Air Astana is set to expand its network into the Middle East with the launch of direct flights to Salalah, Oman, from its two main hubs in Kazakhstan. The new weekly services will operate from Almaty and Astana, beginning on 23 and 24 October 2026 respectively, using Airbus A320 aircraft.
The Almaty–Salalah route will run on Fridays, with the inaugural departure scheduled for 10:05, arriving in Salalah at 15:15 local time. The return leg leaves Salalah at 16:25 and lands back in Almaty at 22:55. From 30 October, the Almaty departure will shift to an earlier slot, departing at 07:30 and arriving at 12:40, with the return departing at 13:50 and touching down at 20:20.
Astana–Salalah flights are set for Saturdays, departing at 08:35 and arriving at 14:40. The return service departs Salalah at 16:00 and arrives back in Astana at 23:25. All times are local.
Fares start at $536 for Economy Class and $1,391 for Business Class from Almaty, while Astana departures are priced from $596 in Economy and $1,371 in Business. Tickets are available via Air Astana's website, mobile app, or through accredited travel agents.
Strategic expansion into the Gulf
The move marks Air Astana's first foray into the Omani market, adding to its growing list of international destinations. Salalah, known for its monsoon season and frankincense trade, is a popular leisure destination, particularly among Gulf travellers. The new flights are expected to cater to both Kazakh outbound tourism and inbound visitors from Oman, as well as connecting traffic from Central Asia.
Air Astana, which operates a mixed fleet of Airbus and Boeing aircraft, has been progressively expanding its long-haul and regional network. The carrier already serves destinations across Asia, Europe, and the Middle East, including Dubai and Jeddah. The addition of Salalah strengthens its presence in the Gulf Cooperation Council region.
Industry analysts note that the timing of the launch, just ahead of the winter travel season, aligns with Salalah's peak tourist period, which runs from October to March. The Omani city's mild winter climate and cultural attractions make it an appealing alternative to more crowded Gulf hubs.
The new service also provides a direct link between Kazakhstan and Oman, a route previously served only via connecting flights through other Gulf carriers. This could stimulate business and tourism ties between the two countries, which have been growing in recent years.
Travel agents and tour operators in Kazakhstan are expected to benefit from the new direct connectivity, which simplifies itineraries and reduces travel time. Air Astana's frequent flyer programme, Nomad Club, will offer members the opportunity to earn and redeem miles on the new routes.
For the broader travel industry, the launch underscores a trend of Central Asian carriers expanding into the Middle East, a region that continues to see strong demand for both leisure and business travel. As other airlines add frequencies on regional routes, Air Astana's move highlights the growing importance of secondary Gulf destinations like Salalah.
Air Astana's expansion comes at a time when the airline is also modernising its fleet and enhancing its digital sales channels. The carrier has been investing in its mobile app and website to streamline the booking experience, a move that aligns with broader industry trends toward direct distribution.
With the new Salalah service, Air Astana now offers direct flights to three destinations in the Middle East, positioning itself as a key connector between Central Asia and the Gulf. The airline has not yet announced any further Middle Eastern additions, but industry watchers will be monitoring its network strategy closely.
