The skies just got a little brighter for the travellers between Almaty, Kazakhstan and Mumbai, India, as Air Astana celebrated two decades of sky-high success with the launch of a brand-new route connecting Almaty, Kazakhstan’s bustling metropolis, to Mumbai, India’s vibrant financial heart.

With the inaugural flight on April 20, 2025, the airline’s latest service adds to its ever-expanding portfolio, cementing its role as the carrier of choice for both business and leisure travellers looking to soar between these two dynamic nations.

The launch was marked by a press meet in Mumbai, where representatives of Air Astana and the media from Mumbai as well as the press and influencers from Kazakhstan, gathered to witness this milestone event. Sumita Chakraborty, Editor-in-Chief, TheGlitz, was among the media personnel, witnessing this momentous occasion firsthand. The media meet also saw the presence of key figures including Virendra Teotia, Director of Umrao Group, Mr. Peter Foster, CEO of Air Astana Group, and Mr. Alan Atamkulov, Country Manager for India and the Indian Subcontinent at Air Astana, all of whom contributed to the discussions, underscoring the airline’s commitment to expanding its global footprint and elevating the travel experience.

The Inaugural Air Astana Media Meet

At a stylish reception at Taj Mahal Hotel in Mumbai to mark the milestone, Mr Peter Foster, CEO of the Air Astana Group, stood before a well-heeled media gathering, exuding the confident, gracious charm that’s become his trademark. “With the Indian economy growing strongly, Air Astana is delighted to launch services to Mumbai, a vibrant and flourishing metropolis driven by trade, finance, and enterprise,” he said. His words, wrapped in optimism and promise, were clear: the carrier was taking its long-term commitment to the region to new heights.

And, with Mumbai being India’s business juggernaut, it’s no surprise that Air Astana’s new thrice-weekly service will cater to the heavy demand from both corporate jet-setters and those looking for a touch of adventure.

The reception was as polished as the airline itself. The media asked several pertinent questions about Air Astana. One from TheGlitz included the airline’s long-term vision, and Peter Foster’s response was unequivocally ambitious: “There are certainly plans to expand further within India in the coming years.” In fact, the airline’s answer was an emphatic “yes” when asked about future services to other key cities.

Almaty Meets Mumbai

For the uninitiated, Air Astana isn’t just another regional airline; it’s a bridge between two rapidly growing economies, and with a 20-year history of success, it’s clear that the airline is committed to both excellence and expansion. For travellers, it means more options, more comfort, and an increasingly frequent flyer-friendly network.

As Peter Foster so aptly put it, “This isn’t just about the number of routes, but about making connections that matter.” Whether you’re a business traveller from Almaty heading to Mumbai for a board meeting or a vacationer looking to explore the cosmopolitan charms of India, Air Astana is making it easier than ever to make that connection.

And who knows? If the airline’s plans to expand within India continue, your next flight could be from Almaty to Bengaluru, Chennai, or perhaps even Kolkata.

Incidentally, since entering the Indian market in 2004, the airline has steadily expanded its presence and currently operates nine weekly flights to Delhi from Almaty, with a regular increase in frequencies during the summer.

TheGlitz Verdict

Air Astana has undoubtedly set itself apart in an industry where competition is fierce and the stakes are high. As the airline celebrates its 20th anniversary, it’s clear that its commitment to quality and sophistication has not only earned it a loyal following but also a distinguished reputation in the skies.

The airline’s unwavering focus on providing a comfortable, stylish, and memorable journey for its passengers has helped it stand out in an increasingly crowded marketplace. So whether you’re a business traveller hopping between Kazakhstan and India or a leisure seeker exploring the vibrant cultures of these two nations, Air Astana ensures that every flight feels like an experience in itself.

And as we toast to 20 years of smooth flying and the inaugural Almaty-Mumbai-Almaty flight, it’s evident that this is just the beginning. With a strong foundation, a growing network, and an eye on expanding further, Air Astana is poised for an even brighter future. Here’s to the airline that proves that, in an ever-evolving world, true elegance never goes out of style.