Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) has operated its first flight from Baku to Aktobe, expanding its network in Kazakhstan and connecting the Azerbaijani capital directly with six cities across the country.

The airline, part of AZCON Holding, will operate the new Baku-Aktobe-Baku route three times a week, on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, according to AZAL.

The new service is expected to make business and leisure travel between Azerbaijan and western Kazakhstan more convenient while creating additional opportunities for stronger ties between the two countries.

Located in western Kazakhstan, Aktobe is a major industrial and economic center. The region also offers attractions for travelers, including the Aktolagai chalk mountains, Barkhan sands, Kargaly Reservoir, historical monuments and pilgrimage sites.

The new route is therefore aimed not only at business travelers but also at tourists looking to explore western Kazakhstan.

Aktobe is AZAL’s third new destination in Kazakhstan this year, following the launch of services to Shymkent and Atyrau.

With its expanding presence in Central Asia, Azerbaijan’s national carrier is also giving passengers from Kazakhstan more opportunities to connect through Baku to destinations across its international network.