[Press Release] FlyArystan has marked the first anniversary of the launch of its international route Almaty – Yining (Kuldja) – Almaty. The inaugural flight on the route was operated on May 18, 2025, and over the past year the destination has demonstrated strong demand among passengers traveling between Kazakhstan and China.
Over the past year, the route safely operated a total of 278 flights, carrying 43,000 passengers in total, with an average load factor exceeding 82%. The service has effectively boosted inbound tourism to the Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture, greatly facilitating people-to-people exchanges, tourism cooperation and trade links between China and Kazakhstan, and strongly supporting the high-quality development of cultural and tourism industries in both regions. It has become an important air bridge strengthening friendly relations between the two countries.
A ceremonial event dedicated to the first year of operations was held at Yining International Airport with the participation of representatives of the airline, the airport, partners, and members of the aviation industry. The event included official speeches and an award ceremony honoring partners involved in the launch of the route.
Johan Eidhagen, President and CEO of FlyArystan JSC: “China remains one of the most promising strategic markets for the development of FlyArystan’s route network. It is important to note that the airline became the first Kazakh carrier to launch direct air service between Yining and Almaty. The launch of this route contributed to the further development of air connectivity between Kazakhstan and China. Increasing the flight frequency to four times per week in 2026 has allowed us to offer passengers even more opportunities for comfortable and convenient travel.”
In 2026, FlyArystan continues to steadily expand its presence in the Chinese market: the airline resumed flights to Astana from Urumqi and also announced the launch of two new routes: Urumqi – Aktau and Xi’an – Almaty.
The Urumqi-Aktau route will make its maiden flight on June 26, 2026 with two weekly flights. Outbound flight FS7661 departs Aktau at 20:10 every Tuesday and Friday, arriving in Urumqi at 03:05 the next day; return flight FS7662 takes off from Urumqi at 04:05 every Wednesday and Saturday, arriving in Aktau at 05:40 on the same day.
The Xi’an-Almaty route is scheduled to launch its maiden flight on June 30, 2026 with two weekly flights. Outbound flight FS7865 departs Almaty at 21:25 every Tuesday and Friday, arriving in Xi’an at 04:50 the next day; return flight FS7866 takes off from Xi’an at 05:50 every Wednesday and Saturday, arriving in Almaty at 08:20 on the same day.
Tickets are available on the airline’s official website www.flyarystan.com, mobile application, and through other sales channels. For ticket inquiries in China, please call our General Sales Agent- Megacap: 4008-890-164.
FlyArystan, Yining-Almaty route, first anniversary, route launch celebration, aviation PR, aviation marketing agency China, China-Kazakhstan air connectivity, Yining, Almaty
