Switzerland considers launching direct flights to Kazakhstan

September 23, 2026 at 12:42 PM2 min

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Switzerland is considering opening regular direct flights to Kazakhstan after aviation authorities from both countries signed a memorandum of understanding in Astana. The agreement allows designated airlines to operate up to 28 passenger flights per week and establishes a legal basis for unrestricted cargo flights. The two sides also initialed a draft air services agreement to form an updated legal framework for future air links.

Key Facts

Aviation authorities of Kazakhstan and Switzerland signed a memorandum of understanding in Astana allowing designated airlines to operate up to 28 passenger flights per week.
The memorandum establishes a legal basis for cargo flights without restrictions on frequency or capacity.
The two sides also initialed a draft air services agreement to be signed later, forming an updated legal framework for air links between Kazakhstan and Switzerland.
Swiss authorities stated they see prospects for direct air services and are currently considering opening regular flights to Kazakhstan.
The negotiations in Astana were led by Saltanat Tompiyeva, chair of Kazakhstan's Civil Aviation Committee, and Laurent Noël, head of the negotiation division at Switzerland's Federal Office of Civil Aviation (FOCA).

Negotiations in Astana

Kazakhstan's delegation was headed by Saltanat Tompiyeva, chair of the Civil Aviation Committee of the Ministry of Transport, while Switzerland's delegation was led by Laurent Noël, head of the negotiation division at the Federal Office of Civil Aviation (FOCA). Representatives from Air Astana, SCAT, SWISS International Air Lines, Basel Airport, Kazakhstan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Swiss Embassy in Kazakhstan also took part in the talks. The parties discussed prospects for direct air services and practical issues related to the possible opening of new routes.

Agreement Terms

The memorandum of understanding grants designated airlines the right to operate up to 28 passenger flights per week. For cargo flights, no restrictions on frequency or capacity are set. The parties also agreed on and initialed the text of a draft air services agreement for subsequent signing. Once signed, the agreement will form an updated legal basis for further development of air services between Kazakhstan and Switzerland.

Swiss Interest and Outlook

The Swiss side noted prospects for developing direct air services between the two countries and said it is currently considering opening regular flights to Kazakhstan. Direct flights are expected to strengthen tourism, trade, economic, and business ties between Kazakhstan and Switzerland and increase passenger traffic. It remains unclear which airline will operate the flights, from which Swiss city, to which Kazakh city, and when services may begin.