Qazaq Air to Operate Subsidised Flights on Six Routes

Qazaq Air will operate subsidised services on six domestic routes in Kazakhstan from November 1 to December 31, 2025, as part of a government programme designed to boost tourism and improve regional connectivity. The initiative offers discounted fares to encourage travel within the landlocked country.

The routes include Astana Nursultan Nazarbayev–Petropavlovsk (six times weekly), Zhezkazgan–Karaganda (four times weekly), Shymkent–Zhezkazgan (three times weekly), Kostanay–Turkistan (twice weekly), Almaty International–Kokshetau (three times weekly) and Turkistan–Karaganda (twice weekly).

Kazakh Prime Minister Oljas Bektenov said earlier this year that the government subsidises fares on 26 “socially important” routes annually and extended the scheme to 12 tourist-focused routes in 2025. By making air travel more affordable, officials aim to stimulate passenger demand, improve access to regional destinations and support the growth of domestic tourism.

Qazaq Air, which currently operates five DHC-8-Q400 turboprops, is preparing to expand its fleet with the planned induction of its first Boeing 737s by the end of the year. The move forms part of its rebranding into Vietjet Qazaqstan, reflecting a new strategic partnership with Vietnam’s Vietjet Air.

Industry analysts say the subsidised flights will help Qazaq Air strengthen its network ahead of the rebrand while giving travelers more options to reach under-served cities. The programme also underscores Kazakhstan’s broader goal of using aviation as a catalyst for regional economic development and tourism, building on infrastructure improvements and greater accessibility to remote destinations.

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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com