Travel between Kazakhstan and China just became much easier.
FlyArystan has launched the first-ever direct flights between Almaty and Xi’an, making it the first Kazakh airline to connect the two cities without stopovers, DKNews.kz reports.
The new route is more than just another destination on the map. It opens a faster gateway to one of China's most fascinating cities — a place where ancient history, modern infrastructure, and booming business opportunities come together.
The inaugural Flight FS7865 departed from Almaty with a festive ceremony at Almaty International Airport, marking the beginning of a new chapter in air travel between the two countries. Upon landing at Xi’an Xianyang International Airport, the aircraft was greeted with a traditional water cannon salute — one of aviation's most symbolic honors reserved for milestone flights and new airline services.
Two Flights Every Week
FlyArystan will operate the Almaty–Xi’an route twice a week, on Tuesdays and Fridays.
Flights depart Almaty at 21:25 and arrive in Xi’an at 04:50 the following day (local time). Return services leave Xi’an on Wednesdays and Saturdays, landing in Almaty at 08:20.
The journey takes approximately 4 hours and 25 minutes to China and around 5 hours and 30 minutes on the return flight.
More Than Just a Route Between Two Cities
The new service has been designed not only for travelers from Almaty but for passengers across Kazakhstan.
Thanks to FlyArystan's domestic network, travelers from Astana, Shymkent, Karaganda, Turkistan, Semey, and several other cities can connect through Almaty with transfer times ranging from two to six hours.
The same convenience applies to passengers flying from China. Travelers arriving from Xi’an can continue their journey through Almaty to Astana, Uralsk, Semey, Karaganda, and other destinations within Kazakhstan.
Why Xi’an Matters
Often overshadowed by Beijing and Shanghai, Xi’an remains one of China's most remarkable cities.
Known worldwide as the home of the Terracotta Army and the eastern starting point of the ancient Silk Road, Xi’an welcomes millions of visitors every year. At the same time, it has evolved into one of China's largest transportation hubs.
Its extensive high-speed rail network and domestic flight connections allow travelers to reach Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, Guangzhou, and dozens of other Chinese cities with ease.
For business travelers, the new route offers quicker access to central China. For tourists, it opens the door to centuries of history, world-famous landmarks, and authentic Chinese culture without the need for additional domestic transfers.
Strengthening Kazakhstan–China Connectivity
The launch of direct Almaty–Xi’an flights reflects the growing ties between Kazakhstan and China, where tourism, trade, and cultural exchange continue to expand.
By adding Xi’an to its international network, FlyArystan is giving passengers another convenient option to explore China while making Kazakhstan more accessible for Chinese visitors.
As demand for travel between the two countries continues to grow, the new route is expected to become an important bridge connecting Central Asia with one of China's key economic and historical centers.
Tickets for the new service are available through the FlyArystan mobile app, the airline's official website, and authorized sales channels.
