Kazakhstan and China to Increase Flights to 152 per Week

At talks in Beijing on July 15, the aviation authorities of Kazakhstan and China agreed to expand air service: the quota for scheduled passenger flights will grow from 124 to 152 per week, the Civil Aviation Committee reports.

Key agreements:

1. The list of Chinese cities open to flights from Kazakhstan has been expanded to 11, with the addition of Chongqing, one of the country’s largest industrial and logistics hubs.
2. Direct Astana–Shanghai flights are under discussion, including services operated by Chinese carriers.
3. The parties agreed to establish a third air corridor between the two countries — it will relieve the existing routes and shorten travel time.
4. The allocation of airport slots (departure and arrival times) to Kazakhstani airlines in China was discussed separately.

What this means for travel managers. China is one of the most challenging destinations in corporate travel: seats run short in high season, fares keep rising, and the alternative is a connection in Urumqi or Beijing at the cost of a full working day. A nearly one-quarter increase in the quota means more seats — and, once competition emerges on the routes, calmer prices. Direct access to Chongqing matters most to companies in manufacturing and logistics, which today reach the city with at least one connection.

New frequencies usually go on sale two to three months before launch. If your company runs regular business trips to China, it is worth reviewing your usual routings as early as this autumn — connections may no longer be necessary.

Do your employees fly to China, and what is missing on this route? Share your thoughts in the comments.