A ceremonial event marking the launch of direct flights from Shymkent to Germany, Hungary, China, South Korea, and Egypt was held in the city of Shymkent. The initiative is being implemented in accordance with the directive of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, aimed at enhancing the cargo transportation capacity of Kazakhstan's airports and developing aviation hubs.

Flights will be operated using Boeing 737 aircraft.

Starting May 27:

• Shymkent – Munich: Twice weekly, on Tuesdays and Thursdays

• Shymkent – Budapest: Twice weekly, on Tuesdays and Saturdays

Starting May 29:

• Shymkent – Shanghai: Twice weekly, on Mondays and Thursdays

• Shymkent – Seoul: Twice weekly, on Mondays and Thursdays

• Shymkent – Cairo: Once a week on Thursdays; increasing to twice weekly on Mondays and Thursdays starting June 24

Starting July 2:

• Shymkent – Xi’an: Twice weekly, on Wednesdays and Saturdays

Starting July 4:

• Shymkent – Ürümqi: Twice weekly, on Tuesdays and Fridays

The launch ceremony was attended by representatives of Kazakhstan’s aviation authorities and the diplomatic missions of five countries.

In her opening remarks, Chairwoman of the Civil Aviation Committee of the Ministry of Transport of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Saltanat Tompieva, stated:
“The launch of these flights marks the beginning of a large-scale program for the development of an international aviation hub based at the new terminal of Shymkent Airport.”

The new terminal at Shymkent Airport was inaugurated on December 25, 2024. In addition to the terminal itself, a major reconstruction of the apron and aircraft parking areas was carried out, along with the construction of a new taxiway, forecourt, and several new facilities.

Participants in the event also included SCAT Airlines President Vladimir Denisov, Head of the Department of Tourism, External Relations and Creative Industry of Shymkent, Beksultan Adilkhanov, and Consul General of Hungary to Kazakhstan, Szabolcs Károly Székely.

The opening of direct routes to Europe and Asia represents a new stage in the development of route networks, contributing to increased business activity and trade and economic ties at both regional and national levels. Moreover, the expansion of flight geography will serve as a foundation for inbound tourism growth and the development of regional infrastructure.

The Civil Aviation Committee of the Ministry of Transport of the Republic of Kazakhstan continues its efforts to expand the geography of flights, increase the number of international routes, and further develop the country's aviation hubs.