Kazakhstan strengthens China ties with new Almaty–Shanghai flights in 2026

Kazakhstan is expanding its air links with China. From March 2026, Air Astana will launch a new route connecting Almaty and Shanghai. The move aims to boost trade, tourism, and business ties between the two countries.

The Ministry of Transport of Kazakhstan announced the new service on Tuesday. Air Astana will operate three weekly flights on the Almaty–Shanghai route, departing every Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday. This addition will raise the total number of weekly flights between Kazakhstan and China from 81 to 84.

The route is designed to strengthen economic cooperation and increase tourist numbers. Officials expect the new connection to encourage business travel and trade growth. Currently, no airline operates regular flights between Astana and Balkhash, leaving Almaty as a key hub for international connections.

Flights will begin on March 29, 2026. The schedule will provide more options for travellers moving between Central Asia and China.

The expanded air service will offer three new weekly flights. It follows ongoing efforts to deepen transport links between Kazakhstan and China. The route is set to support economic and tourist exchanges starting next year.