LOT Polish Airlines has announced the launch of a new route connecting Warsaw and Almaty, marking another expansion of the carrier’s growing presence in Central Asia. Flights to Kazakhstan’s former capital will operate four times per week — on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays — departing Warsaw Chopin Airport at 22:40. Return flights from Almaty will depart on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays at 09:20 local time.
The direct flight between the two cities will take approximately 6.5 hours eastbound and about 7.5 hours westbound, operated by the airline’s Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft, offering passengers a comfortable travel experience with modern amenities.
Strengthening Business and Tourism Ties
This is LOT’s second destination in Kazakhstan, underlining the airline’s long-term strategy to strengthen connectivity with key markets in Central Asia.
“Kazakhstan is the largest economy in Central Asia and one of Poland’s most important trade partners in the region,” said Robert Ludera, Director of Network Planning at LOT Polish Airlines. “The new connection will serve both business travelers seeking growth opportunities and tourists looking to explore the region’s natural beauty. We believe Almaty offers a perfect blend of both.”
Almaty – The Cosmopolitan Capital of Apples and Mountain Adventure
Almaty, Kazakhstan’s largest city, is a vibrant blend of culture, business, and art. Its elegant boulevards, lively cafés, museums, and art galleries reflect a cosmopolitan energy, while its striking architecture showcases the city’s layered history — from Soviet grandeur to sleek modern skyscrapers.
The city’s name, meaning “rich with apples,” is a nod to its deep-rooted association with the fruit that once grew wild in the surrounding valleys. Visitors can find apple-inspired monuments and fountains throughout the city, including one in Kok Tobe Park, a popular hilltop attraction reached by cable car. Kok Tobe offers panoramic views of the city along with an amusement park, mini zoo, and one of Kazakhstan’s few roller coasters — a blend of urban charm and nature that defines Almaty’s character.
Gateway to Nature and the Tian Shan Mountains
Framed by the Zailiyskiy Alatau mountains, Almaty serves as a base for outdoor exploration. Just a short drive from the city lies the Big Almaty Lake, a glacial jewel whose turquoise waters shift color with the seasons. Surrounded by towering peaks like Sovetov (4,317 m), Ozyorny (4,110 m), and Turist (3,954 m), the lake offers some of Central Asia’s most scenic hiking trails and a sense of serenity rarely found so close to a major city.
A City of Art and Culture
Almaty’s creative spirit is evident everywhere — from bustling markets to its museums and concert halls. Travelers interested in traditional music can visit the Kazakh Museum of Folk Musical Instruments, home to over 1,000 exhibits that trace the evolution of the nation’s sound heritage.
Meanwhile, the State Museum of Art boasts more than 23,000 works, ranging from jewelry and textiles to masterpieces by historical and contemporary artists, offering a glimpse into Kazakhstan’s artistic identity across centuries.
A Taste of the Silk Road
Kazakh cuisine reflects the crossroads of East and West, blending influences that arrived along the ancient Silk Road. Dishes are hearty, often featuring meat, vegetables, and aromatic spices. Visitors should try kuurdak, a rustic dish of fried mutton or horse meat with onions and offal, or lagman, a flavorful noodle soup with lamb, tomatoes, and peppers. Sustainability is embedded in Kazakh culinary tradition, with many dishes crafted in a zero-waste style long before the term became fashionable.
Tickets for LOT Polish Airlines’ Warsaw–Almaty flights are available across all sales channels, including lot.com, the LOT Contact Center, and LOT Travel offices.
With its rich culture, striking landscapes, and growing business appeal, Almaty stands as a destination that bridges continents — and now, with LOT’s new direct connection, it’s closer than ever for Polish and European travelers.
