Air Astana expands China route network

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Air Astana announces a new direct route between Almaty and Guangzhou, scheduled to launch on March 30, 2025. The new route will operate three times a week and is intended to strengthen the Kazakh airline’s presence in China. This reflects the strategic importance of the Chinese market for Air Astana.

Air Astana offers new direct connection to Guangzhou

Kazakh airline Air Astana is expanding its route network in China by launching a new direct flight from Almaty to Guangzhou from March 30, 2025. This route will be served three times a week by an Airbus A321 LR, on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays. Departure is at 8:50 p.m. from Almaty, with an arrival time of 5:45 a.m. local time the next day in Guangzhou. The return flight departs Guangzhou at 6:50 a.m. and arrives Almaty at 10:20 a.m. This strategic expansion underlines Air Astana’s efforts to continually expand its route network to China.

Importance of the Chinese market

China has always been considered a key strategic market for Air Astana, both in the business travel and leisure sectors. Air Astana CEO Peter Foster emphasizes the importance of this new route as a significant step in expanding its presence in China. Since the first connection between Astana and Beijing over 20 years ago, the airline has steadily established itself in the Chinese market and the new offer is intended to consolidate this position even further.

Guangzhou economic and cultural center

Guangzhou, located about 120 kilometers northwest of Hong Kong, is the largest industrial center in China and the world’s leading market in the textile industry. As an important economic and cultural center with over 2,000 years of history, the city not only represents a hub for trade and business for travelers, but also an exciting cultural hotspot. The new connection makes it easier for both business travelers and tourists to take advantage of the metropolis’ diverse offerings.

Visa-free access for European travelers

Travelers from Germany, Austria and Switzerland have the opportunity to enter China without a visa for a stay of up to 30 days until December 31, 2025. This visa-free regulation makes it easier for European tourists and business travelers to use Air Astana’s new offers to explore China’s economically and culturally important regions.

Air Astana is known as Kazakhstan’s leading airline, playing an important role in international air transport since its founding in 2002. With a comprehensive route network connecting Asia, Europe and the Middle East, it has won multiple awards for exceptional customer service and operational efficiency.