New Agreement Opens Direct Flights to Saudi Cities, Including Medina

Kazakhstan and Saudi Arabia have agreed to launch direct air services, Orda.kz reports.

The Kazakh government has approved a draft agreement on air traffic with Saudi Arabia. T

he document grants airlines from both countries the right to operate international flights along agreed routes. It includes three key provisions:

• Flights over each other’s territory without landing
• Technical stops
• Bboarding and disembarking of passengers, baggage, and cargo

Under the approved schedule, Kazakhstan's carriers will be able to operate flights to Riyadh, Jeddah, Medina, and Dammam — with the option of transit through intermediate points. Saudi carriers, in turn, will be able to fly to Astana, Almaty, Qaraganda, and Shymkent.

Both direct flights and code-share agreements are permitted.

The agreement also ensures equal competitive conditions for airlines, protection from unfair tariffs, and support for carriers’ commercial activities in the partner country. It will take effect 30 days after all domestic procedures are completed.

Earlier, it was reported that Turkish low-cost airline Pegasus Airlines is launching direct flights from Aqtobe to Istanbul. Starting September 22, the flights will become regular, adding to its existing network of routes from six of Kazakhstan's cities.

Original Author: Ruslan Loginov