Domestic Airlines
Given the vast expanse of Kazakhstan's territory and the considerable distances between cities and regions, air travel plays a crucial role in domestic transportation. With 11 airports in Kazakhstan operating under the open sky regime, foreign carriers have more opportunities to operate flights to and from these airports. These open sky airports include Astana, Almaty, Shymkent, Aktau, Karaganda, Uskemen, Pavlodar, Kokshetau, Taraz, Petropavl, and Semey.
One notable achievement is the increase in Kazakhstan's aviation safety record, reaching 84% in December 2021. This is 15% higher than the global average, based on an audit conducted by the ICAO Coordinated Validation Mission. This improvement in aviation safety is a positive development for the country and its aviation industry. Kazakhstan has several domestic airlines that serve various regions within the country.
Some of the major domestic airlines in Kazakhstan include:
Air Astana is the national flag carrier and the largest airline in Kazakhstan. It operates an extensive domestic network, connecting major cities and regions across the country, including Almaty, Nur-Sultan, Shymkent, Aktobe, and more. |
SCAT Airlines is one of the largest domestic carriers in Kazakhstan. It provides services to numerous cities and towns within the country, making it a popular choice for domestic travel. |
Qazaq Air is a regional airline in Kazakhstan that primarily operates domestic flights, especially to cities and towns in the western regions of the country. |
Bek Air offers domestic flights to several cities within Kazakhstan, making it convenient for travelers looking to explore various regions. |
FlyArystan is a low-cost airline and a subsidiary of Air Astana. It offers affordable domestic flights to multiple destinations in Kazakhstan, allowing budget-conscious travelers to explore the country. |
Zhezkazgan Air primarily serves the city of Zhezkazgan in central Kazakhstan. It offers domestic flights connecting this city to other parts of the country. |
Kazakhstan’s domestic aviation sector is diverse, featuring a mix of major carriers, regional airlines, and specialized operators. Here’s an overview of the key players:
✈️ Major Domestic Airlines
Air Astana
Overview: Kazakhstan’s national flag carrier, founded in 2001.
Fleet: Approximately 60 aircraft, including Airbus A320 and Boeing 767 models.
Destinations: Over 90 domestic and international routes.
Hub Airports: Almaty and Nursultan Nazarbayev International Airports.
Website: airastana.com
FlyArystan
Overview: Kazakhstan’s first low-cost carrier, a subsidiary of Air Astana, launched in 2019.
Fleet: 24 Airbus A320 family aircraft.
Destinations: 24 destinations, including 14 domestic and 10 international.
Website: flyarystan.com
SCAT Airlines
Overview: Established in 1997, one of Kazakhstan’s largest airlines.
Fleet: 32 aircraft, including Boeing 737 and 757 models.
Destinations: 60 destinations, with a strong domestic network.
Website: scat.kz
Qazaq Air
Overview: Regional airline founded in 2015, focusing on domestic connectivity.
Fleet: 5 De Havilland Dash 8-400 turboprop aircraft.
Destinations: 25 destinations across Kazakhstan.
Website: flyqazaq.com
🛫 Regional and Specialized Airlines
Zhezkazgan Air: Operates domestic flights from Jezqazgan to Karaganda.
Euro-Asia Air: Primarily a charter airline based in Atyrau, also offering passenger services.
Bek Air: Focused on domestic flights, though operations have been suspended since 2020.
Other Operators: Includes carriers like Khozu Avia, Kokshetau Airlines, and Mak Air, serving specific regional routes.
📊 Subsidized Routes in 2025
The Kazakh government has announced subsidies for 24 domestic routes in 2025 to enhance regional connectivity. SCAT Airlines, Qazaq Air, and Southern Sky have been awarded rights to operate these routes, including connections from Almaty to Balkhash, Petropavlovsk, and Taraz, as well as from Astana to Urjar and Usharal. These initiatives aim to make air travel more accessible across the country.
For booking flights and more information on domestic travel within Kazakhstan, consider visiting the official websites of the airlines mentioned above.