Kazakhstan’s Air Astana will launch direct flights to Egypt’s popular Red Sea resort of Sharm El Sheikh from Almaty and Astana in December, expanding travel options for passengers ahead of the winter holiday season.

Flights from Almaty will begin on December 10, while services from Astana will commence on December 11, according to Air Astana.

The flights will operate on Airbus A321 aircraft twice a week from each city.

Flights from Almaty will run on Mondays and Thursdays, with a journey time of approximately 7 hours and 30 minutes. Services from Astana will operate on Tuesdays and Fridays, taking around 6 hours and 55 minutes.

Tickets are available through Air Astana’s official website and mobile application, as well as through tour operators and accredited travel agencies.

The Kazakh Foreign Ministry has also highlighted several entry requirements for citizens travelling to Egypt.

Kazakh nationals under the age of 21 must be accompanied by at least one parent when entering the country.

Travellers planning to visit Cairo, Hurghada or other Egyptian destinations must obtain a visa in advance through the Egyptian Embassy in Kazakhstan.

Meanwhile, Kazakh citizens can visit Indonesia visa-free for up to 30 days under a regime that took effect in July.