Published on
October 4, 2025
Latvia joins Kazakhstan in enhancing travel and connectivity with the launch of a direct air route by SCAT Airlines in Spring 2026, a move aimed at strengthening bilateral ties and facilitating smoother travel between the two nations. Announced during the Kazakhstan-Latvia business forum on October 2, this new flight service is set to boost business, tourism, and cultural exchanges while fostering closer cooperation across multiple sectors. With increased accessibility, the direct route will not only simplify travel but also open up new avenues for investment and collaboration, particularly in trade, logistics, and tourism.
In an exciting development for both Kazakhstan and Latvia, SCAT Airlines is set to launch a direct passenger flight route between the two countries in the spring of 2026. This announcement was made on October 2 during the Kazakhstan-Latvia business forum, held in Almaty, where experts gathered to discuss new avenues for cooperation. The new flight service is expected to significantly ease travel between the two nations, opening up opportunities for stronger business relationships, enhanced cultural exchanges, and increased tourism.
The introduction of this air link is not just about travel convenience; it’s a strategic move to bolster the economic, cultural, and social ties between Kazakhstan and Latvia. This new connection will create a more direct and efficient means of transportation for both business and leisure travelers, fostering stronger ties in various sectors, including trade, tourism, and investment. By making travel between the two nations quicker and more accessible, the move is expected to fuel growth in many areas of cooperation.
At the forum, Kazakhstan’s officials emphasized the importance of Latvia as a trusted partner in the region, and in turn, Latvia’s representatives highlighted Kazakhstan’s strategic position as a vital bridge between Asia and Europe. The two countries share a mutual interest in improving bilateral relations and tapping into each other’s unique advantages. Kazakhstan’s vast resources and growing economy align well with Latvia’s strategic location in Europe, making the two countries ideal partners for future collaboration.
The forum also underscored the positive momentum in the bilateral relations between the two nations, particularly in the transport and logistics sectors. One of the key areas of focus was the growing importance of Latvian ports in facilitating Kazakhstan’s cargo exports. Latvian ports like Riga, Ventspils, and Liepaja play a crucial role in connecting Central Asia with European markets, serving as essential transit hubs for goods coming from Kazakhstan. This strengthened logistics corridor has already begun to have a positive impact on both countries, allowing for more seamless trade and smoother movement of goods across borders.
Kazakhstan’s exports to Europe via Latvian ports have been steadily increasing, highlighting the vital role these ports play in the regional trade network. For instance, Kazakhstan’s energy resources, including oil and gas, are transported through these ports, further solidifying the strategic importance of the Kazakhstan-Latvia partnership. As trade volumes continue to rise, it is expected that the new air route will complement the growing logistics network, enhancing connectivity and accessibility for both goods and people.
In addition to the emphasis on air and sea transport, railway cooperation between the two countries was also a significant topic of discussion at the forum. Both sides expressed their commitment to expanding this sector, as evidenced by the steady increase in cargo volumes being transported via rail. Rail transport is another key element of the broader logistical framework that connects Central Asia with Europe, and both Kazakhstan and Latvia see the potential for even greater collaboration in this area. As global trade flows increase, the demand for efficient rail transportation will continue to rise, making this an area of focus for future growth.
Latvia’s railway network, with its connections to the wider European railway system, serves as an important link in the supply chain for Kazakhstan’s exports. The expansion of rail services, along with the introduction of direct air travel, will provide businesses with a variety of options for moving goods and people between Kazakhstan, Latvia, and beyond. This multi-modal approach to transportation ensures that Kazakhstan and Latvia are well-positioned to serve the growing trade and investment needs of the broader Eurasian region.
The announcement of the new direct air route also aligns with the two countries’ efforts to boost tourism. Both Kazakhstan and Latvia are keen to explore the untapped potential of tourism as a driver of economic growth. Kazakhstan, with its stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage, has been attracting more international visitors in recent years. Latvia, with its charming cities, picturesque countryside, and Baltic coastline, offers a wealth of opportunities for tourists seeking unique experiences.
The new air service is expected to facilitate an increase in tourist traffic between the two nations, allowing more people to experience the diverse attractions that both countries have to offer. For Kazakhstan, the partnership with Latvia could serve as a gateway for visitors from Europe looking to explore the wonders of Central Asia. Conversely, the direct flight could encourage more Kazakhstani tourists to visit Latvia, helping to strengthen cultural ties and promote mutual understanding.
Both governments are also focused on creating a favorable environment for investment, with a view to making the two countries more attractive to foreign investors. Latvia’s well-established financial sector and Kazakhstan’s growing economy offer a promising landscape for businesses looking to expand into new markets. By enhancing connectivity through both air and rail travel, as well as improving trade routes, Kazakhstan and Latvia are laying the groundwork for a future of closer economic integration and cooperation.
The importance of collaboration in these areas cannot be overstated. As global economic and geopolitical landscapes evolve, the need for robust transportation and trade networks has never been more critical. By strengthening ties in the transport, tourism, and business sectors, Kazakhstan and Latvia are positioning themselves to thrive in an interconnected global economy.
Latvia joins Kazakhstan in enhancing travel and connectivity with the launch of a direct air route by SCAT Airlines in Spring 2026 to strengthen bilateral relations and facilitate smoother business, tourism, and cultural exchanges between the two nations.
The launch of SCAT Airlines’ direct flight route is just the beginning of a new chapter in Kazakhstan-Latvia relations. With both countries committed to expanding their collaboration and exploring new opportunities, the future looks promising for this growing partnership. As the spring of 2026 approaches, travelers and businesses alike can look forward to the increased accessibility and opportunities that will come with this new air link.
