A solemn ceremony marking the launch of the new air route between Astana and Belgrade was attended by Vice Minister of Transport of the Republic of Kazakhstan Talgat Lastayev, President of SCAT Airlines Vladimir Denisov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Serbia to Kazakhstan Vladimir Jović, and First Deputy Chairman of the Management Board of Nursultan Nazarbayev International Airport Ruslan Pyshtanov.

The agreement to establish direct flights was reached during President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev's official visit to Serbia. The project was implemented with the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Embassy of Kazakhstan in Serbia.

Upon the aircraft’s arrival in Belgrade, the Kazakh delegation was welcomed, on behalf of Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić, by Speaker of the National Assembly of Serbia Ana Brnabić and Deputy Minister of Transport Verica Ječmenica.

“The launch of direct flights between Astana and Belgrade is an important step in strengthening ties between Kazakhstan and Serbia. The new route will open up greater opportunities for business, tourism, and cultural cooperation between our nations,” said Talgat Lastayev in his remarks.

Kazakhstan and Serbia maintain a visa-free regime. The flight duration is 5 hours and 40 minutes. High passenger demand is expected for this route — the inaugural flight carried 92 passengers.

Flights between Astana and Belgrade will operate twice a week (on Mondays and Thursdays) using modern Boeing 737 aircraft.

Currently, SCAT Airlines also operates flights to several European cities:

• Astana – Prague: twice a week (Tuesday, Saturday);

• Shymkent – Budapest: twice a week (Tuesday, Thursday);

• Shymkent – Munich: twice a week (Tuesday, Thursday).