On March 31, 2025, Air Astana’ inaugural KC187 flight successfully landed at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport, marking the official launch of its Guangzhou-Almaty direct route.
The aircraft, an Airbus A321LR, passed through a ceremonial water salute, symbolizing a significant milestone in the airline’s expansion across China.
The non-stop flight duration is 5 hours and 22 minutes. This new route joins Air Astana’ existing direct flights to Beijing, Urumqi, and Sanya, making Guangzhou its fourth destination in China.
The Guangzhou-Almaty route operates three times a week, departing Almaty (ALA) at 8.30pm on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays, arriving in Guangzhou (CAN) at 5.25am the next day.
The return flights depart Guangzhou at 6.50am on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Mondays, reaching Almaty at 10.25am (all times local).
With this addition, Air Astana now operates a total of 17 weekly flights in the Chinese mainland:
Guangzhou – Almaty: 3 flights per week
Beijing – Almaty: 5 flights per week
Beijing – Astana: 2 flights per week
Urumqi – Almaty: 5 flights per week
Sanya – Almaty: 2 flights per week
Air Astana CEO Peter Foster emphasized China’s strategic importance:
“China has been a key market for Air Astana for over 20 years. Since launching our first Beijing-Almaty route, we have seen strong demand from both business and leisure travelers. The new Guangzhou service is a vital step in expanding our network in China.”
Almaty, Kazakhstan’s largest city and financial hub, is a historic gateway on the Silk Road and plays a central role in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
The visa-free agreement between China and Kazakhstan (effective since November 10, 2023) allows travelers to visit each country for up to 30 days without a visa.
READ MORE: China Visa-Free Entry Countries – The Full List!
The new Guangzhou route enhances South China and the Greater Bay Area's connectivity to Central Asia, fostering deeper trade, investment, tourism, and cultural exchanges between the two nations.
The Airbus A321LR operating the route features fully lie-flat business class seats and personal in-flight entertainment in economy class.
Air Astana, recognized as 'Best Airline in Central Asia & CIS' by Skytrax for 12 consecutive years, continues to strengthen its network via its hubs in Almaty and Astana, offering seamless connections across Central Asia, the Caucasus, the Middle East, South Asia, and Europe.
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