Kazakhstan has expanded its open skies regime
to now include 15 airports, with the city of Oral newly added to the list. Oral’s
airport has been granted the fifth freedom of the air, according to a document
signed by the Kazakh Minister of Transport. This regime allows foreign airlines
to operate flights through Kazakh cities to third countries without flight
restrictions. The ministry noted that this initiative aims to attract new foreign
carriers, open international routes, and boost tourism. The expansion aligns
with President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s directive to broaden flight networks and
increase the frequency of international flights.