Kazakhstan’s low-cost carrier FlyArystan announces the launch of a new international route connecting Aktau and Urumqi, continuing the airline’s strategic expansion into China and creating new opportunities for convenient and affordable travel.
The inaugural flight is scheduled for 26 June 2026. Flights will operate twice weekly, on Tuesdays and Fridays, with return flights on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
Johan Eidhagen, President and CEO of FlyArystan JSC:
“China remains one of the most promising destinations for the development of FlyArystan’s route network. We are consistently expanding our presence, making international travel more accessible and convenient for passengers from different regions of Kazakhstan, including the western part of the country, which is now gaining direct air connectivity with one of China’s key economic centers. In the current geopolitical environment, airlines are flexibly adapting their route networks in response to changes in individual markets and shifting demand dynamics. In this context, China and the Asian region overall continues to demonstrate strong potential. The Air Astana Group is steadily increasing its presence in the Chinese market: by the end of June 2026, the combined flight frequency between Kazakhstan and China operated under the Air Astana and FlyArystan brands is expected to reach around 50 flights per week. We are seeing sustained interest from both the leisure and business travel segments and continue to expand our regional network, offering passengers new travel opportunities beyond traditional seasonal destinations”.
The launch of the Aktau route complements FlyArystan’s existing network to China, including the popular Almaty – Yining service, and expands air connectivity opportunities between Kazakhstan’s regions and key economic centers in Western China. Earlier, FlyArystan also announced the resumption of flights on the Astana – Urumqi – Astana route, which will operate three times a week from 31 May 2026, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays.
Urumqi is the largest city in China’s Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region and one of the country’s major trade, logistics, and tourism hubs. The city attracts travelers with its developed infrastructure, shopping and culinary opportunities, as well as its proximity to unique natural attractions.
One-way fares on the Aktau – Urumqi route start from KZT 77,000*. Tickets are already available for booking on the official website www.flyarystan.com, via the mobile app, and through other sales channels.
The expansion of FlyArystan’s route network in China reflects the airline’s long-term strategy to develop affordable international travel, increase mobility for the population, and strengthen Kazakhstan’s role as a key aviation and transit hub in Central Asia.
*Minor fluctuations in the fare may occur depending on exchange rate changes.
The inaugural flight is scheduled for 26 June 2026. Flights will operate twice weekly, on Tuesdays and Fridays, with return flights on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
Johan Eidhagen, President and CEO of FlyArystan JSC:
“China remains one of the most promising destinations for the development of FlyArystan’s route network. We are consistently expanding our presence, making international travel more accessible and convenient for passengers from different regions of Kazakhstan, including the western part of the country, which is now gaining direct air connectivity with one of China’s key economic centers. In the current geopolitical environment, airlines are flexibly adapting their route networks in response to changes in individual markets and shifting demand dynamics. In this context, China and the Asian region overall continues to demonstrate strong potential. The Air Astana Group is steadily increasing its presence in the Chinese market: by the end of June 2026, the combined flight frequency between Kazakhstan and China operated under the Air Astana and FlyArystan brands is expected to reach around 50 flights per week. We are seeing sustained interest from both the leisure and business travel segments and continue to expand our regional network, offering passengers new travel opportunities beyond traditional seasonal destinations”.
The launch of the Aktau route complements FlyArystan’s existing network to China, including the popular Almaty – Yining service, and expands air connectivity opportunities between Kazakhstan’s regions and key economic centers in Western China. Earlier, FlyArystan also announced the resumption of flights on the Astana – Urumqi – Astana route, which will operate three times a week from 31 May 2026, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays.
Urumqi is the largest city in China’s Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region and one of the country’s major trade, logistics, and tourism hubs. The city attracts travelers with its developed infrastructure, shopping and culinary opportunities, as well as its proximity to unique natural attractions.
One-way fares on the Aktau – Urumqi route start from KZT 77,000*. Tickets are already available for booking on the official website www.flyarystan.com, via the mobile app, and through other sales channels.
The expansion of FlyArystan’s route network in China reflects the airline’s long-term strategy to develop affordable international travel, increase mobility for the population, and strengthen Kazakhstan’s role as a key aviation and transit hub in Central Asia.
*Minor fluctuations in the fare may occur depending on exchange rate changes.