We offer domestic flights within Kazakhstan. Discover all the airlines that operate internally with information about their check-in time and a list of FAQs.
At Alternative Airlines, you can search, compare and book flights across Kazakhstan with ease. Check live availability from local airlines and choose from 40+ payment methods, including flexible options to spread the cost.
Wherever you're flying, from remote retreats to family reunions back home, Alternative Airlines makes booking domestic flights in Kazakhstan simple, flexible and reliable.
Domestic flights in Kazakhstan allow you to travel quickly between major cities and remote regions across this vast country. As the ninth-largest country in the world, flying is often the most practical way to get from one part of Kazakhstan to another.
These are some of the most popular domestic routes for travellers exploring Kazakhstan:
Several airlines operate domestic routes within Kazakhstan, including Air Astana, FlyArystan and SCAT Airlines. These carriers offer both full-service and low-cost options, giving travellers flexibility depending on budget and travel preferences.
Air Astana is the flag carrier of Kazakhstan and the largest airline in Central Asia. With hubs at Nursultan International Airport (NQZ) and Almaty International Airport (ALA), Air Astana flies to 91 destinations worldwide.
Domestic destinations: Almaty, Aktau, Aktobe, Astana, Atyrau, Karaganda, Kostanay, Kyzylorda, Oskemen, Pavlodar, Semey, Shymkent, Turkistan, & Uralsk. Air Astana delivers consistently excellent service on domestic Kazakhstan flights. Even on short-haul flights, expect in-flight entertainment, a light meal, and comfortable seating.
Headquartered in Almaty and a subsidiary of Air Astana, FlyArystan is the first low-cost carrier in Kazakhstan. With a network of 24 destinations, FlyArystan serves cities in Azerbaijan, China, Georgia, India, Kyrgyzstan, Qatar, Tajikistan, Turkey, and Uzbekistan. The airline flies to 14 destinations in Kazakhstan.
Domestic destinations: Almaty, Aktau, Aktobe, Astana, Atyrau, Karaganda, Kostanay, Kyzylorda, Oskemen, Pavlador, Semey, Shymkent, Turkistan, & Uralsk.
SCAT Airlines (styled as SCAT) is one of the most famous airlines in Kazakhstan and Central Asia. With its hub at Shymkent International Airport (CIT), SCAT operates flights to 23 towns and cities in Kazakhstan and 37 international destinations.
Domestic destinations: Almaty, Aktau, Aktobe, Astana, Atyrau, Balkhash, Karaganda, Kokshetau, Kostany, Kyzylorda, Oskemen, Pavlodar, Petropavl, Semey, Shymkent, Taldykorgan, Taraz, Turkistan, Uralsk, Urzhar, Usharal, Zaysan, & Zhezqazghan.
From its hub at Nursultan Nazarbayev International Airport (NQZ) in Astana, Qazaq Air focuses on domestic flights in Kazakhstan. Qazaq Air flies to 25 destinations including cities in Kyrgyzstan, Russia, and Uzbekistan. 20 of its destinations are in Kazakhstan.
Domestic destinations: Almaty, Aktau, Aktobe, Astana, Atyrau, Balkhash, Karaganda, Kostany, Kyzylorda, Oskemen, Pavlodar, Petropavl, Semey, Shymkent, Taldykorgan, Taraz, Turkistan, Uralsk, Usharal, & Zhezqazghan.
It’s very easy to fly domestically in Kazakhstan. Generally, you can find flights to most towns and cities from major hubs such as Astana, Shymkent and Almaty.
While major cities are connected by train, reaching smaller towns such as Kyzylorda and Turkistan by land can involve complex and lengthy connections. Flying offers travellers greater flexibility, more route options and added convenience.
Kazakhstan is the ninth-largest country in the world, covering 2.7 million square kilometres (approximately 1 million square miles). As a result, travelling by train or bus between cities can take many hours.
For example, the fastest train journey between Almaty and Astana takes around 14 hours, whereas a flight takes just 1 hour 40 minutes. If you're short on time and want to make the most of your trip, flying is often the smartest option.
Almaty International Airport is the largest airport in Kazakhstan and the primary hub of Air Astana. In 2023, the airport handled almost 10 million passengers, making it the busiest airport in Central Asia. Almaty Airport offers flights to the majority of major towns and cities in Kazakhstan.
Nursultan Nazarbayev International Airport (formerly known as Astana International Airport) serves the city of Astana, the capital and second most populous city in Kazakhstan. It serves as the secondary hub for Air Astana and FlyArystan, the homebase for Qazaq Air, and the primary operating base for SCAT Airlines. You can easily find non-stop domestic flights within Kazakhstan from Nursultan Nazarbayev International Airport.
The fourth busiest airport in Kazakhstan, Aktau International Airport serves the city of Aktau in the southwestern region of the country. It is a focus city for SCAT Airlines, who offer flights to 15 destinations from Aktau Airport.
Shymkent International Airport is the hub for SCAT Airlines. The airport is served by 8 airlines and offers regular flights to destinations in Kazakhstan.
| CITY | AIRPORT | IATA | AIRLINES |
|---|---|---|---|
| Astana | Nursultan Nazarbayev International Airport (NQZ) – Astana | NQZ | Air Astana, FlyArystan, SCAT Airlines |
| Almaty | Almaty International Airport (ALA) – Almaty | ALA | Air Astana, FlyArystan, SCAT Airlines |
| Shymkent | Shymkent International Airport (CIT) – Shymkent | CIT | Air Astana, FlyArystan, SCAT Airlines |
| Atyrau | Atyrau International Airport (GUW) – Atyrau | GUW | Air Astana, SCAT Airlines |
| Aktau | Aktau International Airport (SCO) – Aktau | SCO | Air Astana, FlyArystan, SCAT Airlines |
| Karaganda | Sary-Arka Airport (KGF) – Karaganda | KGF | FlyArystan, SCAT Airlines |
| Turkistan | Turkistan International Airport (HSA) – Turkistan | HSA | FlyArystan, SCAT Airlines |
| Kostanay | Kostanay International Airport (KSN) – Kostanay | KSN | Air Astana, SCAT Airlines |
| Pavlodar | Pavlodar Airport (PWQ) – Pavlodar | PWQ | SCAT Airlines |
It couldn’t be easier to book domestic flights in Kazakhstan with Alternative Airlines. We offer 40+ payment methods, including the Kazakhstani Tenge. You can also pay using cryptocurrencies, or choose Buy Now, Pay Later plans to spread the cost of your flights.
Use our search form at the top of the page and start your search for flights to Kazakhstan.
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There are currently 7 airlines that offer domestic services within Kazakhstan. Here are some examples: Air Astana, FlyArystan, SCAT Airlines.
To book your next Kazakh flight use the search tool at the top of the page. Simply tell us where you want to fly to and from where you are travelling from, your dates, passengers and travel class then hit search. You'll be displayed all of the available flight options, but don't worry you'll be able to easily filter these to find the best options for your plans. Use our handy filters such as price, time, airline and more!
We accept over 160 different currencies giving you the flexibility in a way that suits you, this even includes Kazakhstani Tenge! Make use of our many payment options, there are over 40! We accept all major credit and debit cards including Visa, Mastercard, Diners club, American Express and more. Make use of one of our handy 'Buy Now, Pay Later' options to spread the cost of your booking or pay in crypto or with a virtual wallet such as Apple Pay.
Zhezair is a domestic airline that serves the city of Jezkazgan in the Republic of Kazakhstan. From Zhezkazgan Airport, the airline operates scheduled passenger flights to Jezkazgan (Zhezkazgan Airport) and Karagandy (Sary-Arka Airport).
Domestic flights are services that depart from and arrive in the same country, these are sometimes referred to as internal flights.
We always recommend that you arrive no later than 90 minutes prior to your scheduled flight.
