Air Astana Launches Twice-Weekly Flights from Astana to Guangzhou, Strengthening Business, Tourism Growth and Cultural Ties Between Kazakhstan and China

As part of its strategic plans to improve connectivity between Kazakhstan and China, Air Astana will launch twice-weekly flights from Astana – now called Nur-Sultan – to Guangzhou, effective 2nd June 2026. The new route adds to the airline’s services between Almaty and Guangzhou launched in March 2025, reflecting Air Astana’s continuing support for growing business, tourism, and cultural links between the two countries.

Air Astana has been increasingly expanding its presence in China, with flights to Beijing and Urumqi, adding to its forthcoming Shanghai route from Almaty at the end of March 2026. Such efforts further solidify the airline’s commitment to increasing travel opportunities for passengers and its position as a major player in connecting Kazakhstan with China and beyond.

New Flights Drive Business and Cultural Exchange Between Kazakhstan and China

The launch of the Astana-Guangzhou route is a pivotal move in enhancing business and tourism ties between Kazakhstan and China. Guangzhou, known for its vibrant economy, historical landmarks, and cultural richness, has long been a critical city in China’s Pearl River Delta. Now, with the introduction of direct flights from Astana, it becomes easier for travelers from Kazakhstan to access Guangzhou’s growing commercial and tourism opportunities.

The route also helps increase Kazakhstan’s global reach as a tourism destination. Kazakhstan, with its expansive landscapes, ancient cities, and UNESCO World Heritage sites, continues to attract more international visitors. The direct flights from Astana to Guangzhou will not only support business travel but also serve as a gateway for Chinese tourists seeking to explore Kazakhstan’s cultural heritage, such as Astana’s modern architectural marvels, Almaty’s natural beauty, and the ancient Silk Road cities.

By offering easy access to Kazakhstan, this new route can stimulate tourism growth, benefiting local economies in Astana and Guangzhou, while promoting cultural exchange between the two nations.

Increased Connectivity Fosters Tourism and Economic Growth

The new service directly benefits both Kazakhstani and Chinese tourism industries. For Kazakhstan, it will help attract more Chinese tourists eager to visit the country’s tourist attractions, while Kazakhstani travelers can enjoy easier access to Guangzhou’s thriving economy, historic landmarks, and vibrant cultural scene. Air Astana’s route will also encourage tourism-related spending, creating new opportunities for hotels, restaurants, tour operators, and retailers in both countries.

In Kazakhstan, the growing number of international flights, including the new route to Guangzhou, positions the country as an increasingly important tourism hub in Central Asia. For China, the enhanced connectivity to Astana and Almaty offers a direct bridge to explore the rich cultural landscape of Kazakhstan and beyond, further integrating the two countries’ tourism industries.

Moreover, as business travelers look to expand in China, the improved access to Guangzhou, an economic powerhouse and trading hub, will enhance trade relations, particularly in the fields of technology, finance, and manufacturing.

Affordable Travel Options to Foster Tourism Demand

Air Astana’s competitive pricing makes it easier for travelers to take advantage of the new direct flights from Astana to Guangzhou. Round-trip fares start from US$508 in Economy Class and US$1,688 in Business Class, offering travelers an affordable and high-quality option for both business and leisure travel. This affordability will play a key role in boosting demand for the route, making Kazakhstan and China more accessible for travelers across different budgets.

For the growing number of Chinese tourists interested in exploring Kazakhstan’s natural beauty, the lower travel costs will make this journey more accessible, ultimately contributing to a rise in tourism numbers. Likewise, the affordable fares will encourage Kazakhstani travelers to explore Guangzhou, benefitting the Chinese tourism industry as well.

Strengthening Kazakhstan’s Role as a Regional Hub

With this new route, Air Astana continues to bolster its regional hub status in Central Asia, offering enhanced connectivity to key Asian markets. The Astana-Guangzhou flight not only strengthens Kazakhstan’s aviation network but also increases travel options for people transiting through Kazakhstan on their way to other parts of Asia and Europe.

Air Astana is enhancing its position as a major transit hub, supporting the Kazakhstan government’s goal of positioning the country as a key player in global trade and tourism. This new route will make it easier for international passengers to connect to Kazakhstan and further expand the country’s presence in Asia-Pacific and beyond.

Air Astana’s Role in Expanding Connectivity

Air Astana’s expansion into China reflects the airline’s ongoing commitment to fostering global tourism and enhancing connectivity between Kazakhstan and its international partners. With an already well-established network to Beijing and Urumqi, and the addition of Shanghai flights at the end of March 2026, Air Astana is strengthening its presence across China while contributing to the growth of Kazakhstan’s tourism industry.

The airline’s decision to launch the Astana-Guangzhou route exemplifies Kazakhstan’s growing influence on the global aviation scene, helping bring Kazakhstan closer to one of the world’s largest economies. This increased connectivity encourages both business and leisure travel to flourish, fostering a positive impact on the local economies and tourism sectors of both countries.

Boosting Travel and Tourism Between Kazakhstan and China

The recent launch of the Astana-Guangzhou air route marks an important milestone in the developing tourism relationship between Kazakhstan and China. By introducing a more convenient travel option, Air Astana is certainly contributing to the development of tourism and business travel on the one hand and to the strengthening of Kazakhstan’s position as a significant global travel hub on the other. All these measures represent an important step towards the development of a more connected and more dynamic tourism landscape between Kazakh and Chinese citizens.

Image Source: Air Astana

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