By Diplomacy Journal Lee Kap-soo

The inaugural direct flight between Busan and Almaty successfully departed from Gimhae International Airport on July 15, 2025. Operated by Eastar Jet on a Boeing 737, flight ZE935 marks an important milestone in enhancing air connectivity between Kazakhstan and Korea.

The launch was attended by Consul General of Kazakhstan in Busan Mr. Askar Aslan, Honorary Consul Mr. Sang-Hoon Lee, and representatives of Eastar Jet. The Consuls greeted the flight crew before departure and extended their best wishes.

The seven-hour flight carried 120 passengers, including travelers from Kazakhstan, Korea, and other countries — primarily tourists, students, and transit passengers.

With the addition of this route, the total number of weekly flights between Kazakhstan and Korea has reached 20, significantly boosting tourism, business, and people-to-people exchanges. Kazakhstan hopes to see continued expansion of direct air links, and its diplomatic missions remain committed to supporting such initiatives.