SHYMKENT, Kazakhstan, June 16. On June 16,
Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) successfully operated its first flight
on the Baku-Shymkent route, Trend's special correspondent reports from the
event.


The launch of this new route marks an important step in the
development of air communication between Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan.
It is expected to drive the growth of tourism and business ties,
while also expanding humanitarian cooperation between the two
nations.


According to AZAL's summer flight schedule, flights on the
Baku-Shymkent-Baku route will initially operate twice a week—on
Tuesdays and Saturdays—from June 16 to June 27, 2026.


Beginning June 30, 2026, the flight frequency will increase to
three times per week. Departures from Baku to Shymkent will take
place on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, while flights in the
opposite direction will operate on Wednesdays, Fridays, and
Sundays.


A special event was organized in Shymkent to celebrate the
launch of the new route, attended by representatives from the
media, tourism, and aviation industries. The guests will have the
opportunity to familiarize themselves with the city's tourism
potential, cultural heritage, and modern infrastructure.


Integrating Shymkent into AZAL's route network will further
expand travel options for passengers. It will also help strengthen
the national carrier's position in the Central Asian region and
foster deeper connections between the countries of the region.


Air tickets can be purchased on the official website
www.azal.az, via the airline's mobile application, as well as at
AZAL ticket offices and accredited agencies.


Speaking at a press conference dedicated to the launch of the
new flight, AZAL's Commercial Director Jamil Manizade stated that
this route stands as another symbol of friendship and cooperation
between Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan.


"Civil aviation fulfills a unique mission—it connects cities and
countries, fosters economic and business development, and brings
people closer together by creating air bridges between states and
nations. Today, it is a great honor for me to represent Azerbaijan
Airlines at the opening ceremony of the new Baku-Shymkent-Baku
flight, which will become another symbol of friendship and
cooperation between Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan—two brotherly states
united by centuries-old historical, cultural, and human ties,"
Manizade said.


According to him, it is particularly symbolic that the new
flight connects to Shymkent—a city rightfully considered one of
Kazakhstan's most vital economic, cultural, and business hubs,
which is developing dynamically and playing a significant role in
the country's life.







"I would like to note that Shymkent has become the fourth city
in Kazakhstan within AZAL's route network. Today, we operate
regular direct flights from Baku to Astana, Almaty, and Aktau, and
now Shymkent joins this list. We are convinced that establishing
direct air communication between Baku and Shymkent will drive the
further development of tourism, business, and humanitarian ties
between our countries. For citizens of Azerbaijan, this is an
excellent opportunity to get closer acquainted with the rich
history, culture, and tourism potential of Shymkent and the entire
south of Kazakhstan. In turn, residents of Shymkent will gain
convenient access not only to Azerbaijan but also to AZAL's
extensive international route network. Thanks to convenient
connections through Heydar Aliyev International Airport, passengers
will be able to travel comfortably to cities in Europe, the Middle
East, Turkey, and the CIS countries," Manizade noted.


He emphasized that expanding air communication between
Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan has always been a key focus for both
government entities and business circles in both countries.


"I am confident that the launch of this new flight meets the
growing demand for transportation, contributes to strengthening
trade, economic, and humanitarian ties, and will serve as another
practical step toward the further development of Azerbaijani-Kazakh
cooperation. For its part, AZAL will continue working to expand its
route network in Kazakhstan. I sincerely hope that in the near
future, we will be able to announce the launch of new destinations
that will bring our countries even closer together," he added.


Vladimir Denisov, Director of "International Terminal Shymkent"
LLP, also noted the special significance of opening the new route
and highlighted the long-standing cooperation between Kazakhstan
and Azerbaijan in the aviation sector.


According to him, warm friendly and professional relations have
developed between the partners over more than 20–25 years. During
this time, commercial and interline agreements were signed, and the
accumulated experience of working together has become a solid
foundation for further development.


Vladimir Denisov stressed that the Baku airport has
traditionally served as a major gateway to Europe and other
international destinations, and the opening of this new connection
creates additional opportunities to strengthen ties between the
regions.


"Today, a new bridge is opening between Shymkent and Baku,
between our airports and passenger terminals. This is an important
stage in the development of cooperation between the two countries,"
he said.


He also recalled that at the dawn of independent Kazakhstan,
SCAT Airlines operated flights on various routes, and air service
between Shymkent and Baku has always enjoyed high demand.


Denisov paid special attention to the tourism potential of the
new route. According to him, tourism development will be one of the
core areas of interaction, and both sides intend to actively
promote the tourism opportunities of their respective regions. In
conclusion, the Director of the Shymkent International Terminal
expressed confidence that cooperation between the two major cities
will not only be restored but will also gain new development
prospects.