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Tengrinews.kz – The long-discussed launch of a direct flight from Kazakhstan to New York is still scheduled for 2026, but its fate will largely depend on the outcome of an upcoming International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) security audit, the Ministry of Transport has said.
The audit, which will take place in Kazakhstan from September 2 to 14, will be conducted by international experts, including a team leader from ICAO’s Aviation Security Audit Section and three external auditors. Currently, Kazakhstan’s compliance with ICAO requirements stands at 83 percent, and authorities expect to improve this figure.
Officials stressed that negative results could restrict international operations for local airlines and airports.
“For Kazakhstan, successful completion of the audit is particularly important, as the launch of direct flights to New York is scheduled for 2026,” the ministry noted.
Talks about a direct route to the United States have been ongoing for several years. In 2023, Air Astana president Peter Foster said flights could begin by 2025. Later, in 2024, Vice Minister of Transport Talgat Lastayev confirmed that Air Astana had signed contracts to receive two Boeing aircraft, including Dreamliners capable of long-haul flights.
The first Boeing 787 Dreamliner is now expected to arrive in July 2026, after delays from the manufacturer. In May 2025, Kazakhstan and the U.S. signed an Open Skies agreement, removing restrictions on the number of flights and destinations between the two countries.
For now, the exact date for the launch of flights to the U.S. remains uncertain.
Meanwhile, Astana airport will temporarily adjust its schedule due to planned repairs this fall, though it will operate as normal from September 5 to 7 to accommodate the ICAO audit.
