BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 22. Kazakhstan has resumed regular air service to the city of Arkalyk.
According to the Ministry of Transport of Kazakhstan, regular air service has resumed after a 30-year hiatus.
"Following the President’s instructions on the reconstruction of Arkalyk Airport, the Ministry of Transport of Kazakhstan is launching the first flight on the Astana–Arkalyk route," the statement said.
The flights will be operated by SCAT Airlines.
Starting August 22, 2026, flights on the Astana-Arkalyk-Astana route will operate twice a week, with a one-way fare of 10,000 tenge ($21,72), while flights on the Almaty-Arkalyk-Almaty route will also operate twice a week, with a one-way fare of 25,000 tenge ($54,3).
A regional Kostanay-Arkalyk-Kostanay route will also be launched, with flights operating twice a week and a one-way ticket costing 10,000 tenge.
Earlier, on August 12, 2026, Arkalyk Airport regained its three-letter IATA code - AYK, which became an important stage in preparations for the resumption of regular air service.
Meanwhile, the airport’s operations are resuming 30 years after they were suspended. The launch of air service will provide an important impetus to the socio-economic development of the region, improve Arkalyk’s transport accessibility, expand opportunities for residents’ mobility, develop business ties and attract investment.
Vice Minister of Transport of Kazakhstan Talgat Lastaev, Deputy Akim (head of the local administration) of Kostanay Region Berik Tanzharikov, as well as representatives of the akimat, the aviation industry and the public attended the flight launch event.
