Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan have introduced a new air route to enhance flights between Europe and Southeast Asia.
The new route, labelled T916, was officially announced by the Kazakh Transport Ministry on Monday.
“This route provides an additional option for flights between Europe and Southeast Asia,” the ministry's press service said.
The total length of the T916 air corridor spans 2,187 kilometers. Out of this, 437 kilometers pass through Uzbekistan’s airspace, while the remaining 1,750 kilometers stretch over Kazakhstan. This new route has been added to the International Civil Aviation Organization's (ICAO) Catalogue of Route Availability, making it a recognized and accessible path for international flights.
Since its launch, the T916 route has already seen 19 flights from Europe to Southeast Asia. However, the Kazakh Transport Ministry anticipates that the route will become busier towards the end of the summer season. Airlines are still in the process of familiarizing themselves with this new option.
The new route has already been used by such airlines as Lufthansa Cargo and Aerologic Cargo Airlines from Germany, Cargolux from Luxembourg, Cargolux Italy from Italy, Nomad Aviation from Switzerland, and Western Global Airlines from the USA. The route’s early adoption by these airlines indicates its potential to become a popular choice for international flights.
The Civil Aviation Committee expects this new air corridor to increase traffic significantly as more airlines become accustomed to the route. This strategic addition is also expected to boost Kazakhstan's appeal to international airlines and ease the workload of air traffic controllers at the South Kazakhstan regional center.
Kazakhstan, Central Asia’s largest country, has emerged as a key player in maintaining flight operations between Western Europe and Asia. As the war in Ukraine continues and sanctions affect various regions, airlines have been searching for alternative airspaces in Asia. Kazakhstan’s strategic location and accessible airspace have become extremely valuable. Airlines have been navigating through the continent, crossing the Caspian Sea, and then entering Kazakh and Mongolian airspace.
Kazakhstan is a former Soviet republic and a close economic partner of Russia. Despite this, its airspace is crucial for both Western and Russian flights to maintain their services. During the Cold War, the entire Soviet airspace was closed to foreign carriers, resulting in complicated and lengthy routes across the Pacific. Now, Kazakhstan’s airspace offers a vital corridor that simplifies these routes.