Kazakhstan’s SCAT Airlines will launch regular direct flights between Shymkent and St. Petersburg starting June 1, 2026, expanding air connectivity between Kazakhstan and Russia as regional travel demand continues to grow.
The new route will become SCAT Airlines’ second direct connection to St. Petersburg, following the carrier’s existing flights from Astana.
New Direct Route From Southern Kazakhstan
The flights will connect St. Petersburg with Shymkent, Kazakhstan’s third-largest city and one of the country’s fastest-growing aviation hubs.
Initially, services will operate twice weekly, with plans already being discussed to increase frequency to five weekly flights next year if demand continues rising.
Airline executives said the route is expected to appeal to a mix of students, business travellers, tourists and passengers connecting onward through Kazakhstan.
Shymkent Emerges As A Transit Hub
According to Pulkovo Airport, Shymkent is increasingly positioning itself as a regional transit hub for flights onward to Southeast Asia.
Passengers travelling through the city will gain access to connecting services toward destinations including China, South Korea, Thailand and other Asian markets.
The airport’s dedicated terminal infrastructure and shorter connection times are expected to support growing transit demand through Kazakhstan.
Strong Educational And Cultural Ties
SCAT Airlines representatives highlighted the long-standing educational and cultural relationship between Kazakhstan and St. Petersburg.
Many Kazakh students continue choosing universities in St. Petersburg, while long-term migration and family connections between the two countries remain strong.
The airline believes the new direct route will help strengthen those links while making travel faster and more convenient.
Regional Airlines Expand International Networks
The launch reflects a wider trend across Eurasia where regional airlines are expanding direct international routes beyond traditional capital-city hubs.
As travel demand recovers, airlines are increasingly targeting secondary cities with strong diaspora, education and tourism demand.
For St. Petersburg, the new route further strengthens its role as a key international gateway for travellers from Central Asia.
Tourism And Transit Markets Continue Growing
The new flights are also expected to support tourism flows between Russia and Kazakhstan while opening additional travel options toward Asia.
Industry analysts say Kazakhstan’s aviation sector has become increasingly important for regional connectivity due to its geographic position between Europe and Asia.
As airlines continue expanding international schedules in 2026, routes linking regional cities with major transit hubs are becoming an increasingly important part of the market.
For travellers in both Russia and Kazakhstan, the Shymkent–St. Petersburg service offers a new direct option at a time when demand for regional international connectivity continues strengthening.
