Kazakhstan and China increase scheduled passenger flight quota by over 20%

Image: Almaty Airport

Kazakhstan and China have agreed to increase the maximum number of scheduled passenger flights between the two nations by over 20%. The decision was reached following negotiations between aviation authorities in Beijing last week and is set to create additional opportunities for further expansion of air connectivity amid rapidly growing demand.

Under the agreements, the weekly bilateral quota for scheduled passenger flights has been increased from 124 to 152 flights—a 22.6% boost. Furthermore, the list of Chinese destinations available to airlines serving Kazakhstan has been expanded to 11 cities with the addition of Chongqing.

According to Kazakhstan’s Civil Aviation Committee (CAC), the parties also discussed the launch of direct flights between Astana and Shanghai—China Eastern Airlines prepares Autumn launch for thrice-weekly route—as well as the establishment of a third international air corridor between Kazakhstan and China.

The new air corridor is expected to increase airspace capacity, optimize routing, relieve traffic pressure on existing airways, and create favorable conditions for continued growth in cross-border air transport.

Passenger traffic growth between Kazakhstan and China is currently among the most dynamic in the region. According to OAG data, airlines are offering approximately 1.09 million seats two-way on routes between the two nations during the Summer 2026 schedule—a 49.3% increase compared to the same period last year.

Relative to Summer 2023, market capacity has expanded nearly sixfold from roughly 191,000 seats.

CentralAsia+ Aero earlier reported: Air China enters Kyrgyzstan market with Beijing–Bishkek service.

CentralAsia+ Aero earlier reported: Tbilisi connected by direct flights with China’s largest city.

CentralAsia+ Aero earlier reported: Kazakhstan reforms air accident investigation system, bringing it closer to ICAO standards.