AGP Executive Report

Border & Travel Disruptions: Uzbekistan’s Customs Committee warns of temporary queues at the Uzbekistan–Kazakhstan border due to Kazakh customs IT maintenance, with knock-on delays also reported on the Kazakh–Russian crossing. Air Connectivity: Air Astana resumes Dubai services (Almaty–Dubai from June 20; Astana–Dubai from July 10) via Pakistan because of Iranian airspace closure, while Cathay Pacific plans direct Hong Kong–Almaty flights from Q1 2027. Nature & Outdoor Tourism: Kazakhstan will expand national parks and reserves by 20,000 sq km by 2035 under a new biodiversity strategy, with protected areas set to reach 332,000 sq km. Culture & Events: Cirque du Soleil’s OVO lands in Astana (June 4–7), and the Qazaqstan International Balloon Festival in Almaty region features 29 hot-air balloons plus camping and family activities. Health Travel Reality Check: A report highlights why some Kazakhstanis seek cancer treatment abroad, amid rising incidence and uneven regional burdens. Local Economy for Travelers: Kazakhstan’s oilseed-processing exports jumped to $963m over four years, supporting jobs and transport links that matter for tourism too. Money & Exchange Rates: The National Bank cut the base rate to 17% and says tenge demand should stay stable despite lower returns.

New Air Routes: Air Astana will resume Dubai services from Almaty (from 20 June) and Astana (from 10 July), rerouting via Pakistan due to Iranian airspace closure, with frequencies ramping up through August. More Connectivity: Cathay Pacific plans direct flights to Almaty starting Q1 2027, three times a week, boosting Hong Kong–Kazakhstan links. Tourism Buzz: Colorful hot air balloons are set to draw crowds to the Qazaqstan International Balloon Festival in Almaty region’s Kaskelen, with 29 balloons, camping and family activities, and pilots from across Central Asia and beyond. Travel-Friendly Policy: Sri Lanka has waived tourist visa fees for nationals of 40 countries including Kazakhstan, offering free 30-day ETA approvals (Bangladesh is not included). Heritage & Culture: Archaeologists have started a new excavation season at the medieval Silk Road site of Zhankent in Kyzylorda region, continuing work on walls, homes and pottery kilns. Eco Watch: UNEP warns the Caspian Sea could significantly shallow over coming decades, threatening biodiversity and tourism along Kazakhstan’s coast.

Hot Air Balloon Tourism: Kazakhstan’s Qazaqstan International Balloon Festival in Kaskelen (Almaty region) is drawing pilots and visitors from Kazakhstan, Germany, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Russia and Uzbekistan, with 29 balloons (including an owl-shaped design) plus kite shows, food courts, camping and family activities—organizers say preparations can take up to a year and past events fully booked nearby hotels and resorts. Aviation & Travel Links: Air Astana is expanding Gulf connectivity, including plans to resume Dubai flights as key routes reopen, while Hong Kong–Almaty direct service is set to restart in early 2027, positioning Kazakhstan as a stronger Europe–Asia connector. Business Travel & Partnerships: Cyprus and Kazakhstan are deepening ties with new agreements and direct flights to Larnaca expected to boost tourism, alongside cooperation in digital tech, cybersecurity and e-government. Culture & Tourism Routes: In C5+1 cooperation, Kazakhstan’s culture ministry is pushing new people-to-people projects—tourism routes, festivals and museum digitization—aimed at linking Central Asia with the US. Heritage & Sightseeing: Archaeologists have started a new excavation season at Zhankent in Kyzylorda, continuing work at the UNESCO-nominated Silk Road site to develop visitor-facing displays. Food & Exports: Kazakhstan’s honey continues to gain international attention, with exports rising sharply in 2025 and Uzbekistan remaining the top market.

Aviation & Connectivity: Air Astana will restart Dubai flights—Almaty from June 20 and Astana from July 10—temporarily routing via Pakistan due to Iranian airspace closure, with daily services ramping up through summer. Tourism & Culture: Kazakhstan and Cyprus are set to deepen ties as a direct Astana/Almaty–Larnaca link is expected to boost tourism, alongside new cooperation in digital public services and business forums. Heritage & Travel Experiences: Archaeologists have begun a new excavation season at the Silk Road-linked medieval site of Zhankent in Kyzylorda, with past finds including defensive walls, residential quarters and visitor-ready displays. Nature & Eco-Travel Risk: A UN report warns the Caspian Sea is rapidly drying, threatening biodiversity and also port, fishing and tourism—especially for Kazakhstan and other coastal states. Travel Planning Info: A guide for Indian travelers highlights Kazakhstan’s visa-free entry for short stays (up to 14 days per visit, max 42 days in 180 days). Sports Tourism: Kazakhstan’s athletes are in the spotlight as regional volleyball and global yogasana events draw attention to Central Asia’s growing sports scene.

Caspian Sea Crisis: A new UNEP report warns the Caspian Sea could shallow sharply over the next 50 years due to climate change, threatening biodiversity, ports, fishing, and tourism across Azerbaijan, Iran, Kazakhstan, Russia, and Turkmenistan. Air Astana Route Boost: Air Astana will gradually restart Dubai flights—Almaty to Dubai from June 20 and Astana to Dubai from July 10—temporarily routing via Pakistan because of Iranian airspace closure. Kazakhstan–Cyprus Travel Push: Cyprus and Kazakhstan are deepening ties after a high-profile Cypriot visit, with direct flights to Larnaca from Astana and Almaty expected to lift tourism links. Heritage & Tourism: Kazakhstan has expanded excavations at the UNESCO-nominated Silk Road site of Zhankent in Kyzylorda, adding new finds and visitor-facing displays. Visitor Planning (Indians): A practical guide explains visa rules for Indian travelers—visa-free stays up to 14 days per visit (max 42 days in 180 days). Sports Tourism Angle: Kazakhstan’s athletes are in the spotlight at regional events, including the World Yogasana Championships where Kazakhstan won silver via Aizhan Kuanyshbayeva.

Kazakhstan Travel & Tourism: Air Astana is bringing back Dubai links: Almaty–Dubai resumes June 20 (via Pakistan due to Iranian airspace closure), Astana–Dubai follows July 10, with daily services planned from July 6 (Almaty) and August 3 (Astana) and free rebooking for passengers affected by earlier changes. New Routes to Cyprus: Air Astana has launched seasonal Astana–Larnaca (from June 3) and Almaty–Larnaca (from June 4) flights through September, boosting Mediterranean access and tourism ties after Cyprus opened its embassy in Astana. China Connectivity: Air Astana also started direct Astana–Guangzhou flights (twice weekly) and plans summer capacity increases across its China network. Visa & Entry Help: A practical guide explains Kazakhstan visa rules for Indian travelers, including visa-free stays up to 14 days per visit. Regional Tourism Push: Malaysia’s MICE authority (MyCEB) held roadshows in Almaty and Tashkent to pitch Kuala Lumpur as a meetings and exhibitions hub for Central Asia. Safety Note for Travelers: A new LGBTQ Risk Map says conditions worsened in Kazakhstan, flagging higher legal and social risks for LGBTQ travelers. Sports Tourism Angle: Kazakhstan athletes won silver in the World Yogasana Championships opener (Aizhan Kuanyshbayeva), as India dominated early golds in Ahmedabad.

Air Astana Restores Gulf Access: Air Astana will gradually restart Dubai flights from Almaty (June 20) and Astana (July 10), with temporary routing via Pakistan due to Iranian airspace closure, then ramping up to daily services from early July and August. New Mediterranean Routes: Air Astana also launched seasonal Cyprus flights—Astana to Larnaca began June 3 and Almaty on June 4—running through September (twice weekly from Astana, twice weekly from Almaty). China Connectivity Boost: Air Astana opened direct Astana–Guangzhou service (twice weekly) and plans summer capacity increases across its China network, including more weekly flights on key routes. Mongolia Link Opens: SCAT Airlines started regular Astana–Ulaanbaatar flights (twice weekly), adding another easy Central Asia travel option. Tourism Policy Watch: Indonesia is considering partial visa-free entry for selected markets, including Kazakhstan, as it tries to lift visitor numbers. LGBTQ Travel Risk Update: A new LGBTQ Risk Map says conditions worsened for travelers in Kazakhstan, adding a fresh caution for visitors planning trips. Cyprus–Kazakhstan Diplomacy with Travel Impact: Cyprus opened its embassy in Astana and both sides signed cooperation deals spanning transport, logistics, digitalization, cybersecurity, and tourism.

Air Astana Expands Cyprus Summer Links: Seasonal flights from Kazakhstan to Cyprus are now running, with Astana–Larnaca starting June 3 and Almaty–Larnaca from June 4 (twice weekly from Astana, twice weekly from Almaty; Airbus A321LR). Direct Kazakhstan–China Boost: Air Astana launched Astana–Guangzhou direct service (twice weekly) and plans more summer capacity on key China routes, including higher frequency on Almaty–Guangzhou. Cyprus Diplomatic Push in Astana: Cyprus opened its first embassy in Central Asia in Astana, signing multiple cooperation memoranda with Kazakhstan covering tourism, transport, digitalization, cybersecurity, culture, education and sports. Middle Corridor Tourism & Logistics Angle: Kazakhstan invited Cyprus to join the Trans-Caspian/Middle Corridor project, positioning Cyprus as a maritime hub to connect Central Asia to the Mediterranean. New Flights to Mongolia: SCAT Airlines started regular direct Astana–Ulaanbaatar service (twice weekly), aiming to grow travel and business ties. Hospitality Investment Watch: Spanish Barceló Hotel Group is exploring hotel development in Kazakhstan, with talks in Astana and Almaty on potential property acquisition and leasing. LGBTQ Travel Safety Alert: A new 2026 risk map says conditions worsened for LGBTQ travelers in Kazakhstan, raising legal and social risk concerns for visitors. Astana Gets Light Rail: Astana’s first urban light rail line opened May 16, offering faster city travel and a new way for tourists to explore the capital.

Kazakhstan–Cyprus Air & Embassy Push: Kazakhstan reaffirmed support for Cyprus sovereignty and backed UN resolutions on Northern Cyprus, as President Nikos Christodoulides opened Cyprus’s first embassy in Astana and the two sides signed multiple cooperation deals spanning finance, transport, digitalization, cybersecurity, education, sports, and tourism; New Direct Flights: Air Astana launched Astana–Larnaca, while talks also highlighted Almaty–Larnaca connectivity and broader people-to-people travel; Middle Corridor Logistics: Tokayev invited Cyprus to join the Trans-Caspian/Middle Corridor, pitching Cyprus as a maritime hub to link Central Asia to the Mediterranean; Astana Transit Upgrade: Astana’s first urban light rail began operations, with a 22.4km automated line aimed at cutting commute times; More Travel Links: SCAT launched regular Astana–Ulaanbaatar flights, and Hong Kong lawmakers backed plans to relaunch direct Hong Kong–Almaty services; Tourism Business Interest: Spain’s Barceló Hotel Group met Kazakh officials to explore hotel property acquisitions and leases, targeting new hospitality investment.

Urban Mobility: Astana has launched Central Asia’s first urban light rail, with a 22.4km driverless line and 18 elevated stations cutting a typical cross-city trip to about 28 minutes. Air Connectivity: Air Astana opened direct flights to Cyprus (Astana–Larnaca and Almaty–Larnaca), and Cathay Pacific says it will start Hong Kong–Almaty direct service in Q1 2027; Hong Kong lawmakers also expect direct flights to save travellers up to 10 hours. Bilateral Tourism & Deals: Kazakhstan and Cyprus signed multiple cooperation memorandums covering tourism, education, digitalization, cybersecurity, and sports, with leaders pushing a roadmap and inviting Cyprus into the Trans-Caspian Corridor. Hospitality Investment: A major Spanish hotel group (Barceló) is eyeing expansion in Kazakhstan, with talks in Astana and Almaty about new hotel sites and property deals. Regional Travel Tech: Kyrgyzstan’s payment system partnered with Alipay+ to launch international QR payments, making cross-border spending easier for travellers. Aviation Costs Watch: IATA warns jet fuel price surges could squeeze Central Asian airlines’ margins. Travel Safety Note: A new LGBTQ Risk Map flags Kazakhstan among places where conditions have worsened for LGBTQ travellers. Airline Promotions: Vietjet is running a 12 million-ticket sale tied to new Asia-Pacific and Europe routes via Almaty.

Cyprus-Kazakhstan Air Links: Air Astana has launched direct flights between Astana and Larnaca, with Almaty–Larnaca starting June 4; both run twice weekly through September, giving Cypriot and Kazakh travelers a new fast route for tourism, education and business. Diplomatic Push for Tourism & Trade: Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides’ first official visit to Kazakhstan included new MoUs (education, culture, sports, digital governance) and talks on boosting connectivity, investment and the Middle Corridor. Middle Corridor Invitation: Kazakhstan invited Cyprus to join the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, aiming to speed logistics, cut costs and open new tourism and digital-tech cooperation. New Kazakhstan–Mongolia Route: SCAT Airlines started direct Astana–Ulaanbaatar flights twice a week, adding more options for travelers and business between the capitals. Kazakhstan–Hong Kong Connectivity: Kazakhstan, Hong Kong and mainland China signed 42 commercial agreements, with plans for a direct Hong Kong–Almaty flight in 2027. Airfare Reality Check: Jet fuel price surges could squeeze Central Asian airlines’ margins, especially carriers without strong fuel-hedging. Sports Travel Angle: Kazakhstan’s wider region tourism gets a boost as new international events and routes expand visitor flows.

New Direct Routes to Boost Travel: LOT Polish Airlines launched Warsaw–Almaty direct flights (4x weekly in summer, 3x in winter), giving European travelers an easier gateway to Kazakhstan’s largest city. More Air Connectivity Promises: Hong Kong’s Cathay Pacific plans Hong Kong–Almaty direct service from Q1 2027 (3x weekly), while Hong Kong also signals talks on incentives to revive direct flights. Cyprus–Kazakhstan Link: Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides arrived in Astana as the first direct Air Astana flight from Larnaca began, highlighting growing tourism and business ties. Almaty Leisure Project: Almaty will build a new 27-hectare family entertainment complex with an aquarium, butterfly museum, amphitheater, and observation tower (2026–2027). Aviation Innovation: Kazakhstan is set to test Central Asia’s first air taxi service using eVTOL tech in Almaty. Tourism Tech Awards: Trip.com’s Tourism Innovation Awards named the Almaty Museum of Arts among winners, spotlighting Kazakhstan’s cultural tourism growth. Regional Travel Boost: Renovated Balkhash airport reopened for flights, supporting access to resort areas.

New Direct Routes to Kazakhstan: Cathay Pacific says it will launch Hong Kong–Almaty direct flights in Q1 2027, three times a week, using an Airbus A330-300—its only non-stop link between the two cities. More Europe-to-Almaty Access: LOT Polish Airlines has started Warsaw–Almaty direct flights (from May 31), four times weekly with Boeing 737 MAX 8. Cyprus Connection: Kazakhstan–Cyprus air links are set to grow, with Astana–Larnaca starting June 2 (twice weekly) and Almaty–Larnaca starting June 4 (twice weekly). Almaty Leisure Boost: Almaty plans a new 27-hectare family entertainment complex in Alatau District with an aquarium, butterfly museum, amphitheater, observation tower, and waterfront canal (construction 2026–2027). Wildlife Tourism Moment: Kazakhstan continues Przewalski’s horse restoration, releasing a new group into the Altyn Dala State Nature Reserve after a year-long adaptation period. Regional Travel Infrastructure: Renovated Karaganda airport has reopened for passenger service, with subsidized daily flights from Astana (Qazaq Air) and six weekly flights from Almaty (SCAT). Livestock & Export Outlook: Experts outline three scenarios for Kazakhstan’s livestock sector by 2031, tied to new foot-and-mouth disease-free status and the need to build the export chain.

New Air Links: Hong Kong will relaunch direct flights to Almaty in Q1 2027, while Kazakhstan also adds Cyprus routes: Astana–Larnaca starts June 2 (twice weekly) and Almaty–Larnaca starts June 4 (twice weekly), boosting easier travel for business and tourists. More Europe Access: LOT Polish Airlines launched direct Warsaw–Almaty flights on May 31 (four times a week), giving travelers a faster route into Kazakhstan’s largest city and nearby mountain getaways. Tourism Infrastructure: Kazakhstan is pushing ahead with a $30M cable car project linking the Lower and Middle Kolsai lakes, with construction expected to start this year and completion targeted for end-2027—aimed at handling growing visitor demand. Regional Travel Safety: Kazakhstan rescue teams saved British tourists lost in the steppe/mountains, highlighting ongoing support for travelers. Wildlife & Nature Tourism: Przewalski’s horses continue their comeback, with new releases and births supporting Kazakhstan’s conservation tourism appeal. Travel Tragedy: Two Indian medical students drowned while swimming in Kazakhstan; FAIMA has asked India’s MEA to help repatriate the bodies.

New Routes: Kazakhstan will launch direct flights to Larnaca from Astana (from June 2, twice weekly on Tuesdays and Saturdays) and Almaty (from June 4, twice weekly on Thursdays and Sundays), with Kazakhstan citizens needing a visa for Cyprus. Tourism Infrastructure: A $30M cable car project will connect the Lower and Middle Kolsai lakes (6.3 km), with construction set to start this year and completion targeted for end-2027, plus a new parking complex to handle rising visitor numbers. Regional Travel & Business: Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan signed a roadmap for trade and economic cooperation that also covers tourism, alongside industry, logistics and “green” energy. Safety on the Road: British tourists were rescued after their vehicle got stuck in a salt marsh in Mangystau; the extraction took over 24 hours and no injuries were reported. Rescue in the Mountains: Eight hikers lost their way above Almaty near Shymbulak were found and guided down safely after a night search. Diplomatic Travel: Cyprus President Christodoulides will visit Kazakhstan on June 3 and inaugurate the Cyprus embassy in Astana, with an inaugural direct flight on June 2.

Tourism & Connectivity: Kazakhstan and Cambodia signed a visa-free deal for holders of diplomatic and official/service passports, aiming to ease official travel and deepen government ties. Air Travel & Diplomacy: Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides is set to visit Kazakhstan on June 3, with a direct flight launch on June 2, plus a business forum and the inauguration of Cyprus’s Astana embassy. Safety in Nature: Kazakhstan’s rescue teams pulled eight British tourists from the Almaty mountains after they got lost near Shymbulak; no injuries were reported. Culture & Heritage: Archaeologists in Mangystau unearthed artifacts at the Karakabak site, pointing to Silk Road-era trade links reaching Rome, Persia, India and China. Sports Tourism: The 11th Asia-Oceania Sambo Championships (June 23–27) in the Philippines is expected to draw 600+ athletes, with Kazakhstan among interested countries. Regional Cooperation: Turkestan Region and Tashkent Region held a “Cooperation Without Borders” forum to expand trade, investment and tourism. Travel Demand Signals: More Hong Kong travelers are choosing “mysterious” Central Asia, with agencies citing growing business links and interest in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.