Kazakh Commercial Airline Services Restart Overseas Operations to the Middle East Regions
After a period of cancellations due to the escalating conflict in the Middle East, Kazakh airlines Air Astana and SCAT Airlines have resumed flights to Dubai and Doha, marking a significant development in air travel post-ceasefire.
Air Astana, the national carrier of Kazakhstan, resumed flights from Astana and Almaty to Dubai and Doha on June 25, 2025, following a ceasefire and improved regional security. Before the resumption, Air Astana had cancelled flights to Dubai until June 24 due to the escalation of the conflict.
SCAT Airlines, another Kazakh airline, has been instrumental in evacuating Kazakh citizens from Qatar. The first Doha-Almaty flight departed on June 25, 2025, carrying 213 passengers. This repatriation flight was operated using a Boeing 767, SCAT Airlines' most capacious aircraft.
In addition to the evacuation flights, SCAT Airlines is also part of the resumption of flights by Kazakh airlines to the Middle East. The specific routes for the SCAT flights are Doha to Almaty and Doha to Astana. The next charter flights from Doha are scheduled for June 27 to Astana and June 29 to Almaty.
The escalation in the military and political situation in the region led to the cancellation of several flights to Dubai and Doha by Kazakh airlines earlier. However, with the ceasefire in place, these airlines are now resuming their services.
For instance, another SCAT flight from Doha to Astana is scheduled for departure at 2.30 p.m. Qatar time, with an expected 290 passengers on board. A repatriation flight from Dubai to Almaty is scheduled for 5:40 p.m.
The resumption of flights by Air Astana to the Middle East is a significant development, as it will facilitate the return of Kazakh citizens to their home country post-ceasefire. The flights will bypass Iranian airspace, according to Air Astana's press service.
In total, SCAT and Air Astana will operate six flights from Dubai and Doha to Almaty and Astana for the evacuation of Kazakh nationals. This is in addition to the previously mentioned repatriation flight by Air Astana. No further details about the repatriation flight have been provided.
This move by Kazakh airlines is a positive step towards normalising air travel in the region and providing much-needed relief to Kazakh citizens stranded abroad.
- The resumption of Air Astana and SCAT Airlines flights to Dubai and Doha, following the ceasefire, marks a notable development in general-news, indicating a positive shift towards normalizing travel and lifestyle in the region.
- Amidst the improved regional security post-ceasefire, SCAT Airlines is not only resuming its services to the Middle East but also playing a crucial role in the repatriation of Kazakh citizens from Qatar and Dubai, contributing significantly to general-news and politics.
