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Tengrinews.kz – The launch of a direct flight to New York has been under discussion for several years. Here's what is known as of the end of May 2025.
To clarify the details, an official request was sent to the Ministry of Transport. The response confirmed that the agency is continuing efforts to establish direct air service between Kazakhstan and the United States. An intergovernmental agreement has already been signed, based on the principles of "open skies," which allows airlines to operate without restrictions on the number of flights, routes, or carriers.
“To launch the direct flight, it is necessary for Air Astana to receive a Boeing aircraft. The delivery timelines depend on the manufacturer. The delivery of the first aircraft has been postponed by the manufacturer to July 2026,” the Ministry reported.
Timeline of events
May 2023: During a government event in Astana, journalists asked Peter Foster (Air Astana CEO) about the New York flight. He said flights were planned for 2025, with departures from Almaty.
July 2024: Representatives of the Ministry of Digital Development, Innovation and Aerospace Industry met with Boeing officials. A Kazakh delegation visited Seattle to observe the aircraft production process.
“During the meeting, aircraft deliveries for Kazakh airlines were discussed, and it was confirmed that the first Dreamliner for the Kazakhstan–USA direct flight was planned for delivery by the end of 2025,” the ministry reported.
August 2024: Deputy Transport Minister Talgat Lastayev confirmed that Air Astana signed contracts for two Boeing aircraft and two Dreamliners.
October 2024: It became clear that one of the key requirements for launching direct flights to the U.S. is having an aircraft capable of making a nonstop transcontinental flight. At the time, it was expected that Air Astana would receive its first Boeing 787 Dreamliner by the end of 2025.
However, according to the latest response from the Ministry of Transport, the delivery has been postponed.
As of now, there is no confirmed date for the launch of direct flights to New York. The situation will become clearer after Air Astana receives the Boeing 787.
