Newest flight between Budapest and Central Asian city launched
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The Ferenc Liszt International Airport in Budapest ceremoniously received the inaugural scheduled flight from Shymkent, operated by the Kazakh airline “SCAT.” The commencement of this direct air connection was marked by a symbolic ribbon-cutting ceremony at the aircraft stairs, signifying a new chapter in Kazakh-Hungarian relations.
In honour of this important milestone, a press conference was held with the participation of local media representatives and members of the business community.
In his address, Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan to Hungary, H.E. Mr. Abzal Saparbekuly, emphasised that the launch of the direct flight will serve as a catalyst for deepening bilateral cooperation in such key areas as trade, investment, tourism, culture, and humanitarian exchange. He noted that the warm and trusting relations between the two countries laid a solid foundation for the successful official visit of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, H.E. Mr. Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, to Hungary in November of the previous year, at the invitation of Prime Minister Viktor Orbán.
The Ambassador further highlighted that only recently, President Tokayev again visited Budapest to participate in the informal summit of the Organisation of Turkic States — all of which reflects the special significance both sides attribute to advancing the bilateral partnership.
In turn, Mr. Nikolai Buryakov, Commercial Director of SCAT Airlines, underscored the dynamic development of bilateral relations and the airline’s role in enhancing air connectivity between Kazakhstan and Hungary. He shared key details about the new route with journalists, noting that direct flights between Shymkent and Budapest will operate twice a week — on Tuesdays and Saturdays. The schedule, he said, is designed for convenience, and the fares remain competitive, making the route attractive to both tourists and business travellers.
State Secretary for Parliamentary Affairs and Deputy Minister, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Hungary, Mr. Levente Magyar, stated that the expansion of tourism and humanitarian exchange between the two countries has been made possible thanks to a favorable political climate and the two sides’ active cooperation on the international stage — including the informal OTS summit of heads of state recently held in Budapest.
“We’re talking about a region covering millions of square kilometres, home to hundreds of millions of people, with developing military potential and enormous economic prospects. Because of these advantages, the world’s major powers are all seeking cooperation with these countries,” he pointed out.
