Travel between Kazakhstan and one of the world’s leading financial hubs could soon become much easier, with plans underway to launch the first direct flights between Almaty and Hong Kong.

The announcement was made during talks between Kazakhstan’s Prime Minister, Olzhas Bektenov, and John Lee, who revealed that a Hong Kong-based airline intends to begin direct services to Almaty next year, The Caspian Post reports via Tengrinews.kz.

Hong Kong’s flagship carrier, Cathay Pacific, plans to launch the route in the first quarter of 2027. Flights are expected to operate three times a week using Airbus A330-300 wide-body aircraft.

The service would become the only direct air connection between Kazakhstan and Hong Kong, creating a faster gateway for tourism, business travel and trade between Central Asia and East Asia.

The launch is only the first step, with plans to expand the frequency of flights and broaden air connectivity between Kazakhstan and Hong Kong in the coming years.

The project has been under discussion for several years as Kazakhstan seeks to strengthen links with major global economic centers. Momentum increased in 2025 when a Kazakh delegation visited Hong Kong International Airport and held talks with aviation authorities and leading regional airlines on passenger and cargo cooperation.

The route is expected to deliver benefits beyond tourism. Hong Kong International Airport is one of the world's largest air cargo hubs and has ranked first globally for air freight volumes for 14 consecutive years. In 2024 alone, the airport handled 4.9 million tonnes of cargo, highlighting its importance to international trade and logistics.

For Kazakh travelers, Hong Kong is also among the most accessible destinations in East Asia. Citizens of Kazakhstan can currently visit Hong Kong visa-free for up to 14 days, making the planned direct route an attractive option for both tourists and business travelers.