Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan are preparing to restore passenger ferry services across the Caspian Sea, potentially opening a new travel option between the two countries.

The proposal was announced by Kazakhstan’s Ambassador to Azerbaijan Alim Bayel, who said Kazakhstan had suggested restarting passenger ferry operations on the Kuryk Port-Baku Port-Kuryk Port route.

The service operated until 2020, when it was suspended because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Before the suspension, around 1,500 passengers a year used the ferry connection.

The Kazakh ambassador said interest in the route could be even higher once services resume. Restoring the ferry link is expected to strengthen people-to-people connectivity, boost tourism exchanges and create new opportunities along the Middle Corridor.

Azerbaijan has supported the proposal, Bayel said. Transport authorities from both countries have already begun working on the restoration of passenger services as soon as possible.

The planned ferry revival would complement the existing air connection between the countries. Currently, 37 flights operate each week between Baku and the Kazakh cities of Astana, Almaty, Shymkent, Aktau and Atyrau.