Direct aviation services initiated from Shymkent to China, Egypt, Germany, Hungary, and South Korea.
Shymkent, Kazakhstan's third-largest city, marked a significant milestone on May 26 with the ceremonial launch of direct flights to China, Egypt, Germany, Hungary, and South Korea. The new routes are operated using Boeing 737 aircraft and are set to bolster regional accessibility and strengthen economic and tourism ties, positioning Shymkent as a burgeoning international air hub.
Services to Munich and Budapest began on May 27, with flights to Munich operating twice a week on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and to Budapest on Tuesdays and Saturdays. Flights to Shanghai and Seoul are scheduled for May 29, running twice weekly on Mondays and Thursdays. A weekly flight to Cairo will also commence on the same date, with frequency increasing to twice a week starting June 24. From July 2, additional routes to Xian and Urumqi will be introduced, operating Wednesdays and Saturdays, and Tuesdays and Fridays, respectively.
The new terminal at Shymkent Airport, which officially opened in December last year, is part of a comprehensive modernization project that includes the reconstruction of the apron and aircraft parking areas, the construction of a new taxiway and forecourt, and the development of key support facilities. This comprehensive overhaul aims to meet international standards and support increased traffic volumes.
These new routes signify a new phase in Kazakhstan's efforts to expand its route networks, with the expectation of increased business activity, trade, and economic ties, both regionally and nationally. Furthermore, the expanded flight geography will likely attract more international tourists, fueling growth in the hospitality, retail, and service sectors in Shymkent and surrounding regions.
The proposed flight schedule is as follows:
- Shymkent – Munich (Germany): Twice weekly, on Tuesdays and Thursdays
- Shymkent – Budapest (Hungary): Twice weekly, on Tuedays and Saturdays
- Shymkent – Shanghai (China): Twice weekly, on Mondays and Thursdays
- Shymkent – Seoul (South Korea): Twice weekly, on Mondays and Thursdays
- Shymkent – Cairo (Egypt): Initially once weekly, on Thursdays; from June 24, twice weekly on Mondays and Thursdays
- Shymkent – Xi’an (China): Wednesdays and Saturdays from July 2
- Shymkent – Urumqi (China): Tuesdays and Fridays from July 4
These developments fall in line with a broader national initiative to add 32 new international routes in 2025, further integrating Kazakhstan into the global travel and trade landscape.
The expanded flight routes from Shymkent Airport will provide residents and travelers with opportunities to explore new destinations, thereby enriching personal lifestyles through international travel. The growth in the number of flights to various countries is expected to stimulate tourism, propelling the development of hospitality, retail, and service sectors in Shymkent and its surrounding regions, ultimately enhancing the city's lifestyle offerings.
