Flights directly from Kazakhstan to Mongolia could potentially be introduced
Direct Flights Between Kazakhstan and Mongolia: A Work in Progress
As of mid-2025, direct flight connections between Kazakhstan and Mongolia remain limited, with only one direct route available, mainly from Almaty but with limited frequency and the need for stopovers [2]. This contrasts with Mongolia's recent expansion of direct international flights to regional neighbors and beyond.
For instance, Mongolian Airlines has inaugurated a direct route to Shanghai, operating twice weekly flights [1]. Uzbekistan and Mongolia are also planning direct flights between Tashkent and Ulaanbaatar by the end of 2025 to boost trade and tourism [4].
Central Asian countries, including Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan, are enhancing trade and transport links with Mongolia through new agreements on infrastructure, trade facilitation, and logistics corridors [3][4]. However, as of now, there are no publicized direct flight routes involving Issyk-Kul, a popular lake destination in Kyrgyzstan, from either Kazakhstan or Mongolia.
The potential for new routes to Issyk-Kul could emerge as tourism demand rises, especially from Kazakhstan and Mongolia, who share strategic interests with Kyrgyzstan [3].
Summary
| Route | Status as of July 2025 | Details | |--------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------| | Kazakhstan–Mongolia | Only one direct route; mostly limited, with stopovers | Flights available mainly from Almaty but indirect or limited direct services[2] | | Mongolia–Shanghai | New direct flights launched in 2025 | Twice weekly Boeing 737 service by Mongolian Airlines[1] | | Uzbekistan–Mongolia | Direct flights planned by end of 2025 | Planned direct Tashkent–Ulaanbaatar flights to enhance trade[4] | | Routes involving Issyk-Kul| No direct flights announced as of now | Possible future interest due to regional cooperation trends[3] |
The air network expansion between Kazakhstan, Mongolia, and potential new destinations such as Issyk-Kul is currently in its early stages, dominated mainly by Mongolia’s new international routes and agreements paving the way for upcoming connections, including Uzbekistan–Mongolia direct flights expected soon [1][4].
The growing diplomatic and economic momentum among Central Asian states and Mongolia suggests that expanded direct flight geography in the region is likely to accelerate beyond 2025, incorporating cities such as Issyk-Kul in the future [3]. However, as of July 2025, no announced direct flights connect Issyk-Kul directly with Kazakhstan or Mongolia.
During an official visit of Kazakhstan's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Murat Nurtleu, to Mongolia, discussions took place regarding the expansion of direct flights between Astana, Ulaanbaatar, and Uliastai [5]. The agreement to expand these direct flights was reported by Elorda.info.
Moreover, the meeting also touched upon the project to build the Kazakhstan-Russia-Mongolia highway, which, if built, will reduce the distance between the countries by more than 800 kilometers [6]. The growth of export-import transportation between Kazakhstan and Mongolia was another topic of discussion [7].
Following the meeting, plans to develop international transport corridors and hold a trilateral meeting of transport ministers from Kazakhstan, Mongolia, and Russia in July in China were confirmed [8]. Joint projects will provide Mongolia with access to the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route and other significant Eurasian logistics corridors through Kazakhstan [9].
Specific machinery mentioned for export from Kazakhstan to Mongolia includes locomotives and passenger cars [10]. The Kazakhstan-Russia-Mongolia highway, if built, could significantly improve transportation between the three countries.
- The growing diplomatic and economic ties between Kazakhstan and Mongolia suggest that there could be future developments in direct flight routes, potentially providing regular travel options between popular destinations such as Issyk-Kul in Kyrgyzstan.
- With further regional cooperation and the expansion of direct flight geography in Central Asia beyond 2025, it is likely that direct flights connecting cities like Issyk-Kul with Kazakhstan and Mongolia will become a part of the air network.
