Kazakh envoy welcomes launch of Eastar Jet Seoul-Almaty route

Kazakhstan’s Ambassador to Korea, Nurgali Arystanov (left), shakes hands with Eastar Jet CEO Cho Joong-seok during a ceremony at Incheon International Airport celebrating the launch of direct flights between Seoul and Almaty, Monday. Courtesy of Embassy of Kazakhstan in Seoul

Korean low-cost carrier Eastar Jet launched its first direct flight between Seoul and Almaty on Monday, becoming the first Korean budget airline to operate a route to Kazakhstan, the Embassy of Kazakhstan said Wednesday.

The new service deepens the growing ties between Korea and Central Asia, reflecting a shared commitment to expanding economic cooperation and enriching cultural exchanges.

Kazakhstan's Ambassador to Korea Nurgali Arystanov welcomed the development at a launch event in Seoul, noting that there are now 11 direct flights per week between the two nations. The Eastar Jet addition brings two more flights, creating what Arystanov described as a new “aviation bridge.”

“This new route will further stimulate business ties and tourism between our countries,” Arystanov said. “People-to-people exchanges are accelerating, helping foster mutual trust and understanding.”

According to the Kazakh Embassy, the number of Korean visitors to Kazakhstan reached 40,180 in 2024, marking a 12 percent increase from the previous year. During the same period, 53,224 Kazakh nationals traveled to Korea, reflecting an 8 percent rise.

Arystanov also underscored deepening investment ties, highlighting that Korea became Kazakhstan’s third-largest investor in 2024, with $1.2 billion in foreign direct investments. Currently, 876 companies backed by Korean capital are operating in Kazakhstan, involved in major infrastructure and technology projects.

Eastar Jet CEO Cho Joong-seok described the new route as both “a challenge and an opportunity” for the airline.

“Kazakhstan is the heart of Central Asia — rich in resources, culture and natural beauty,” Cho said. “We believe this route will not only enhance tourism but also strengthen economic and humanitarian cooperation.”

Cho added that the airline plans to partner with tourism organizations to make travel to Almaty more accessible for Korean travelers, with the goal of showcasing Kazakhstan’s rich cultural heritage and breathtaking landscapes.