Kazakhstan and Hong Kong agree to launch direct flights in early 2027

Image: Cathay Pacific

Affirming commitment to growing Hong Kong’s connectivity with Belt and Road countries, Cathay Pacific is planning to launch direct scheduled passenger flights to Almaty, Kazakhstan’s commercial and cultural capital, in the first quarter of 2027.

The announcement was made today, June 2, during a meeting between the Prime Minister of Kazakhstan, Olzhas Bektenov, and the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) John Lee Ka-chiu.

The airline plans to operate three flights per week using an Airbus A330-300 widebody aircraft.

Attending a ceremony, Cathay Pacific’s Chief Customer and Commercial Officer, Lavinia Lau said: “Central Asia is a strategically important Belt and Road region that offers ample business opportunities. As Hong Kong’s home hub carrier, Cathay has aligned interests with the HKSAR Government in strengthening our connectivity with this emerging market.

“As we celebrate ’80 Years Together’ with our home city, we are excited to build on that momentum by announcing plans to operate direct flights between Hong Kong and Almaty, our first ever destination in Central Asia, fostering new opportunities for people, cargo and capital flow with this dynamic region.”

Kazakhstan’s Air Astana served an Almaty-Hong Kong route before, but suspended it in 2020 due to Covid.

Currently, Cathay Pacific and its low-cost subsidiary, HK Express, operate nearly 600 return flights per week to 33 Belt and Road destinations.

Notably, in the autumn of last year, the Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) also signed a memorandum of cooperation with another Kazakhstani aviation hub—Shymkent.

CentralAsia+ Aero earlier reported: Second Kazakhstan airport passes international IATA safety audit.

CentralAsia+ Aero earlier reported: Almaty Airport implements digital system for dangerous goods inspection.

CentralAsia+ Aero earlier reported: Turkish Airlines suspends 18 international destinations, including Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan.