Air Astana to begin Tbilisi-Astana flights

New flights are being introduced to better connect Georgia with Kazakhstan.

Air Astana, the national airline of Kazakhstan, will begin Tbilisi-Astana flights from June 2, 2015 as part of a joint effort to develop bilateral relations in tourism.

Kazakhstan was one of the most in-demand directions of Georgia’s tourism market.

The number of visitors travelling from Kazakhstan to Georgia steadily increased in previous years – 2014 figures were up 38 percent of the previous year, while 2013 data showed an increase of 40 percent on 2012.

Authorities said the Tbilisi-Astana flights would contribute to the development of tourism in both nations and increase the number of visitors between the countries.

Air Astana, the largest airline in Kazakhstan and Central Asia, said growing demand caused the airline to increase the frequency of flights to Tbilisi. Currently the airline offers five flights a week but this is set to increase.

Georgia said it would promote and support the new Tbilisi-Astana flights. In particular, Georgia’s Embassy to Kazakhstan, the National Tourism Administration, the National Wine Agency, the Georgian Sommelier Association, Georgia’s Department of Tourism and Resorts of Adjara will arrange different events to promote the new flights, including information evenings and press tours.