Travel between Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan is about to get easier.
FlyArystan is expanding its international network with a new direct route connecting Almaty and Urgench, one of Uzbekistan’s key transport hubs and the gateway to some of Central Asia’s most fascinating destinations, DKNews.kz reports.
Starting September 3, Kazakhstan’s low-cost carrier will operate direct flights between Almaty and Urgench twice a week, every Thursday and Sunday. One-way fares start from 41,000 tenge, making the route an affordable option for both tourists and business travelers.
The launch comes amid growing interest in regional travel across Central Asia, where demand for faster and more convenient connections continues to rise. For many travelers, the new route offers direct access not only to Urgench itself but also to the legendary city of Khiva, one of Uzbekistan’s most iconic historical treasures.
A Shortcut to One of Central Asia’s Greatest Destinations
Urgench serves as the main gateway to Khiva, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its remarkably preserved ancient architecture, historic walls, and centuries-old trading heritage. For travelers seeking authentic Silk Road experiences, the city remains one of the region’s top attractions.
The route also improves access to Nukus, located around 160 kilometers from Urgench. As the capital of Karakalpakstan and home to a significant Kazakh diaspora, Nukus attracts thousands of visitors traveling for family, cultural, and business reasons.
FlyArystan Eyes Growing Regional Demand
According to Johan Eidhagen, President and CEO of FlyArystan JSC, the airline continues to focus on destinations with strong growth potential.
“When selecting new international destinations, we focus on cities with strong transport and tourism potential, including promising regional hubs. Urgench is an important transportation gateway in northwestern Uzbekistan, providing convenient access to cities such as Khiva and Nukus. The launch of this route reflects our commitment to steadily expanding connectivity across regional destinations across Central Asia and creating additional opportunities for passenger traffic growth between major cities and key regional hubs”.
The new service will operate under a codeshare agreement with Air Astana, subject to regulatory approval. This will allow passengers traveling through Almaty to access Air Astana’s wider international network, including destinations in China and South Korea through convenient connections.
Strengthening Kazakhstan–Uzbekistan Air Links
The Urgench route further expands FlyArystan’s growing presence in Uzbekistan. The airline already operates flights between Almaty and Samarkand, as well as between Astana and Tashkent.
Industry observers note that stronger air connectivity between Central Asian cities is becoming increasingly important as tourism, trade, and business travel continue to recover and expand across the region.
Tickets for the new route are already available through FlyArystan’s official website, mobile application, and other sales channels.
Operating under a low-cost model, FlyArystan allows passengers to customize their travel experience by selecting additional services based on individual needs. The base fare includes one carry-on bag weighing up to 7 kilograms.
FlyArystan, a wholly owned subsidiary of Air Astana Group, launched operations in 2019 and became a separate airline under its own air operator certificate in January 2025. The carrier operates a fleet of Airbus A320 aircraft from bases in Almaty, Astana, and Aktau and has been named Central Asia and CIS Best Low-Cost Airline at the Skytrax World Airline Awards for three consecutive years — 2023, 2024, and 2025.
