FlyArystan Karaganda–Istanbul flights have officially launched, marking a major milestone in air connectivity between Central Asia and Europe. The inaugural flight on June 5, 2025, was celebrated with a warm welcome at Istanbul International Airport, featuring a festive atmosphere and gifts for arriving passengers.
The flight, designated FS7915, departed from Sary-Arka International Airport in Karaganda and arrived in Istanbul using a modern Airbus A320 aircraft. The low-cost carrier is the first and only airline to offer a direct connection between Karaganda and Turkey’s largest city.
A New Chapter in Regional Connectivity
FlyArystan’s expansion into this new route is expected to enhance business ties, boost tourism, and encourage cultural exchange between Kazakhstan and Turkey. The airline already operates flights from Aktau to Istanbul, and this new service further strengthens the bilateral relationship.
Richard Ledger, President of FlyArystan JSC, highlighted the importance of the new route. “We are consistently expanding our international route network, and the launch of the Karaganda – Istanbul flight marks an important step in this direction,” he said. “We are confident that this new route will bring additional momentum to the development of business, tourism, and cultural relations between our countries.”
Karaganda, located in central Kazakhstan, is one of the country’s key industrial, educational, and cultural hubs. The launch of direct flights to Istanbul opens new travel opportunities for residents and businesses in the region.
Flight Schedule and Operations
The Karaganda–Istanbul–Karaganda flights will operate twice a week—on Wednesdays and Fridays—until August 29, 2025. With a flight time of approximately 6 hours and 15 minutes, the route provides a convenient and efficient travel option between the two destinations.
| Route | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Days of Operation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Karaganda → Istanbul | 14:20 | 18:35 | Wednesdays, Fridays |
| Istanbul → Karaganda | 19:20 | 02:30 (next day) | Wednesdays, Fridays |
All times are listed in local time. The schedule allows travelers to make the most of their evenings upon arrival and facilitates smooth onward connections.
About FlyArystan
FlyArystan is a low-cost airline headquartered in Kazakhstan and a 100% subsidiary of the Air Astana Group. Since its first flight in May 2019, the carrier has rapidly expanded its network. In January 2025, FlyArystan transitioned to operating under its own air operator certificate and FS flight code, affirming its status as an independent airline.
The airline operates a modern fleet of Airbus A320 aircraft with bases in Almaty, Astana, and Aktau. Its route network spans domestic destinations, international flights, and charter services. FlyArystan has earned accolades as the best low-cost airline in Central Asia and the CIS in both 2023 and 2024 from the Skytrax World Airline Awards.
Connecting Cultures Through Affordable Travel
The launch of direct Karaganda–Istanbul flights signals more than just increased flight options—it represents a cultural and economic bridge between two historically rich regions. For travelers seeking affordable and direct access to Istanbul from Kazakhstan’s heartland, FlyArystan’s new service provides an appealing solution.
With tourism rebounding across Eurasia and more travelers exploring emerging destinations, FlyArystan’s strategy to tap into underserved regional markets positions the airline as a catalyst for regional mobility. The Karaganda–Istanbul connection is expected to serve not only leisure travelers but also the large Kazakh diaspora and business communities with ties to Turkey.
As the summer season unfolds, FlyArystan invites travelers to experience new adventures, explore cultural landmarks, and enjoy direct, cost-effective flights that bring Central Asia closer to one of the world’s most dynamic metropolises.
