Air Astana adds direct Almaty and Astana flights to Sharm El Sheikh

Kazakhstan's Air Astana will open direct services to Egypt this winter, flying from Almaty to Sharm El Sheikh from 10 December and from Astana from 11 December. The airline's press service announced the schedule, which gives travellers from Kazakhstan a non-stop option to the Red Sea resort.

Key facts

• Almaty–Sharm El Sheikh flights start 10 December; Astana–Sharm El Sheikh flights start 11 December.
• Almaty services run on Mondays and Thursdays; Astana services on Tuesdays and Fridays.
• Flights are operated with Airbus A321 aircraft.
• Flight time is 7 hours 30 minutes from Almaty and 6 hours 55 minutes from Astana.
• Kazakh nationals under 21 must be accompanied by at least one parent to enter Egypt.
• Travel to Cairo, Hurghada or other Egyptian cities requires a visa obtained in advance.

When do the flights operate?

The Almaty service to Sharm El Sheikh begins on 10 December, with departures on Mondays and Thursdays. The Astana service begins on 11 December and operates on Tuesdays and Fridays.

Air Astana will fly the routes with Airbus A321 aircraft. The journey from Almaty to Sharm El Sheikh will take 7 hours and 30 minutes, while the flight from Astana will take 6 hours and 55 minutes.

What entry rules apply for Kazakh citizens?

According to the Kazakh Foreign Ministry, nationals of Kazakhstan under the age of 21 must be accompanied by at least one of their parents to enter Egypt.

The new flights serve Sharm El Sheikh. Travellers heading to Cairo, Hurghada or other cities in Egypt need a visa obtained in advance through the Embassy of Egypt in Kazakhstan.

How do I book?

Tickets can be booked and bought on Air Astana's official website and through its mobile application. They are also available through tour operators and accredited tour agencies.

What this means for travellers

Travellers from Kazakhstan have direct links to Sharm El Sheikh on four days a week across the two departure cities, with Almaty and Astana offering different weekly schedules. Passengers should check which departure day suits their trip and confirm the entry rules that apply to them, including the accompaniment requirement for under-21s and the visa requirement for destinations other than Sharm El Sheikh.

No information on fares or how long the winter schedule will run has been announced.