Direct flights between Kazakhstan and US face delay

Kazakhstan’s Minister of Transport, Nurlan Sauranbayev, said that the launch of direct flights between Kazakhstan and the U.S. has been delayed due to a long waiting list for the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft. According to him, an alternative route with an intermediate stop is currently under consideration.

During a briefing at the Central Communications Service, the minister was asked why there is still no direct flight between Kazakhstan and the U.S., and what stage the preparations are at. Sauranbayev explained that the route passes over the North Pole and Russia, which requires a special long-haul aircraft such as the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner.

«The delivery of the aircraft is being delayed. Both Airbus and Boeing have their order books full for the next 14 years. Even those who were already in line are being pushed back. What we were supposed to receive in 2026 has now shifted to 2027. For now, to maintain the route, Air Astana is offering a flight option via London – with a stop in London, there’s no change of aircraft, and then the plane continues on to the U.S.,» the minister said.

Previously, Kazakhstan’s Civil Aviation Authority stated that direct flights between the country and New York were expected to launch in 2026. In March, Air Astana CEO Peter Forster did not provide exact dates for the flight launch, citing aircraft delivery delays and restrictions on flights over Russia.

In November, Air Astana announced a major order for up to 15 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, in addition to the three Boeing 787-9 aircraft previously ordered. Deliveries are scheduled for 2026-2027.

The launch of the direct flight between Astana and New York was initially planned for 2025.