Air Astana Connects Almaty, Tokyo Narita Twice Weekly

Direct Service Inaugurates in November

Air Astana is set to launch new twice-weekly direct flights connecting Almaty, Kazakhstan, with Tokyo Narita International Airport in Japan. The inaugural flight from Almaty will depart on 30 November 2026, with the first return service from Tokyo scheduled for 1 December 2026.

This new route marks Tokyo as the 22nd new destination introduced by Air Astana in 2026, according to the airline. Ibrahim Canliel, Group CEO of Air Astana, stated that this service is a significant move to reinforce Kazakhstan's position as a vital transportation hub linking Central Asia with the Caucasus region.

The airline expects the direct connection to foster stronger trade, economic, and cultural relationships between Kazakhstan and Japan.

Flight Schedule and Aircraft Details

The new service will operate twice a week, utilising Airbus A321LR aircraft configured with both business and economy class cabins. Flights from Almaty to Tokyo are planned for Mondays and Thursdays, departing at 9:55 pm local time and arriving in Tokyo at 9:25 am the following day. The journey is scheduled for 7 hours and 30 minutes.

Return flights from Tokyo to Almaty will operate on Tuesdays and Fridays, with a departure time of 10:55 am local time and an arrival in Almaty at 4:20 pm. The return journey will take 9 hours and 25 minutes. All stated times are local to the respective airports. The launch of these flights remains subject to government approval.

Fares and Codeshare Partnership

Travellers can book round-trip fares for the Almaty–Tokyo Narita route, which include all applicable fees. Economy class tickets are available starting from 350,552 tenge, while business class fares begin at 1,398,918 tenge, as announced by Air Astana. This new direct connection will also operate under an existing codeshare agreement between Air Astana and Japan Airlines.

This partnership allows passengers to book flights with either airline and benefit from expanded network access, potentially offering more flexible travel options and connections for those travelling between Central Asia and Japan.

Entry Requirements and Regional Impact

Regarding entry requirements, Japanese citizens are permitted visa-free entry into Kazakhstan for stays of up to 30 days. Conversely, citizens of Kazakhstan are required to obtain a visa to travel to Japan.

The introduction of this direct air link not only enhances connectivity but also aims to facilitate increased movement of people and goods, potentially boosting tourism and business exchanges.

For Central Asian travellers, this route offers a direct gateway to East Asia, while Japanese travellers gain easier access to Kazakhstan's growing markets and cultural sites, supporting broader regional integration and economic development.