First Air Astana flight from Atyrau lands in Baku for ceremonial welcome

A ceremonial event was held at Heydar Aliyev International Airport on May 31 to welcome the inaugural flight of Kazakhstan's Air Astana from Atyrau to Baku.

The first passengers were greeted by Ambassador Alim Bayel, representatives of Air Astana, and officials from Baku Airport. Arrivals from Atyrau were welcomed with the sound of the dombra and traditional Kazakh cuisine, Caliber.Az reports, citing the Kazakh Embassy in Azerbaijan.

The ambassador noted that the number of flights between the two countries reflects the intensity of their bilateral ties.

"That’s why we are pleased to see the growing number of flights and expanding geography of routes between our countries. This summer, the number of weekly flights between Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan will reach 34. Moreover, we are increasing the number of permitted flights to 70. This means the growth will continue. At present, flights from Baku go to Astana, Almaty, and Aktau. Today, the oil capital Atyrau has been added, and in July, Kazakhstan’s third largest city, Shymkent, will also join the network," the diplomat stated.

The Atyrau–Baku flights will operate three times a week—on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays. The flight duration is 1 hour and 30 minutes.

By Khagan Isayev