Hong Kong is moving to strengthen its links with Central Asia, with plans to launch or relaunch direct flights to Kazakhstan. During an official visit by Chief Executive John Lee to Astana, Lee said Hong Kong will expand visa-free arrangements with Kazakhstan and intends to develop direct air services connecting the two cities. Separate reporting says the direct Almaty route is expected to restart in the first quarter of 2027, following an announcement by Hong Kong’s flag carrier. Lawmakers and business representatives argue the new flights would reduce travel time by as much as 10 hours for business travellers and improve access for tourists from the region. Reporting also indicates discussions are underway with Kazakhstani authorities on a Comprehensive Avoidance of Double Taxation Agreement. Additional details, including potential flight frequency and incentive measures, are still being worked out, with one Hong Kong-based airline reportedly exploring services up to three times a week. The planned air link is presented across outlets as part of broader efforts to deepen economic and people-to-people connections between Hong Kong and Kazakhstan.
Hong Kong plans direct flights to Almaty as ties with Kazakhstan expand
Hong Kong is moving to strengthen its links with Central Asia, with plans to launch or relaunch direct flights to Kazakhstan. During an official visit by Chief Executive John Lee to Astana, Lee said H...
- Hong Kong’s Chief Executive John Lee announces expanded visa-free arrangements with Kazakhstan during an official visit to Astana.
- Hong Kong plans direct flights to Kazakhstan, specifically Almaty.
- One report says the Almaty direct flights are expected to start/restart in the first quarter of 2027.
- Sources cite potential travel time savings for business travellers of up to about 10 hours.
- Hong Kong says it will begin discussions with Kazakhstan on a Comprehensive Avoidance of Double Taxation Agreement; potential airline frequency and incentives are still being determined.
Direct flights between Hong Kong and Kazakhstan could save business travellers up to 10 hours and open the city’s shorelines to tourists from landlocked Central Asia, lawmakers have said after the flag carrier announced plans to launch an Almaty route next year. Lawmaker Jonathan Stuart Lamport, who represents the business sector, on Thursday said the announcement had received widespread support from the industry, as direct flights between Hong Kong and Almaty would significantly strengthen ties...
2 months agoChief Executive John Lee has announced that Hong Kong’s links to Central Asia will be strengthened with expanded visa-free arrangements and direct flights to Kazakhstan. Lee was speaking to reporters in the Kazakh capital of Astana on Tuesday during an official visit with business leaders. Hong Kong already has visa-free arrangements with Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and […]
2 months agoHong Kong will relaunch direct flights with Almaty in Kazakhstan in the first quarter of next year, the city’s leader has announced in a breakthrough which businesses have said will be essential for easing travel and strengthening ties with Central Asia. Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu, who is leading a high-powered delegation to the region, also said on Tuesday that the city would start deliberations with Kazakhstani authorities to reach a Comprehensive Avoidance of Double Taxation Agreement...
2 months agoA lack of direct flights has been a bugbear to Hong Kong and Kazakhstan forging closer ties but with the city’s leader now in Astana and hints of incentives on the table, hopes are rising for a breakthrough. It is understood that a Hong Kong-based airline is now exploring launching such flights up to three times a week, but the details are being ironed out. Asel Suankulova, managing director of Kazakh Invest’s Investment Promotion and Marketing Department, told the South China Morning Post that...
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