In a state visit to Astana on April 27, 2026, Israeli President Isaac Herzog announced that direct flights between Israel and Kazakhstan are close to approval — opening what may become a strategic new cargo corridor between Tel Aviv and Central Asia.

Meeting with President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev at the Presidential Palace, Herzog stated that the two governments are “close to approving direct flights” and expressed his ambition to “double, triple, and more” the volume of bilateral trade, explicitly framing the move within the expanding Abraham Accords family. Kazakhstan formally joined the Accords in November 2025.

What this means for air cargo

SCAT Airlines is preparing to launch a regular Shymkent–Tel Aviv service starting June 2026, complementing Air Astana’s existing Almaty–TLV route. A bilateral visa-exemption agreement is also under discussion, which together with new freight capacity is expected to accelerate trade volumes across both passenger and cargo segments.

Kazakhstan is a strategic gateway to Central Asia — connecting onward to Tashkent, Bishkek, Ashgabat and the broader Eurasian market. For Israeli exporters in technology, agritech, water management, defense electronics, and pharma, direct lift means shorter transit times, fewer touch points, and lower landed cost. For importers, it opens access to Kazakhstan’s growing industrial output and raw-materials base.

WTA Cargo perspective

As Israel’s leading air cargo GSA since 2001, WTA monitors every emerging route that creates value for our shippers. We are already tracking the Israel–Central Asia corridor and are positioned to provide full GSA support — sales, operations, ramp supervision, and special-cargo handling — for any carrier developing capacity on the lane.

For a confidential discussion on how the Kazakh corridor may fit your supply chain, contact our sales team:
📧 sales@wta.co.il  |  📞 +972-3-973-1501