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Air Astana

The national airline of Kazakhstan, flying from Almaty and Astana

  • KazakhstanCountry
  • KCIATA Code
  • KZRICAO Code
  • IndependentAlliance
  • Full-ServiceAirline Type

Guide reviewed

About Air Astana

Air Astana is the national airline of Kazakhstan, flying from Almaty and Astana to Central Asia, Europe, the Middle East and Asia. Economy fares include an 8 kg cabin bag, Classic and Plus add checked bags, and some long-haul flights offer an Economy Sleeper row. This guide covers power bank rules, check-in, travel in Kazakhstan and how it compares with Uzbekistan Airways and Turkish Airlines.

The airline was founded in 2001, started flying in 2002 and listed its shares in 2024. It flies a modern Airbus fleet, including A320neo and long-range A321LR aircraft, and is known for good service and safety.

Air Astana flights to Almaty
Photo: Ilyas Dautov / Unsplash

Power Bank Rules on Air Astana

Air Astana follows the ICAO power bank rules in force worldwide since 27 March 2026:

  • Carry power banks in cabin baggage only, never in checked bags.
  • Up to 100 Wh is allowed without approval; 100–160 Wh needs approval from the airline.
  • A maximum of two power banks per passenger, kept within reach; no charging them, or devices from them, during the flight.

Check-In in Almaty and Astana

Online check-in is available on the website and app. Arrive at least two hours before domestic flights and three hours before international flights. Almaty’s new international terminal has made departures quicker.

Families and Special Assistance

Infants under two travel on an adult’s lap, and bassinets can be requested on long-haul flights. Wheelchairs and other special assistance should be requested at least 48 hours before the flight.

Travelling in Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan is the world’s largest landlocked country:

  • Almaty sits below the Tian Shan mountains, with skiing and hiking nearby.
  • Astana is the modern capital, with striking architecture.
  • Many nationalities can visit visa-free for up to 30 days.

Almaty is also a good base for trips to Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan.

How to Find Cheap Air Astana Flights

Cheap Air Astana flights: airplane flying in a blue sky
Photo: Viktor Forgacs on Unsplash
  • Compare Basic with Classic if you need a checked bag.
  • Check FlyArystan for cheaper domestic flights.
  • Use Almaty as a stopover between Europe and Asia.
  • Book summer flights early, when demand peaks.
  • Compare airlines: use the FlightSelects flight search to see its fares next to Uzbekistan Airways, Turkish Airlines and others.

Air Astana vs Uzbekistan Airways vs Turkish Airlines

Three airlines connecting Central Asia with the world.

Air AstanaUzbekistan AirwaysTurkish Airlines
HubAlmaty and AstanaTashkentIstanbul
AllianceNoneNoneStar Alliance
Economy cabin bag8 kg8 kg8 kg
Checked bag on cheapest fareNone (Basic)None (Lite)Depends on route

See our Uzbekistan Airways guide and Turkish Airlines guide to compare.

Arriving in Almaty

Almaty International Airport is about 15 km from the city centre. Taxis, ride-hailing apps such as Yandex Go and city buses link the airport with the city.

You can also book an airport transfer in advance at a fixed price.

Is Air Astana a Good Airline?

Yes. It is widely seen as the best airline in Central Asia, with a modern fleet, good service and a strong safety record, plus useful connections between Europe and Asia.

For more options, see our airline guides and the FlightSelects travel blog.

Facts checked in October 2026 against BaggagePolicies.com’s 2026 guide. Rules change, so check the official website before you travel.

Airline Partnerships

The airline is not a member of a global airline alliance, but it codeshares with several major airlines.

Codeshare & Interline Partnerships

It codeshares with several airlines on routes to Europe and Asia, and its low-cost sister airline FlyArystan flies many domestic routes.

Hubs & Focus Cities

Almaty (ALA) and Astana (NQZ) are the airline's hubs.

Popular Air Astana Routes

The busiest routes link Almaty and Astana with each other and with Istanbul, Dubai, Frankfurt, Delhi, Seoul and Bangkok. Choose a route to see recent schedules and fares.

Fares are the lowest recently found by our partners and can change quickly. Select a fare to check live prices and availability.

Air Astana Reschedule & Cancellation Policy

Economy is sold as Basic, Classic and Plus fares, and Business fares are also sold. Basic is the cheapest and least flexible.

When you change a booking, you pay any fare difference plus a change fee for your fare. Plus and Business fares have the most flexibility.

  • Economy Basic No checked bag; the strictest rules.
  • Economy Classic One 23 kg bag; changes for a fee.
  • Economy Plus Two 23 kg bags and more flexibility.
  • Business Two 32 kg bags and flexible fares.
  • How to change or cancel Use Manage Booking on the website or app.

Air Astana Seat Selection & Additional Services

Meals are served on all flights, and seat selection is included on higher fares. On some long-haul flights, Economy Sleeper gives you a row of three seats to lie down.

Business passengers get lounge access in Almaty and Astana.

  • Meals Included on all flights.
  • Seats Paid on Basic; included on higher fares.
  • Economy Sleeper A full row of seats on selected flights.
  • Business Lounge access and lie-flat seats on long-haul aircraft.

Air Astana Baggage Allowance

Economy passengers can bring one cabin bag of up to 8 kg (56 × 45 × 25 cm), and Business passengers two bags.

Economy Basic has no checked bag. Classic includes one 23 kg bag (two on some routes), Plus two 23 kg bags and Business two 32 kg bags.

  • Economy cabin bag 1 × 8 kg, 56 × 45 × 25 cm.
  • Business cabin bags 2 × 8 kg.
  • Economy Basic No checked bag.
  • Economy Classic 1 × 23 kg.
  • Economy Plus 2 × 23 kg.
  • Business 2 × 32 kg.

Nomad Club: Air Astana Loyalty Programme

Nomad Club is the airline's frequent flyer programme, with Silver, Gold and Diamond tiers. Members get extra baggage and other benefits.

Miles can be spent on award flights and upgrades.

  • Programme Nomad Club.
  • Tiers Silver, Gold and Diamond.
  • Perks Extra baggage and free golf equipment for elite members.
  • Redeem Award flights and upgrades.
Join or log in on the Air Astana website

Air Astana: Frequently Asked Questions

01What are Air Astana’s IATA and ICAO codes?

The airline's two-character IATA code is KC. It appears in flight numbers (for example KC 101), on tickets and on airport departure boards. Its three-letter ICAO code is KZR, which air traffic control and flight-tracking services use to identify the airline.

02Which airline alliance is Air Astana part of?

It is not a member of a global airline alliance, although it may still have codeshare or interline agreements with individual airlines.

03Where is Air Astana headquartered?

The airline is headquartered in Almaty, Kazakhstan.

04When was Air Astana founded?

The airline was founded in 2001.

05What are Air Astana’s main hubs?

Its main hubs and focus cities are: Almaty (ALA) – Main Hub; Astana (NQZ) – Hub.

06What is Air Astana’s frequent flyer programme called?

The frequent flyer programme is called Nomad Club. Members earn points or miles on eligible flights and can redeem them for award tickets, upgrades and other benefits.

07What is the Air Astana cabin baggage allowance?

Economy passengers can bring one 8 kg cabin bag (56 × 45 × 25 cm), and Business passengers two.

08Does Air Astana Basic include checked baggage?

No. Classic includes one 23 kg bag and Plus two.

09What is Economy Sleeper?

A product on selected long-haul flights that gives you a full row of economy seats to lie down.

10What is FlyArystan?

It is the airline's low-cost sister airline, flying many domestic and regional routes.

11Can I use a power bank on Air Astana?

On Air Astana you can carry up to two power banks in cabin baggage (up to 100 Wh without approval, 100–160 Wh with approval), but you cannot charge them, or charge devices from them, during the flight. They are never allowed in checked bags.

Air Astana, its logo and trademarks are the property of Air Astana JSC and are used for identification and informational purposes only. FlightSelects is not affiliated with or endorsed by Air Astana unless expressly stated. FlightSelects may earn a commission when you book through partner links, at no extra cost to you.