FlyArystan kicks off the season of affordable travel to China: fares starting from 27,000 tenge

Kazakhstan’s low-cost carrier FlyArystan has announced a major promotional campaign for international flights to China, offering travelers a chance to fly at some of the lowest prices seen this year.

The sale comes as travel demand between Kazakhstan and China continues to surge under the visa-free regime introduced between the two countries, DKNews.kz reports.

The airline says one-way tickets start from just 27,000 KZT, making short trips to China more accessible not only for tourists, but also for shoppers, business travelers, and families planning summer vacations.

The promotion is valid for ticket purchases from May 21 to May 23, 2026, while travel dates extend into October.

Why China Is Becoming One of the Hottest Destinations for Kazakhstan Travelers

Over the past year, interest in China among Kazakhstanis has noticeably increased. Travelers are increasingly choosing Chinese cities for shopping tours, gastronomy, medical tourism, and cultural trips. Affordable flights combined with visa-free travel have significantly simplified travel planning.

For many travelers, destinations like Urumqi and Yining are especially attractive because of their proximity to Kazakhstan. Residents of Almaty and Astana often choose these cities for quick weekend trips, shopping, and exploring Chinese cuisine and markets.

Meanwhile, Xi’an — one of China’s most historic cities and the starting point of the ancient Silk Road — is gaining popularity among tourists looking for something beyond standard beach vacations. The city is famous for the Terracotta Army, ancient architecture, street food culture, and modern infrastructure.

Promotional Routes and Prices

The special fares apply to flights departing from Almaty, Astana, and Aktau.

The airline announced the following starting prices for one-way tickets:

• Almaty – Yining from 27,000 KZT
• Astana – Urumqi from 39,000 KZT
• Aktau – Urumqi from 67,000 KZT
• Almaty – Xi’an from 73,000 KZT

Return tickets are also available at discounted rates, depending on seat availability.

According to FlyArystan, the fares already include all mandatory fees, although final ticket prices may vary depending on demand and the remaining number of promotional seats.

Flights Through October

The promotional fares cover flights during the busy summer and autumn travel seasons:

• Astana – Urumqi and Almaty – Yining flights: June 1 – October 21
• Aktau – Urumqi flights: June 26 – October 21
• Almaty – Xi’an flights: June 30 – October 21

This means travelers can plan trips not only for summer holidays, but also for autumn vacations and business travel.

Competition for Chinese Routes Is Growing

China has become one of the key international directions for Kazakhstan’s aviation market. Airlines are actively expanding routes as passenger demand continues to grow after the launch of visa-free travel.

Against this backdrop, FlyArystan is strengthening its position in the low-cost segment by focusing on affordable international routes. The airline is also adapting its digital services for Chinese passengers: the Chinese language is now available on the company’s website during online check-in and ticket purchases.

Industry experts note that cheaper air travel could further increase tourist flows between the two countries and stimulate regional business activity.

At the same time, travelers are advised not to delay booking tickets — the number of seats available under the promotion is limited, and the cheapest fares traditionally sell out within the first days of sales.