Celebrating its 20th anniversary of flight operations between Almaty and Delhi in 2024, Air Astana continues to reinforce its position as a key connector between Kazakhstan and India. Alan Atamkulov, Country Manager for India and the Indian Subcontinent at Air Astana, highlights the airline’s strategic expansion and growing presence in India. With the upcoming launch of direct flights to Mumbai, competitive fares, and enhanced traveller experiences, the airline is committed to making Kazakhstan a preferred destination for both business and leisure travellers from India.
Since entering the market in 2004, the airline has steadily expanded its presence and is now set to launch direct flights between Mumbai and Almaty on April 20, 2025, further strengthening connectivity alongside its existing Delhi services.
The recent opening of the new international terminal at Almaty International Airport and the introduction of ‘The Shanyrak,’ an exclusive business lounge for Business Class passengers and Nomad Club elite members further elevate the travel experience.
Excellence and Expansion
As the largest airline group in Central Asia and the Caucasus in terms of revenue and fleet size, Air Astana operates one of the youngest fleets globally, consisting of 58 aircraft. The airline group comprises Air Astana, a full-service carrier launched in 2002, and FlyArystan, its low-cost airline established in 2019.
Air Astana’s network spans Central Asia, the Caucasus, the Far East, the Middle East, India, and Europe, offering scheduled and transit flights, along with cargo services. The airline continuously strengthens its fleet with new aircraft, driving operational growth and service excellence. Alan notes, “Air Astana has been recognised 12 times in a row as the ‘Best Airline in Central Asia and CIS’ at the Skytrax World Airline Awards and has earned a five-star rating in the major airline category by APEX,” informs Alan.
Bridging Central Asia and India
Since its inaugural flight to India 20 years ago, Air Astana has witnessed steady growth and strong passenger demand. As of September 2024, the airline has served over 1 million passengers between the two countries, transported more than 9 million tonnes of cargo, and completed over 10,000 landings.
“We provide seamless connections for travellers from India to key destinations such as Bishkek, Tashkent, Baku, Tbilisi, and Batumi with competitive fares and the added advantage of visa-free entry into Kazakhstan,” Alan shares.
“The visa-free policy for Indian citizens has significantly boosted tourism, making it easier for visitors to explore Kazakhstan year-round, whether for winter sports or summer adventures,” adds Alan.
Strengthening India-Kazakhstan Relations
The introduction of direct Almaty-Mumbai flights is a strategic move driven by growing market demand. Operating three times a week, the new route enhances connectivity between India and Kazakhstan, fostering trade, investment, and tourism.
The strengthening of economic and business ties between the two nations has unlocked new opportunities for commerce. Alan shares. “We believe that Mumbai’s business community and tourists will enjoy Air Astana’s award-winning in-flight service, seamless connections to its growing network, and access to Kazakhstan’s rich cultural, historical, and natural sights. Moreover, the visa-free policy for Indian citizens, combined with a short 4.5-hour flight from Mumbai, offers added convenience for short visits and extended stays. We look forward to welcoming passengers on board this new route.”
Kazakhstan: A Diverse Destination for Indian Travellers
Kazakhstan is rapidly gaining popularity among Indian travellers, offering a unique mix of nature, adventure, history, and modern city experiences. With Air Astana Group’s extensive domestic network, Indian tourists can seamlessly explore the country’s most captivating regions.
Almaty, Kazakhstan’s cultural and financial centre, is surrounded by the stunning Tien Shan mountains. Just a short 30-minute drive from the city, travellers can visit the renowned Shymbulak Ski Resort for winter sports or enjoy ice skating at the world’s highest outdoor rink, Medeo. Almaty also offers fine international dining with a variety of Indian restaurants, shopping, and a cultural and nightlife experience. Astana, the futuristic capital, has striking modern architecture, including landmarks such as Baiterek, Khan Shatyr, and the EXPO complex. While ideal for business travellers, the city also offers rich cultural experiences, including the National Museum and Grand Mosques.
For those seeking history and heritage, Turkistan is home to the UNESCO-listed Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yassawi, one of Central Asia’s most significant spiritual sites. Aktau, located along the Caspian Sea, offers a unique beachside experience and the surreal landscapes of the Mangystau area. Meanwhile, Oskemen is a paradise for nature lovers, featuring lakes, forests, and the beautiful Altai Mountain scenery, making it a perfect destination for eco-tourism and adventure travel.
While Alan highlighted the above destinations, he also emphasised the airline’s efforts in promoting the country. He says, “Air Astana actively promotes the country as both a travel destination and a transit hub. We collaborate with local and international tourism boards to enhance Kazakhstan’s global visibility and highlight its diverse attractions to a wider audience through strategic partnerships, joint marketing initiatives, and promotional campaigns.”
Driving Growth
With direct flights, competitive fares, and a visa-free regime, Kazakhstan is gaining traction as an attractive destination for both business and leisure travellers. To further strengthen the country’s global visibility, the airline collaborates with travel agencies, tour operators, and online travel platforms to develop tailored Kazakhstan travel packages for various traveller segments, including honeymooners, adventure seekers, business travellers, and luxury tourists. Almaty is also being positioned as a key MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) destination, with its modern infrastructure and stunning natural surroundings making it an ideal choice for corporate events.
“Air Astana is always exploring new opportunities to expand its network and is evaluating the potential for additional direct routes to key global markets. We remain committed to offering competitive fares with award-winning service, ensuring a seamless travel experience,” states Alan.
Evolving with Travellers’ Expectations
Globally, the world is becoming more connected than ever, with countries introducing visa-free or visa-on-arrival policies to boost incoming tourism. Kazakhstan’s visa-free regime for Indian travellers is a prime example of how nations are encouraging seamless travel.
“Travel is no longer a luxury—it is a necessity for business, education, and personal enrichment. As these trends continue, airlines will innovate and enhance the passenger experience to meet evolving expectations. Air Astana welcomes the opportunities in this dynamic landscape and remains focused on expanding our network, refining service quality, and making international travel more accessible for passengers from India and beyond,” concludes Alan.
