Hong Kong relaunches direct flights to Kazakhstan's Almaty by Q1 2027
After 7-year pandemic pause, direct flights to Central Asia return...
Hong Kong will relaunch direct flights between the city and Almaty, Kazakhstan in the first quarter of 2027, Chief Executive John Lee announced during a high-powered delegation visit to Astana. The service, previously operated by Kazakhstan's flag carrier Air Astana, was suspended at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020. Currently, travelers face transit times of nine hours or more via Beijing, Urumqi, or other Asian hubs, making the direct route a significant time-saver for business and tourism.
Lee also revealed that Hong Kong will begin negotiations with Kazakhstani authorities for a Comprehensive Avoidance of Double Taxation Agreement to facilitate cross-border business dealings. The 70-strong delegation includes around 40 local representatives from logistics, innovation, banking, and aviation, plus over 30 mainland entrepreneurs. Notable participants include Cathay Pacific’s chief customer officer Lavinia Lau, Hong Kong Airlines board director Liu Yi Nan, and Airport Authority CEO Vivian Cheung. The trip underscores Hong Kong's push to deepen economic ties with Central Asia amid shifting global trade routes.
- Direct flights between Hong Kong and Almaty restart Q1 2027, operated by Air Astana
- Double taxation agreement talks begin to ease business between Hong Kong and Kazakhstan
- 70-member delegation includes top executives from Cathay Pacific, Hong Kong Airlines, and Airport Authority
Why It Matters
Reduces travel time from 9+ hours to a direct flight, strengthening Hong Kong’s business links with Central Asia.