Quantcast

Air Astana considers Europe stopover for planned New York service amid airspace restrictions

Why fuel price crash won’t make flying cheaper
Kristi Noem says travelers without Real ID will still be able to fly after deadline
Airline Stocks To Keep An Eye On - April 28th
Report: JetBlue, United Mulling Partnership
New First-Class Suites, Futuristic Aircraft and the Top Air Travel News From April 2025
Southwest Airlines Announces Reimagined Fare Products, New Benefits for Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmembers and Tier Member Customers
New Alaska Airlines trading cards take flight this World Pilots’ Day - Alaska Airlines News
United CEO calls Trump's tariffs a 'chess game'
Virtual Training Becomes a Reality
Korean Air Restarts Longest 747 Passenger Flight in the World
Flight tickets from Srinagar remain exorbitantly high despite aviation ministry request
RTX Q1 Earnings & Sales Beat Estimates, Increase Year Over Year
Delta faces federal investigation as it scraps hundreds of flights for fifth straight day
Coalition pledges to remove EV tax break two days after Dutton ruled out scrapping it – as it happened
Adani’s airport unit seeks $750 million loan from global banks
GE Aerospace affirms outlook; CEO met with Trump to discuss tariffs
Flight made emergency landing in Denver after reported animal strike and engine fire
General Dynamics says G800 jet receives FAA, EASA certifications
Archer unveils plans for NYC air-taxi network in partnership with United Airlines
United Airlines doubles down on Chicago roots with new O'Hare billboards
ICAO Proposes ‘Journey Pass’ Biometric ID Boarding
Gatwick airport strikes, Easter 2025: will my flight be cancelled?
Boarding passes and check-in could be scrapped in air travel shake-up
The most in Mexico: American Airlines adds 30th destination as part of a record-breaking schedule
European air traffic warning means summer delays for holidaymakers
The EU rule change that could affect millions of Brits when their flight is delayed or cancelled
Delta Earnings Land Soon. Why They’re Key for Airline Stocks and the Economy.
Avelo Airlines to Operate Deportation Flights, Hiring Flight Attendants
Travel chaos 2025: all the strikes and disruption expected across Europe
Qatar Airways accelerates Starlink wifi implementation
Air Astana considers Europe stopover for planned New York service amid airspace restrictions
Policy
Webp peter
Peter Foster, Chief Executive Officer | Air Astana

Plans by Air Astana to launch direct flights between Kazakhstan and the United States have been delayed due to setbacks in Boeing 787 aircraft deliveries. The airline had originally aimed to begin these services in 2025, but now expects its first Boeing 787-9 to arrive no earlier than mid-2026.

At the company’s Capital Markets Day at the London Stock Exchange on September 15, 2025, Chief Executive Officer Peter Foster addressed the challenges facing the proposed route. Foster explained that a nonstop flight from Kazakhstan to New York John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) would require overflying Russian airspace, which Air Astana has avoided since March 2022 following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. “Even with the 787's range, we can't operate a direct flight from Kazakhstan to New York JFK without overflying Russia. So, if we serve the US, it would have to be through a midpoint,” Foster said.

Foster indicated that if Air Astana proceeds with US flights, they may need to include a stopover in Europe and secure fifth-freedom rights at a European airport. He noted this arrangement would require significant consideration: “a huge amount of reflection” before moving forward.

Get the Newsletter
Sign-up to receive weekly round up of news from Sky Industry News
By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By providing your phone number you are opting in and consenting to receive recurring SMS/MMS messages, including automated texts, to that number from our short code. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. SMS opt-in will not be sold, rented, or shared.

The airline has not yet filed official route applications with the US Department of Transportation for potential services connecting Kazakhstan directly with the United States. According to Foster, demand is strongest for flights from Astana to the East Coast of the US, making New York JFK a likely initial destination.

Air Astana currently operates a fleet of 33 aircraft with an average age of eight years. The majority are Airbus models, including A321LRs and A320neos, along with three Boeing 767-300ER widebody jets. The carrier is awaiting delivery of additional aircraft: seven A321LRs and six Boeing Dreamliners (three each of the 787-9 and 787-8 variants).

On January 23, 2024, Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Transport announced that its Aviation Administration was working with the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) toward opening direct flights between Kazakhstan and the United States. Air Astana is expected to undergo an FAA audit as part of this process.

In July 2024, Jaslan Mädiev—Kazakhstan’s Minister of Digital Development, Innovation, and Aerospace Industry—met with representatives from Boeing regarding production processes and delivery delays affecting Kazakh carriers. At that time, it was reported that deliveries for Air Astana’s first Boeing 787-9 would begin in late 2025; however, subsequent updates indicate further postponement.

Organizations Included in this History
More News

Emirates Airlines has highlighted the evolution of its cabin crew uniform, emphasizing its commitment to timeless design and practicality.

Oct 23, 2025

Emirates has achieved the Gold Tier status in the 2024 Fly Quiet Programme at New York’s JFK Airport, making it the only airline to receive this distinction among all participating carriers.

Oct 23, 2025

Flying Food Group, Inc. has announced the recipients of its 2025 scholarships, with all five applicants receiving awards this year.

Oct 23, 2025

Dnata, a global provider of air and travel services, has entered into a joint venture with Azerbaijan’s Silk Way Group to launch ground handling and cargo operations at Alat International Airport, located in the Alat Free Economic Zone in Baku.

Oct 22, 2025

Delta Air Lines has announced the release of version 7.5 of its mobile app, introducing new features aimed at making travel planning and management easier for customers during the holiday season.

Oct 22, 2025

The Fair Work Commission has ruled that a former employee of dnata Airport Services was unfairly dismissed and awarded $36,468.39 in compensation.

Oct 22, 2025