Low-cost FlyArystan launches Almaty-Karaganda flights, announces contest for new airline hub

NUR-SULTAN – FlyArystan, Kazakhstan’s first low-cost airline, will launch daily flights from Almaty to Karaganda starting May 2, reported the company press service.

Tickets for the 90-minute flight on a 180-seat Airbus A320 start at 5,999 tenge (US$16) one way, including all airport taxes. FlyArystan offers options such as additional baggage, in-flight catering and priority boarding and recommends passengers carefully read the fare rules provided in detail on its website.

“Karaganda is the fourth largest city in Kazakhstan and tickets in this direction are in high demand. Now, it will become even easier and more comfortable to reach it from the southern capital. We know that people will enjoy the services of the low-cost airline FlyArystan,” said company sales and marketing director Zhanar Zhailauova.

The airline previously announced an open competition among local airports. The winner will receive passenger traffic of up to one million people per year and the possibility of opening new flights on domestic and international routes.

“Some 18 airports in cities will be able to take part in the competition. They must submit the best commercial offer by the end of May. The winning city will become FlyArystan’s airline hub with two Airbus А320 aircraft with 180 seats, an engineering and technical base and crew,” reads the release.

The designation will create hundreds of jobs at the airport and contribute to developing local tourism and infrastructure.

The company plans to reduce ticket prices by minimising airport costs.

“We agreed with the management of Taraz Airport and they supported our initiative to increase passenger traffic and significantly reduce passenger fees. We reduced the ticket prices between Almaty and Taraz to 3,999 tenge (US$11) one way including all fees. We hope that all airports will take part in the competition and we will get a good offer from those who are ready to grow with FlyArystan,” said company planning director Rafael Taizhanov on April 15.

First Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev instructed the country in November to create a budget airline based on Air Astana.

The FlyArystan fleet includes four Airbus 320-232 aircraft, each with 180 seats, that on average are six years old. In 2022, the airline plans to increase its fleet to 15 aircraft, which will be based throughout the country. Tickets are available at www.flyarystan.com.


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