SCAT Airlines launches direct Shymkent–Bangkok service - Get updated on what's happening in tourism!

With the launch of its new direct service between Shymkent and Bangkok, SCAT Airlines is further expanding air connectivity between Thailand and Kazakhstan. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) officially marked the route launch on 16 December 2025 in Bangkok, highlighting the growing importance of Central Asia as a source market for Thai tourism.

Joint signal from government and tourism industry

The press event was attended by Margulan Baimuhan, Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan to Thailand; Chiravadee Khunsub, TAT Deputy Governor for International Marketing; and Nikolay Buryakov, Commercial Director of SCAT Airlines. Their participation underlined the close cooperation between public authorities and the aviation sector in developing international air services.

“The introduction of the new Shymkent–Bangkok route marks the beginning of a new chapter—not only for our airline partners, but also for travellers and businesses that will benefit from this connection between two remarkable cities,” said Chiravadee Khunsub. She also pointed to the strong potential of the Central Asian market, supported by Thailand’s visa-free entry for tourist stays of up to 30 days, with the option to extend.

Twice-weekly service with Boeing 737-800 aircraft

SCAT Airlines operates the route twice weekly, on Tuesdays and Fridays, using a Boeing 737-800 aircraft configured with 180 all-economy seats. Flight DV469 arrives in Bangkok at 04:30, while the return service DV470 departs at 05:40. The inaugural flight on 16 December brought 140 passengers to Bangkok, indicating early demand for the new connection.

Complementing existing Thailand–Kazakhstan air links

The new service complements existing air connections between the two countries. Air Astana and SCAT Airlines already operate scheduled flights from Almaty and Astana to Bangkok and Phuket, while AirAsia connects Almaty with Bangkok. The expanded network improves access to Thailand and offers greater choice for travellers from Kazakhstan.

Kazakhstan as a growing source market

Kazakhstan is considered a strategically important source market for Thailand. Prior to the pandemic, annual arrivals from the country ranged between 50,000 and 60,000 visitors. Following the recovery of international travel, arrivals rose to 172,489 in 2023, representing year-on-year growth of 189 per cent, and increased further to 195,089 visitors in 2024. From January to mid-December 2025, Thailand recorded 152,783 arrivals from Kazakhstan.

Expansion of SCAT Airlines’ route network

In recent years, SCAT Airlines has significantly expanded its international network, adding more than ten new destinations across Asia and Europe in 2025 alone. Operating from its hub at Shymkent International Airport, the airline continues to focus on fleet growth and close cooperation with Boeing to ensure safe and reliable connectivity between Central Asia and global markets. The new Shymkent–Bangkok service is expected to further strengthen tourism exchange and deepen economic ties between Thailand and Kazakhstan.

Image Credit: © TAT