Kazakhstan’s flagship carrier Air Astana is set to expand its China network with the launch of a new direct route between Astana and Guangzhou starting June 2, 2026.

According to company officials, flights will operate twice a week - on Tuesdays and Thursdays - using the modern Airbus A321LR aircraft, offering passengers enhanced comfort on long-haul routes, The Caspian Post reports via Kazakh media.

Flight schedule:

KC8217 Astana - Guangzhou: Departure at 18:45, arrival at 04:30 (+1 day). Flight time: 6 hours 45 minutes.

KC8218 Guangzhou - Astana: Departure at 05:45, arrival at 10:10. Flight time: 7 hours 25 minutes.

Round-trip ticket prices start from 251,333 tenge (approximately $552) in economy class and from 835,020 tenge (around $1,835) in business class.

The new Astana-Guangzhou service complements the existing Almaty-Guangzhou route, which Air Astana launched in late March last year and currently operates four times a week.

Kazakh citizens can travel to China visa-free for up to 30 days, making the new connection an attractive option for both business and leisure travelers seeking closer ties with one of Asia’s biggest economic hubs.