Almaty–Baku route to expand with extra flights during Novruz

Kazakhstan's airline Air Astana will operate an additional flight on the Almaty–Baku route in the second half of March due to increased demand for air travel during the Novruz celebrations.  

From March 16 to 30, 2025, Kazakh airlines plan to operate 120 additional flights, Caliber.Az reports, citing Kazakh media.  

Air Astana will contribute 55 of these flights, while FlyArystan will add 33 flights, and SCAT Airlines will operate 32 flights.

The surge in demand comes as travelers prepare to celebrate Novruz (also spelled Nowruz), a traditional holiday marking the arrival of spring and the beginning of the new year in the Persian calendar. It is widely celebrated in Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Türkiye, Iran, and other countries across the Middle East, Central Asia, and the Caucasus.

The holiday, which falls on the spring equinox (around March 20-21), symbolizes renewal, prosperity, and harmony with nature. Festivities typically include family gatherings, special meals, music, dancing, and cultural traditions such as jumping over bonfires and setting up a "Haft-Seen" table with symbolic items.

By Khagan Isayev