Kazakhstan-China Flights Increase to 152 Weekly Under New Bilateral Agreement (2026) — What Central Asian Travelers Need to Know
Kazakhstan and China agreed to increase weekly passenger flights from 124 to 152 (+22.6%) on July 15, 2026, giving Kazakh travelers with 30-day visa-free entry more direct flight options to China.
Key takeaway
Kazakhstan and China have agreed to increase scheduled passenger flights between the two countries from 124 to 152 per week — a 22.6% increase. The bilateral aviation agreement was concluded on July 15, 2026. Kazakh citizens, who already enjoy 30-day visa-free entry to China, will benefit from more flight options, more city pairs, and potentially lower fares.
Full report
What Changed
On July 15, 2026, the Civil Aviation Committee of Kazakhstan and the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) reached an agreement to expand air connectivity by raising the cap on scheduled weekly flights from 124 to 152, according to Kazakhstan's Ministry of Transport, as reported by Qazinform and the Astana Times.
The agreement adds 28 additional weekly flights that airlines from both countries can now operate. While the specific route allocations have not yet been published, existing corridors connect Almaty, Astana, and Aktau in Kazakhstan with Beijing, Urumqi, Xi'an, Chengdu, and Guangzhou in China. The frequency bump makes room for new city pairs and additional frequencies on popular existing routes.
In parallel, aviation officials from both sides are exploring the feasibility of a third international air corridor between Kazakhstan and China, which would further expand route options and reduce airspace congestion on the two existing corridors. No timeline has been set for the third corridor, but the discussion signals continued momentum in Central Asia-China aviation ties.
This comes in the context of broader regional growth: the CAAC reported on July 16, 2026 that passenger traffic on China-Central Asia routes surged 79.8% year-on-year in the first half of 2026, making Central Asia the fastest-growing international route region for Chinese civil aviation.
What to do next
- Monitor airline announcements over the next 4-8 weeks as the 28 new weekly frequencies are allocated. 2. Check existing Kazakhstan-China routes on booking platforms like Trip.com or airline websites for current availability. 3. Set up price alerts for your preferred Kazakhstan-China city pair as increased competition may lead to fare adjustments.
What may vary
The 28 new weekly flights are a regulatory ceiling, not guaranteed schedules. Actual new flights depend on airline commercial decisions, aircraft availability, and slot allocations at both countries' airports. The third air corridor is in the study phase with no implementation date.
FAQ
When will the new Kazakhstan-China flights be available to book?
There is no fixed date. The July 15, 2026 agreement raises the regulatory cap from 124 to 152 weekly flights, but individual airlines must now apply for and receive route approvals before publishing schedules. Expect new flights to appear gradually over the next 1-3 months.
Do Kazakh citizens need a visa to enter China?
No. Kazakhstan is on China's unilateral 30-day visa-free list, extended through December 31, 2026. Kazakh passport holders can enter China for tourism, business, or transit without a visa for stays up to 30 days.
Which airlines operate Kazakhstan-China flights?
Air Astana and SCAT Airlines on the Kazakhstan side, and Air China, China Southern Airlines, and Hainan Airlines on the China side are the primary carriers. The new frequency allocations will determine which airlines launch additional services under the 152-flight cap.