Kazakhstan extends open skies policy until the end of 2027

ALMATY. Jan 9 (Interfax) - The Civil Aviation Committee (CAC) of Kazakhstan's Industry and Infrastructure Development Ministry has extended the open skies policy until the end of 2027.

"This policy provides for lifting all restrictions on the frequency of flights and allowing foreign carriers to operate fifth-freedom flights to the destinations not served by Kazakhstan-based air carriers," the CAC says.

"The policy contributes to attracting new airlines, air service competition, opening new international destinations, cutting airfare costs, promoting tourism and accessibility of Kazakhstan's cities," the CAC said.

Kazakhstan on November 1, 2019 introduced an open skies policy for three years for foreign airlines to fly to the world's destinations from airports of Kazakhstan.

The open skies policy now covers 13 airports: Astana, Almaty, Taraz, Shymkent, Aktau, Semey, Karaganda, Ust-Kamenogorsk, Pavlodar, Petropavlovsk, Kokshetau, and Turkestan and the recently added Aktobe airport.