Air Astana: New flight connections to Jeddah and Phuket start!

Air Astana: New flight connections to Jeddah and Phuket start!

The connection between Kazakhstan and Thailand is becoming closer: Air Astana has announced that it will expand its flight network in the Middle East and Asia. Direct flights from Astana to Phuket will now start from October 26, 2024. These new flights will operate three times a week, specifically on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays, and represent another milestone for the airline as it continues to improve its connections. The flight duration to Phuket is approximately 8 hours and 5 minutes, while the return flights take slightly longer. Arrival in Phuket is at 07:45; the return flights depart Phuket at 9:30 a.m. and arrive in Astana at 4:10 p.m. Aviation Week reports that all flights will be operated with the Airbus A321LR.

An exciting addition to this new service is a codeshare agreement with Japan Airlines. This cooperation also concerns a future connection from Almaty to Tokyo, which is planned for spring 2026. These developments suggest that Air Astana has a strong hand in expanding its international network and enabling travel between different continents. Further details on the exact route and schedules will be published after the integration of the booking systems.

Thailand as an important air traffic hub

Why is this step so important for Thailand? The country has developed into an important air traffic hub in Asia in recent years. The air passenger and air cargo sector in Thailand has recovered significantly since COVID-19 restrictions were lifted in 2022. Statista highlights that Thailand has re-established itself as an attractive destination, especially with the return of Chinese tourists, who accounted for the highest number of international visitors before the pandemic.

Thanks to the supporting role of low-cost airlines, the domestic air travel market in Thailand has become more affordable. These companies have helped increase access to domestic and international flights, benefiting tourism. The last decade has seen further growth and the Thai government is planning additional airports and expansions of existing hubs such as Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang to meet growing travel demands.

The future of air transport in Thailand

Given the changes ahead, the aviation sector in Thailand is well positioned. With the increasing commitment of international connections, as Air Astana is now promoting, and the constant increase in flight movements, the country is aiming to position itself as a central point for international air traffic in the region. Despite the challenges of economic uncertainty, including the war in Ukraine, the aviation industry is expected to return to pre-pandemic levels by 2025.

With its expansion to Phuket and the codeshare agreement with Japan Airlines, Air Astana shows that it is striving for a firm foothold in the region. These developments could be crucial for both tourism and economic connectivity. Thailand has a lot to offer and it looks like there are more exciting times ahead in air travel. For travelers from Kazakhstan, exploring this connection will certainly be one of many ways to discover the beauty and culture of Thailand.

Links for further information: Horizon Cottages and Statista.