The launch of direct flights between Kazakhstan and the US has been postponed due to delays in the production of Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft for Air Astana. The first airliner was expected in September 2026, but its delivery is now scheduled for December. Direct air links are hoped to open in 2027.
WHY THE LAUNCH OF FLIGHTS WAS POSTPONED
As reported by Zakon.kz, on 20 October 2026, Vice-Minister of Transport of the Republic of Kazakhstan Talgat Lastayev explained the reasons for the postponement on the sidelines of Aviation Security Week in Astana.
According to him, Air Astana initially expected to receive its first Boeing 787 Dreamliner in September. However, the manufacturer delayed the aircraft's release, which pushed back further preparations for launching the route.
"We expect the first delivery in December. Accordingly, the rest of the process is being pushed back. But it is steadily moving forward, and I am confident that we will have such a flight," Lastayev said.
WHEN DIRECT AIR LINKS COULD OPEN
The Vice-Minister reported that in November 2026 Kazakhstan expects the final report of the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
A few weeks ago, American specialists conducted a week-long audit of Kazakhstan's civil aviation system. According to Lastayev, 7–8 inspectors gave a high preliminary assessment of its compliance with international standards.
Kazakhstan hopes to obtain permission to operate flights to the US by the end of 2026.
After the arrival of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, crews and technical specialists need to accumulate a certain number of hours of work on the new aircraft. If all conditions are met, the launch of direct air links is expected in 2027.
WHICH CITIES WILL BE CONNECTED BY DIRECT FLIGHTS
The priority route under consideration is Astana — New York.
According to Talgat Lastayev, the flight could over time become commercially viable thanks to the development of economic and investment relations between Kazakhstan and the US. At the same time, at the initial stage it will take time to build up a stable passenger flow.
Earlier, FBRK reported that on 21–25 September 2026, American experts checked Kazakhstan's aviation security. The preliminary results were positive, but a final decision on allowing Kazakh airlines to operate direct flights to the US has not yet been made.
