instance, Istanbul to Aktau is served multiple times per week by Turkish Airlines, SCAT, and Air Astana, while Istanbul to Almaty has daily non-stop flights operated by Turkish Airlines [3][4].
This expansion of flight destinations in Kazakhstan is part of the agreement between the aviation authorities of Kazakhstan and Turkey, aimed at accommodating the growing transit passenger flow from CIS countries [4]. Istanbul, being a major international hub, acts as a crucial connecting point for passengers traveling between Kazakhstan and other destinations. More frequent flights and multiple route options improve access, convenience, and reduce travel times, which is expected to boost transit traffic through Istanbul Airport and Kazakhstan’s major airports [1][4].
In addition to the increased flights between Kazakhstan and Turkey, flights from Kazakhstan to Germany will also increase in frequency starting from July [5]. This move is aimed at reducing airfare costs between Kazakhstan and Turkey, making travel more accessible for passengers [6]. It will now be possible to fly to Turkey from cities other than the capital and Almaty in Kazakhstan [7].
The President of Air Astana has provided an explanation for flight delays, while the increase in flights from Nur-Sultan to Zhanaozen is a separate development from the increase in flights between Kazakhstan and Turkey [1]. The growing demand for travel between CIS countries and Turkey is being met by the increase in flights between the countries [2].
The agreement was reported on the Ministry of Industry and Infrastructure Development's website [8]. With these developments, it appears that travel between Kazakhstan and Turkey, as well as the transit of passengers between CIS countries and other destinations, is set to become more frequent and convenient.
[1] Ministry of Industry and Infrastructure Development [2] Kazakhstan 2050 Strategic Plan [3] Turkish Airlines [4] SCAT Airlines [5] Air Astana [6] Istanbul Airport [7] Aktau Airport [8] Almaty Airport [9] Nursultan Nazarbayev International Airport
- The agreement between Kazakhstan and Turkey has led to an increase in the number of flights between Istanbul and various airports in Kazakhstan, including Aktau, Almaty, and Nursultan Nazarbayev International, providing travelers with multiple route options.
- The growing demand for travel between CIS countries and Turkey is being met by the expansion of flight destinations in Kazakhstan, which includes increased flights to Istanbul as well as new routes between Istanbul Airport and various Kazakhstan airports, improving access and reducing travel times.
