Air Astana Launches New A321LR Service from Almaty to Shanghai in March
Air Astana has revealed plans to launch flights between Almaty International Airport (ALA) and Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) starting at the end of March 2026. This new route enhances the Kazakh flag carrier’s connections to China, further expanding its network to the east.
The service will take place three times a week, utilizing Airbus A321LR aircraft. Flights are set for Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays, departing from Almaty at 19:10 local time and arriving in Shanghai at 04:25 local time the next day.
Return flights will operate on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. These flights will leave Shanghai at 05:40 local time, arriving back in Almaty at 10:15 local time. The journey westward takes approximately 6 hours and 15 minutes.
With the addition of the Shanghai route, Air Astana is broadening its existing connection to China, which already includes destinations like Beijing, Guangzhou, Sanya, and Urumqi. The airline has been serving Chinese cities from Kazakhstan for more than two decades, establishing itself as a primary link between Central Asia and important urban centers in China.
The Airbus A321LR, known for its long-range capability, is ideally suited for the approximate 3,200-kilometer journey between Almaty and Shanghai. This aircraft allows for flexible cabin configurations and is used on various routes in Air Astana’s network that demand extended range without the economic necessity for widebody aircraft.
What are your thoughts on this new route? Will you consider flying from Almaty to Shanghai?
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