FAA Begins Safety Review in Kazakhstan for 2025 U.S. Direct Flights
The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has initiated an International Aviation Safety Assessment (IASA) in Kazakhstan, marking a crucial step towards establishing direct flights between Kazakhstan and the United States by the end of 2025. This assessment is a significant milestone in enhancing the country’s aviation standards and expanding its global connectivity.
The Kazakhstan Civil Aviation Committee has confirmed that FAA representatives are currently conducting a thorough technical review to evaluate the effectiveness of Kazakhstan’s aviation authorities in maintaining and overseeing flight safety. This review is a key component of the IASA process, which aims to ensure that a country’s civil aviation system meets the rigorous safety standards required for direct flights to the U.S.
As part of this assessment, FAA experts are performing a comprehensive analysis of Kazakhstan’s civil aviation infrastructure, including regulatory frameworks, operational practices, and safety oversight capabilities. The assessment also includes a technical visit to Air Astana, Kazakhstan’s national airline, which is a critical player in the potential launch of direct flights to the U.S.
Air Astana is currently gearing up to receive its first Boeing 787 aircraft, with deliveries set to begin in 2025. According to data from CAPA – Centre for Aviation, the airline has orders for three Boeing 787-8s and one 787-9, which will likely play a pivotal role in operating long-haul routes to the U.S. These new aircraft are expected to enhance the airline’s capacity and operational efficiency, making it better equipped to handle transcontinental flights.
The potential for direct flights between Kazakhstan and the U.S. comes at a time of growing passenger demand between the two countries. In 2023, origin and destination (O&D) traffic between the U.S. and Kazakhstan amounted to approximately 116,000 two-way passengers, with the most popular city pairs being Almaty-New York, Astana-New York, and Almaty-Los Angeles. This represents a 7.5% increase compared to 2019 levels, indicating a strong and growing market for direct services.
In addition to its U.S. ambitions, Air Astana is also expanding its international reach in Asia. Earlier in August, the airline signed a codeshare agreement with Japan Airlines (JAL) and announced plans to launch a new route to Japan in spring 2026. The proposed service connecting Almaty and Tokyo would be the only nonstop scheduled flights linking Kazakhstan and Japan, further solidifying Air Astana’s role as a key player in the region’s aviation market.
The ongoing FAA assessment is expected to result in recommendations that will help Kazakhstan align its aviation practices with international safety standards, a prerequisite for launching direct flights to the U.S. If successful, this initiative could significantly boost Kazakhstan’s aviation sector and enhance its position as a global travel hub.
As Kazakhstan works towards meeting FAA standards, the possibility of direct flights to major U.S. cities like New York and Los Angeles by 2025 becomes increasingly likely, promising greater connectivity and economic opportunities for both nations.