Direct Flights Between Kazakhstan and Hong Kong Expanded to 14 Weekly

(KAZAKHSTAN, HONG KONG) Direct flights between Kazakhstan and Hong Kong are set to start before the end of 2025 after aviation officials on both sides completed talks and finalized approvals for passenger and cargo services linking Almaty and Astana with Hong Kong. The agreement, reached in September 2025, doubles permitted weekly services for each side from 7 to 14 flights, clearing the way for major carriers to publish schedules once aircraft and crews are assigned and ground handling is in place.

Kazakhstan’s Vice Minister of Transport Talgat Lastayev led the Central Asian country’s delegation, while Kelvin Ma, Assistant Secretary at Hong Kong’s Transport and Logistics Bureau, headed the Hong Kong side. Airlines poised to operate the routes include Cathay Pacific, Hong Kong Airlines, and Hong Kong Air Cargo. Cathay Pacific has confirmed plans to launch direct flights to Kazakhstan when new aircraft arrive, and Hong Kong Airlines has held talks to serve both Almaty and Astana. Officials on both sides describe the deal as part of a broader push to increase trade, tourism, and supply-chain links between the two economies.

Bilateral air services deal doubles weekly flights

Under the revised arrangement, airlines from each side can operate up to 14 weekly flights, with passenger and cargo rights fully reciprocal. Kazakhstan has also updated its Open Sky policy to remove restrictions on the Fifth Freedom of The Air.

• Fifth freedom rights allow an airline to fly between two foreign countries (for example, Hong Kong to Kazakhstan and onward to a third country) as part of a service that starts or ends in the airline’s home territory.
• Removing limits gives airlines more flexibility to plan multi-stop routes, helping fill planes and keep fares competitive.

For Hong Kong carriers, the new framework opens both Almaty and Astana with the option to connect onward to other cities in the region. For Kazakh carriers, it grants full access to Hong Kong International Airport, one of Asia’s largest hubs. Hong Kong International Airport handled about 4.9 million tons of cargo in 2024, underscoring the freight potential of the new routes.

Cargo operators expect strong demand in sectors such as:
– Electronics
– Machinery
– E-commerce
– Pharmaceuticals
– Perishables

These sectors could particularly benefit when the new air links are paired with Kazakhstan’s rail and road corridors across Eurasia.

The latest updates follow two years of wider air network growth by Kazakhstan:
– Now connects to 110 destinations in 28 countries
– Operates 567 flights per week
– Has launched or resumed 32 international routes in the past two years

Officials in Astana say the country aims to position itself as a regional aviation hub serving Central Asia, the Caucasus, and parts of Eastern Europe and Western China. Hong Kong authorities say the routes support the city’s role as a leading aviation and logistics center.

Travel and business impact: visas, cargo, and connectivity

The new direct flights will reduce total journey time and remove the need for connections in third countries. This is useful for business trips, short vacations, student travel, and family visits.

• As of April 2025, Kazakh citizens may visit Hong Kong visa-free for up to 14 days, provided they hold a valid passport and a confirmed return or onward ticket.
• Hong Kong SAR passport holders have been able to visit Kazakhstan for tourism without a visa since 2012.

Always check the latest entry conditions before travel; official guidance is available from the Hong Kong Immigration Department at this page: Hong Kong Immigration Department – Visit/Transit.

Business travelers and exporters also stand to gain:
– More weekly frequencies and full cargo rights let carriers time flights to match production cycles and sales peaks.
– Freight forwarders expect faster door-to-door times between factories in the Greater Bay Area and markets across Kazakhstan and beyond, using Almaty and Astana as gateways.
– Fifth freedom flexibility could support triangle routes—such as Hong Kong–Almaty–Europe or Hong Kong–Astana–Middle East—allowing airlines to test demand and grow capacity.

While airlines have not published inaugural dates, both sides say the first departures are planned for late 2025. The timeline reflects:
– Aircraft delivery schedules
– Crew training
– Slot confirmations
– Ground service arrangements at Almaty International Airport, Nursultan Nazarbayev International Airport (Astana), and Hong Kong International Airport

Industry watchers expect Cathay Pacific to lead with several weekly rotations, followed by Hong Kong Airlines as more planes and crews become available. Air Astana is likely to explore partnerships or codeshares to tap Hong Kong’s global network.

Passenger demand is expected from several groups:
1. Tourists from Hong Kong (nature, culture, skiing near Almaty)
2. Kazakh travelers visiting Hong Kong (shopping, dining, city breaks)
3. Business travelers (energy, mining, finance, logistics, aviation services)
4. Students and families needing direct links to schools and cultural events

Cargo growth may be even stronger:
– Hong Kong Air Cargo and other freight operators can channel high-value goods through Hong Kong’s handling facilities, pairing speed with customs efficiency.
– Kazakhstan’s location on trans-Eurasian routes allows onward distribution by air or road to neighboring markets, potentially reducing shipping times compared with longer sea journeys.

The amended Open Sky policy in Kazakhstan signals that it welcomes more carriers, more competition, and more choice. That approach often results in:
– Better schedules
– Improved on-time performance
– Lower average fares over time

It also makes it easier for airlines to test secondary city pairs and seasonal services, benefiting smaller markets that might otherwise be overlooked.

Timeline, operations, and what to watch

Officials say all required approvals are now in place, with operational planning underway. Key milestones to watch in the coming weeks and months include:

1. Airline schedule filings and slot confirmations at Hong Kong and the two Kazakh airports
2. Fleet updates, including delivery of new aircraft to Cathay Pacific and Hong Kong Airlines
3. Ground handling contracts for passenger and cargo services in Almaty and Astana
4. Safety audits, crew training, and station start-up checks
5. Commercial partnerships, including interline and codeshare deals that expand connectivity

Airlines are expected to start with a few weekly flights and then ramp up toward the allowed 14 per side as demand builds. Fifth freedom usage may begin modestly, with onward legs trialed a few times per week and scaled if load factors are strong.

Operational patterns to expect:
– Hong Kong Air Cargo could focus on night-time departures that connect with Asia–Europe freight waves.
– Passenger carriers will likely schedule daytime departures for easier connections across networks.
– Wide-body jets are likely for cargo capacity and passenger comfort, with potential belly cargo on passenger flights alongside dedicated freighters.

Practical travel tips once bookings open:
– Compare fares for nonstop and one-stop options; early nonstop prices can be competitive.
– Check baggage allowances on each airline, especially when mixing tickets.
– If connecting beyond Hong Kong or Kazakhstan, consider through-tickets to protect your journey.
– Review visa and entry rules close to departure, as policies can change with little notice.
– For multi-city trips, watch for fifth freedom sectors that may offer more convenient timings.

Tourism boards in both places are preparing marketing campaigns, including multi-lingual services and packages that pair city stays with nature trips. Kazakhstan emphasizes Almaty’s outdoor attractions and Astana’s modern architecture and event calendar. Hong Kong will promote its dining scene, heritage sites, family attractions, and easy links to nearby cities in the Greater Bay Area.

Policy outlook and broader significance

The deal leaves room for future growth. If flights fill up, the two sides can consider more frequencies or new city pairs. The framework also enables charter and seasonal lifts for peak holidays or major trade shows. Aviation officials say they will monitor performance and meet again if adjustments are needed.

Why airlines may move quickly:
– Supply chains are shifting, increasing demand for reliable air links to new markets.
– Direct services reduce transit risks and total travel time — important for urgent cargo and high-yield corporate travel.
– With Hong Kong’s cargo leadership and Kazakhstan’s Eurasian location, governments view the routes as a strategic fit for long-term economic goals.

Community benefits include:
– Easier planning of student fairs, cultural exchanges, and sports events
– Shorter trips for families visiting relatives
– Tourism recovery spreading benefits across hotels, restaurants, tour operators, and local transport

Airlines have reason to watch early performance metrics closely:
– Load factors
– Yields
– On-time performance

These figures will shape whether carriers expand toward the full 14 flights per week and beyond.

For now, the clearest signals are these: approvals are done, airline plans are active, and the goal is to take off in late 2025. Travelers and shippers waiting for nonstop options between Kazakhstan and Hong Kong should soon see seats and cargo space open for sale. Cathay Pacific, Hong Kong Airlines, and Hong Kong Air Cargo will issue schedules and fares once ready, and Air Astana may announce cooperation or partnerships to help local travelers reach Hong Kong and connect further into Asia.

If the initial phase performs as expected, the routes could become a mainstay of Central Asia–East Asia travel and trade, linking two dynamic markets with fast, reliable air service.

As bookings approach, check airline channels and official notices for the latest details.