Qazaq Air, the Kazakh national carrier, is set to restart its regular passenger flights to Novosibirsk, with services resuming in December. The announcement comes from the press service of Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Industry and Infrastructure Development, and was first reported by the Russian news agency TASS. The decision marks a notable step in strengthening cross-border air links between Kazakhstan and Russia, as both countries evaluate broader cooperation in the aviation sector.
The official statement describes the events as part of Transport Week in Moscow, where Kazakh Minister of Transport Marat Karabaev and Russian Minister of Transport Vitaly Savelyev held discussions focused on expanding bilateral air connectivity. An understanding was reached on reintroducing scheduled passenger flights by Qazaq Air to Novosibirsk, signaling a renewed commitment to regular cross-border routes for travelers and business interests alike.
According to the ministry, Qazaq Air plans a robust schedule on the Astana–Novosibirsk corridor, with flights up to five times per week. In addition, services are planned up to twice weekly on the Ust-Kamenogorsk–Novosibirsk route from December, reflecting a strategic emphasis on connecting key regional hubs with Siberian destinations. The move is framed as part of a broader effort to improve regional air mobility and facilitate easier travel for residents, tourists, and commerce between Kazakhstan and Russia.
In related industry news, Rosaviatsiya, the Russian aviation regulator, indicated that Russian carriers may also begin flights to Pyongyang. Officials are actively engaging with counterpart authorities in North Korea to assess the viability of expanding air traffic between the two nations. If these talks progress, additional international routes could emerge as part of ongoing adjustments to regional flight networks and the evolving landscape of air travel in Northeast Asia and beyond.
Past aviation safety findings have highlighted the challenges faced by carriers in ensuring the reliability of flight operations. In recent years, aviation observers have noted that birds, along with other environmental factors, occasionally intersect with flight schedules. Industry stakeholders emphasize continuous improvements in aircraft routing, weather monitoring, and wildlife management to minimize disruptions and maintain dependable service for passengers and cargo alike.