Air Astana will begin Astana–Guangzhou flights from 2 June 2026, offering twice-weekly nonstop service that cuts travel time to around 6 hours 45 minutes.
Summary: Air Astana will start direct Astana–Guangzhou flights on 2 June 2026. The twice-weekly service, operated with Airbus A321LR aircraft, will take about 6 hours 45 minutes and economy round-trip fares begin at $508.
Air Astana has announced a new direct route between Astana and Guangzhou that will begin on 2 June 2026. The Astana–Guangzhou flights will operate twice weekly and cut travel time between Kazakhstan’s capital and southern China to roughly 6 hours and 45 minutes, providing a nonstop option for business and leisure travellers.
Service schedule and fares
The new Astana–Guangzhou connection will operate twice a week on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Tickets are on sale now, and Air Astana lists economy round-trip fares starting from $508 for the direct service, making it a competitively priced nonstop option for the route.
- Launch date: 2 June 2026
- Frequency: Twice weekly (Tuesdays and Thursdays)
- Aircraft: Airbus A321LR
- Scheduled flight time: Approximately 6 hours 45 minutes
- Economy round-trip fares: From $508
This route builds on Air Astana’s existing China network. Almost a year ago the carrier began a four-times-weekly Almaty–Guangzhou service, and the Astana launch brings Kazakhstan’s capital into direct reach of Guangdong province without the need for connections.
Aircraft choice and passenger experience
Air Astana will use its Airbus A321LR on the route. The narrow-body A321LR is configured for extended-range missions while keeping fuel efficiency and cabin comfort in mind, enabling nonstop services between secondary hubs and major global cities.
Passengers flying into Guangzhou will benefit from Baiyun International Airport’s wide domestic and international connections, making onward travel within China or to other global destinations straightforward.
Expanding China connectivity
The Guangzhou launch is part of a broader push into China. Air Astana already serves Beijing and Urumqi, and plans to start an Almaty–Shanghai route at the end of March 2026, further broadening access to China’s major economic centres.
By linking both Astana and Almaty with multiple Chinese cities, Air Astana is pursuing a multi-city connectivity approach that spreads traffic across Kazakhstan’s hubs and provides more entry points for Chinese travellers into Central Asia.
What it means for trade and passengers
Guangzhou is a major manufacturing and trade hub, and direct air links from Astana are expected to support stronger commercial exchange, cargo movement and business travel between the two markets, particularly around trade fairs and corporate events.
- Business travellers gain a same-day nonstop option
- Traders and exhibitors benefit from faster cargo and passenger connections
- Students and tourists have cheaper, direct travel choices
- Airline can route demand across Astana and Almaty hubs
With tickets already on sale and the inaugural flights scheduled for early June, travellers and companies can begin planning trips that no longer require one-stop transfers through other regional hubs.
Why this matters to travellers and the industry
The Astana–Guangzhou nonstop reduces travel time, simplifies itineraries and widens options for passengers moving between Central Asia and southern China. For the aviation sector, the route signals continued recovery and strategic route diversification as carriers link secondary cities to major economic centres.
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