Friday, June 13, 2025
Passenger traffic between China and Kazakhstan has surged in 2024 as the visa-free travel agreement between the two nations has removed longstanding entry barriers, unlocking a new phase of cross-border movement and economic cooperation that is reshaping regional integration across Central Asia.
Air connectivity between China and Kazakhstan is experiencing an extraordinary revival, with strong momentum driven by new route launches, relaxed visa rules, and rising demand for cross-border tourism. What was once a modest market linking Central Asia to East Asia has now turned into one of the region’s fastest-growing aviation corridors, backed by strategic airline expansion and government-level cooperation.
The aviation market between the two countries grew by a striking 55% last year. Even more notable, the upward trend has carried over into 2024. During the first quarter—typically regarded as the low season for international travel—the market posted another 15% increase, defying expectations and underscoring a new wave of interest in Central Asia as both a destination and a transit point.
Among the key developments accelerating this trend is the launch of a direct flight between Almaty, Kazakhstan’s largest city, and Guangzhou, one of China’s major commercial hubs. Introduced in late March, the route operates three times weekly and has already recorded a 70% load factor ahead of the peak summer season. This strong performance signals a significant shift in travel patterns and traveler confidence, especially as regional airlines work to rebuild and expand their networks post-pandemic.
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Kazakhstan’s flag carrier has been instrumental in driving the revival of air travel between the two countries. Over the past two decades, the airline has steadily built its China network, beginning with its first route launched more than twenty years ago. By mid-2024, it had expanded to five non-stop routes connecting Kazakhstan to major Chinese cities, including Beijing, Shanghai, and most recently, Guangzhou. Operating twenty-three flights each week, the airline’s ongoing investment in this corridor highlights a shared vision between Kazakhstan and China to deepen economic ties and boost tourism through stronger air connectivity.
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However, the resurgence in travel isn’t driven by flight expansion alone—policy changes at the border have played an equally pivotal role. In November 2023, China and Kazakhstan implemented a mutual visa-free travel agreement, removing the red tape that once complicated travel plans for tourists and business visitors alike. With the new system in place, nationals from both countries can now cross borders freely without needing a visa, making last-minute getaways and multi-city itineraries easier than ever before.
The effect of the new visa-free policy has been swift and significant. In the first months of 2024, the number of travelers arriving in Kazakhstan from China jumped by seventy-eight percent compared to the same period last year. A similar rise is anticipated in the flow of Kazakh visitors heading to China as the year progresses. By removing complex entry requirements, the policy has not only attracted more solo travelers but also made it far easier for group tours, educational programs, and business delegations to move freely between the two countries.
In response to this demand, airlines from both countries are ramping up capacity. During the upcoming summer travel season, the number of weekly flights between China and Kazakhstan is expected to hit 80—double the average number of flights operated before the COVID-19 pandemic. This marks a full-scale recovery in connectivity and positions the route among the most active in the Central Asia–East Asia airspace.
This rapid increase in flight volume is being supported by investments in tourism promotion on both sides. Last year, Kazakhstan designated 2023 as the official “Year of Chinese Tourism,” rolling out a series of programs, events, and marketing campaigns to attract more visitors from China. In return, China has named 2024 as the “Year of Kazakh Tourism,” spotlighting cities like Almaty, Astana, and the natural landscapes of the Tien Shan Mountains. This reciprocal tourism push has helped elevate brand awareness and generate travel interest across a broad demographic of leisure and business travelers.
The developments come at a time when global travel continues to adapt to post-pandemic realities. Tourists are seeking newer, less crowded destinations, and Kazakhstan’s blend of culture, history, and landscapes offers a compelling alternative to traditional hotspots. Similarly, Chinese cities beyond the usual coastal hubs—such as Guangzhou, Chengdu, and Xi’an—are attracting growing numbers of Central Asian visitors, particularly those interested in trade, education, and cultural exploration.
While tourism has been a major driver, the growing air links between China and Kazakhstan also hold strategic value for trade and logistics. Positioned at the heart of Eurasia, Kazakhstan plays a vital role as a transit hub for freight moving between East Asia and Europe—especially as China pushes forward with its Belt and Road ambitions. The rise in passenger flights goes hand in hand with enhanced cargo infrastructure, making it easier for business travelers, investors, and cross-border partners to connect and collaborate more efficiently.
With the summer season approaching, airlines are preparing for what could be their busiest quarter yet. Advanced bookings are already strong on routes connecting Almaty and other Kazakh cities to major Chinese centers. Airport operators are enhancing services, adding language support, and tailoring facilities to accommodate the growing volume of travelers from both nations.
What’s clear is that the air transport corridor between China and Kazakhstan is no longer a niche route. It has grown into a vibrant, fast-evolving market with major implications for regional tourism, economic development, and geopolitical cooperation. With strong airline backing, supportive visa policies, and enthusiastic traveler response, this momentum shows no sign of slowing.
China-Kazakhstan passenger traffic has sharply increased in 2024 due to a new visa-free travel agreement, which has eliminated entry barriers and boosted cross-border mobility and regional ties.
As both nations look ahead, their shared vision of becoming regional travel and business hubs is quickly taking shape in the skies—flight by flight, week by week, milestone after milestone.
