Tag Archives: Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan trends at 195% most popular Eid getaway by UAE travellers : Skyscanner

According to Skyscanner’s latest research shared, Kazakhstan is at number one position as most popular search by UAE travellers as residents plan ahead for the Eid Al Fitr break. The findings reveal that 2 April 2024 is the most popular travel departure date during this period, and more than half of travellers (51%) are searching for trips that are one week or less. At the same time, 43% of travellers are taking advantage of the extended break by booking longer holidays*. Skyscanner also reveals 10 destinations rising in popularity among UAE travellers. From mountainous Kazakhstan to sunny Greece, these are the trending destinations with the highest year-on-year increase in searches for April departures. 10 Trending Destinations 1. Kazakhstan: 195% 2. Seychelles: 115% 3. Cyprus: 99% 4. Japan: 90% 5. Vietnam: 81% 6. Oman: 78% 7. Switzerland: 56% 8. Kenya: 53% 9. Mauritius: 52% 10. Greece: 49% Skyscanner’s Travel Expert, Ayoub El Mamoun, comments, “With Eid Al Fitr just a month away, the majority of UAE travellers we surveyed are keen to make the most of their holidays with breaks to 2 weeks long. We’ve also witnessed a significant year-on-year increase in search destinations such as Kazakhstan, Seychelles and Cyprus as residents look to more culture focused travel, as well as relaxed holiday destinations this Eid Al Fitr break. For travellers still deciding on a destination to visit this upcoming break, a Skyscanner ‘Everywhere’ search is one of the easiest ways to be inspired. Ordered by cheapest price, a search to ‘Everywhere’ shows travellers all the destinations available for your desired travel departure. For example, a quick Everywhere search on Skyscanner reveals return flights to Türkiye from AED 864, Italy from AED 1,177 and …

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FlyArystan expands international network

FlyArystan continues to expand its international network commencing operations between Astana and Dushanbe, the capital of Tajikistan in October and is also evaluating the launch of new services to destinations including Abu Dhabi (UAE), Oman and Saudi Arabia during the next stage of its network expansion. The carrier currently offers services from Kazakhstan to destinations in Azerbaijan, Georgia, Qatar, Kyrgyzstan, Turkey, China, UAE and Uzbekistan. “The launch of FlyArystan in May 2019 has proven to be a tremendous success for Air Astana Group in pioneering the rapid development of low-cost markets in Kazakhstan and Central Asia,” said Peter Foster, President and CEO of Air Astana Group. ”Dramatic growth in demand from a completely new segment of passengers in these markets is being followed by an exciting new phase of international network expansion, with the launch of services to cities in dynamic India and Central Asia markets, plus others in the Middle East on the horizon.”

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SalamAir begins direct flights to Almaty, Republic of Kazakhstan

SalamAir inaugurated its first direct flights to the city of Almaty in the Republic of Kazakhstan, twice a week, on Saturdays and Wednesdays, with its latest Airbus aircraft. His Excellency Najmuddin Muhammad Ali, Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the Sultanate of Oman, said that the opening of this destination will contribute to strengthening bilateral relations between the two friendly countries, especially economic and tourism, explaining, “We are counting on this historic step, as it is the first scheduled flight between the two countries.” In a statement to the Omani News Agency, the ambassador expressed his hope that this destination would contribute to activating tourism, business growth and other fields between the Sultanate of Oman and the Republic of Kazakhstan. For his part, Dr. Anwar bin Muhammad Al-Rawas, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Salam Air Company, indicated that choosing the destination of Al-Maati comes based on studies and reading the market and tourism data due to its tourism potentials that made it an attractive destination for many tourists, expressing the company’s aspiration to expand its fleet to various Local, regional and international destinations according to a strategy based on real professional foundations. Captain Mohamed Ahmed, CEO of SalamAir, explained that this destination will continue throughout the year and is expected to attract many tourists and residents in both countries, noting that the company has now started operating two weekly flights in the hope of increasing it during the next stage. The CEO of SalamAir added that the destination also came within the framework of SalamAir’s operational vision aimed at reaching new tourist destinations that were not previously available to travelers, and giving travelers more travel options at …

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Qatar launches its first commercial charter flight to and from Kazakhstan

With a target to attract over six million international visitors a year by 2030, Qatar Tourism (QT) has partnered with Kazunion, one of Kazakhstan’s largest tour operators, to operate four commercial charter flights a week from two cities in Kazakhstan (Almaty and Astana) to Qatar via FlyArystan from January to March 2023. Kazakhstan is one of 15 target markets identified by Qatar Tourism as a primary source for tourists looking to relax, rejuvenate and soak in Qatar’s vibrant culture. The commercial charter flights from Kazakhstan to Qatar are part of a travel package deal formed by Kazunion which include flights and beach side accommodation for travellers looking to explore Doha’s rich arts, culture, and retail offerings. Celebrating this key milestone, Chief Operating Officer of Qatar Tourism, Berthold Trenkel, said: “We are delighted to partner with Kazunion to launch Qatar’s first commercial charter flights to and from Kazakhstan. Our agreement will help sustain the growth of Qatar’s tourism sector by promoting the country as a family-friendly, cosmopolitan, and culturally rich destination for travellers from Kazakhstan.” Qatar Tourism’s 2030 strategy aims to increase the number of visitors to Qatar by threefold, increase spending by 3 to 4 times, and grow the GDP contribution of the tourism sector to 12% by 2030. Kazunion is actively promoting these travel packages among its business-to-consumer and business-to-business targets using various advertising channels across digital, broadcast, cinemas, billboards, and professional events that gather the country’s travel agents. Founded in 2009, Kazunion currently has six offices in Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan. In Kazakhstan, the tour operator has four offices located in Astana, Almaty, Aktau and Aktobe. Kazunion also has a wide network of partners, with 5,000 agencies in …

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flydubai expands its network in Kazakhstan to three destinations with the start of flights to Shymkent

flydubai announced the resumption of flights to Shymkent International Airport (CIT) from 28 February with a twice-weekly service. With the start of flights to Shymkent, flydubai grows its network in Kazakhstan to three destinations including Almaty and the capital, Astana. Ghaith Al Ghaith, Chief Executive Officer at flydubai, said: “Kazakhstan has long been an important market since we first launched operations to Almaty in 2014. In 2022 we carried almost 300,000 passengers between the UAE and Kazakhstan, an increased figure of 145% compared to 2019, and we look forward to strengthening trade and cultural relations with the start of flights to Shymkent.” The UAE and Kazakhstan have a long history of trade relations in which they cooperate together in several economic sectors including mining, agriculture, oil and gas, and construction. Commenting on the start of flights, Jeyhun Efendi, Senior Vice President, Commercial Operations and E-commerce at flydubai, said: “we are excited to see our network grow in Kazakhstan with Shymkent as our third destination which will serve a total frequency of 22 weekly flights. This frequency will increase to 26 weekly flights from February and will offer our customers in Kazakhstan more convenient and reliable options to explore the UAE and beyond.” After Almaty and Astana, Shymkent is the third largest city in Kazakhstan and is a major cultural centre that features bustling bazaars, ancient architecture and natural scenery.flydubai expands its network in the Central Asian region to ten points, providing passengers from the UAE and the region with more options for travel. This includes Almaty, Ashgabat, Astana, Bishkek, Dushanbe, Namangan, Osh, Samarkand, Shymkent and Tashkent.  

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Wizz Air Abu Dhabi launches new routes to Kazakhstan

Wizz Air Abu Dhabi has announced the launch of its latest routes from Abu Dhabi to Almaty and Nur Sultan, Kazakhstan, starting in the middle of May 2021. With the launch of Almaty and Nur-Sultan, Wizz Air Abu Dhabi adds a further two routes to the already on sale thirteen routes. The flight to Almaty will be operated 2 times per week on Mondays and Fridays, while Nur Sultan will be operated on Thursdays and Sundays, also 2 times per week. The connection between Abu Dhabi and the cities of Almaty and Nur Sultan will open new and low-fare travel opportunities for those who would like to visit friends and relatives as well as travel for business. The new routes present an affordable opportunity for travellers to explore exciting destinations, empowering visitors to immerse themselves in the culture of the gorgeous city of Almaty and discover the world’s youngest capital, Nur Sultan. Tickets are already on sale on wizzair.com and the airline’s mobile app, also available in Arabic, with fares starting as low as AED 159*. Kees Van Schaick, Managing Director of Wizz Air Abu Dhabi said: “The new routes from Abu Dhabi to Almaty and Nur Sultan will encourage increased travel between the UAE and Kazakhstan through ultra-low-fare travel options. We are confident that the new routes will inspire a desire to travel and open the doors to new cultural experiences.”

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RAKTDA partners with Scat Airlines

Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) announces a strategic partnership with SCAT Airlines that will see the Emirate welcome commercial flights from eight cities in Kazakhstan starting from March 2021. The move strengthens Ras Al Khaimah’s recovery strategy, following its initial focus on domestic tourism before opening up to international markets as travel corridors are established. Raki Phillips, Chief Executive Officer of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, commented, “Our partnership with SCAT Airlines is a key milestone in Ras Al Khaimah’s tourism strategy, especially as we co-create a viable tourism vision for ‘new normal’ and post pandemic travel. Visitors from Kazakhstan have enjoyed the genuine hospitality of Ras Al Khaimah for many years and we are thrilled to continue welcoming our valued guests in ways that are meaningful to their travel experience – direct commercial flights from a number of cities in Kazakhstan to our Emirate.” He added, “Aligned with this approach is our commitment to ensure the safety and security of all our guests as they enjoy the warmer weather and take full advantage of Ras Al Khaimah’s many great outdoor attractions from beaches to mountains; culture to adventure and much more.” Vladimir Sytnik, Vice President, SCAT Airlines, commented: SCAT Airlines is excited to commence direct flights once a week to Ras Al Khaimah on 5 March from eight cities of Kazakhstan, including Nur-Sultan, Almaty, Aktobe, Aktau, Atyrau, Uralsk, Karaganda and Shymkent on our Boeing 737-700 NG aircraft.  Our mutual collaboration with Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority provides citizens of Kazakhstan with a service that satisfies not only the needs of residents of larger cities but also makes it possible to travel to Ras Al Khaimah …

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Sharjah to host 50 countries at IWAS World Games 2019 from February 10-16

The Higher Organising Committee of IWAS World Games Sharjah 2019 confirmed that 1,462 participants from 50 countries are set to compete in the world’s largest wheelchair and amputee sports championship in Sharjah from February 10-16. Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member Ruler of Sharjah, the IWAS World Games has returned to the emirate for the second time after its successful debut in the city in 2011. The eighth edition of the world championship brings together seven games including archery, athletics, badminton, swimming, shooting, table tennis and wheelchair fencing. New details of the upcoming biennial sports championship were revealed at a press conference held recently at Sheraton Sharjah Beach Resort & Spa. Global athletes landing in Sharjah over the next few days are set to represent 50 competing nations confirmed by the Higher Organising Committee which include the UAE, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Algeria, Yemen, Syria, Iraq, Egypt, India, Sweden, Ukraine, Thailand, Turkey, Brazil, Portugal, Switzerland, Japan, Australia, Kenya, Russia, China, Ireland, Kazakhstan, Italy, South Africa, South Korea, Poland, Pakistan, Norway, Kenya, Latvia, Macau, Azerbaijan, Canada, Croatia, Cyprus, Estonia, Germany, Serbia, France, Georgia, the UK, the US, Hong Kong, Greece, Czech Republic, Austria, Belarus and Comoros.

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flydubai to re-launch flights to Shymkent in Kazakhstan from December 28

flydubai will operate flights to three points in Kazakhstan following the relaunch of its Shymkent service. The twice-a-week service will be offered from December 28, 2018. flydubai has been flying to Kazakhstan since 2014 and together with the re-launched service to Shymkent and existing flights to Almaty and Astana, the airline will operate 13 weekly flights to three points in the country. Commenting on the recommencement of flights to Shymkent, Ghaith Al Ghaith, Chief Executive Officer, flydubai, said, “We are pleased to see the strengthening of direct air links between the UAE and Kazakhstan, which provide more opportunities for the development of tourism and trade flows. flydubai has been flying to Kazakhstan since 2014 and we have seen over the years a positive demand from the region.” With flydubai, Business Class passengers can enjoy comfortable spacious seats and a variety of dining options onboard, as well as a priority check-in service and lounge access. flydubai offers its Economy Class passengers numerous features onboard including comfortable seating, a range of tasty snacks to purchase during flights and an award-winning in-flight entertainment system with more than 1,000 hours of films, television, music and an extensive range of Arabic, English and Russian content. The airline’s latest offering includes WiFi connectivity and Live TV on selected flights.

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Slovakia inks deal with VFS Global for visa processing services

VFS Global has signed a contract with the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of the Slovak Republic for providing visa services in 10 countries worldwide. As per this new contract, VFS Global will now provide visa services for Slovakia in China, India, Kazakhstan, Palestine, Belarus, Russia, Kuwait, United Arab Emirates, Turkey and Egypt through 38 visa application centres. The rollout of all these new operations is expected to be completed by December 2018. Under the new contract, VFS Global will accept both short and long-term visa applications on behalf of the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of the Slovak Republic. Chris Dix, Head – Business Development, VFS Global, said, “We are excited about our new partnership with the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of the Slovak Republic. The countries where we will be operating are markets where VFS Global has worked for several years and whose travellers are familiar with our services and expertise. We are also pleased to have the opportunity to serve our new clients in new locations, and bring applicants in these locations the same benefits and high-quality service that we have been offering our customers worldwide for the last 17 years.”

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