Fred Lam (seventh from right), Chairman of AAHK, exchanges an MoU with Goker Kose
(first from right), President of Almaty International Airport during the visit to
Central Asia led by the CE of HKSAR (seventh from left).
(IN SHORT) Airport Authority Hong Kong has signed two Memoranda of Understanding with aviation partners in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan to strengthen air connectivity between Hong Kong and Central Asia. The agreements were signed during a Central Asia visit by a Hong Kong delegation led by HKSAR Chief Executive John Lee. In Kazakhstan, AAHK signed an MoU with Almaty International Airport Joint Stock Company to enhance cooperation in air connectivity, airport management, sustainable development and talent development, alongside Cathay Pacific’s planned three-times-weekly direct passenger service between Hong Kong and Almaty from the first quarter of next year. In Uzbekistan, AAHK signed an MoU with Fly Khiva Group to deepen cooperation in passenger and cargo connectivity, operational excellence, service enhancement and sustainability. The cooperation is also supported by a new mutual visa-free arrangement between Hong Kong and Uzbekistan and the initialling of an Air Services Agreement, helping strengthen HKIA’s role as a gateway between Hong Kong, Central Asia and Belt and Road markets.
(PRESS RELEASE) HONG KONG, China, 2026-Jun-5 — /Travel PR News/ — Airport Authority Hong Kong has signed two Memoranda of Understanding with aviation partners in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, marking a further step in expanding air connectivity between Hong Kong and Central Asia and reinforcing Hong Kong International Airport’s role as an international aviation hub.
The agreements were signed during the visit to Central Asia by a delegation led by John Lee, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. The MoUs aim to deepen aviation cooperation, support new passenger and cargo links, and strengthen collaboration in areas including airport management, operational excellence, sustainable development and talent development.
In Kazakhstan, Fred Lam, Chairman of Airport Authority Hong Kong, exchanged an MoU with Goker Kose, President of Almaty International Airport, representing Almaty International Airport Joint Stock Company. The signing was witnessed by John Lee and Serik Zhumangarin, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Economy of Kazakhstan.
Under the agreement, AAHK and Almaty International Airport Joint Stock Company will establish a mutually beneficial partnership focused on enhancing air connectivity, sharing airport management expertise, promoting sustainable development and supporting talent development. Almaty International Airport is a key international and regional aviation hub in Central Asia, and its partnership with AAHK is expected to support stronger links between Hong Kong and Kazakhstan.
The cooperation will be supported by the launch of direct passenger flights between Hong Kong and Almaty. Cathay Pacific is scheduled to begin a three-times-weekly direct service between the two cities in the first quarter of next year, further expanding Hong Kong International Airport’s network along Belt and Road markets.
In Uzbekistan, Vivian Cheung, Chief Executive Officer of AAHK, exchanged a signed MoU with Dilshod Hodjaev, Chief Executive Officer of Fly Khiva Group. The signing was witnessed by John Lee and Sardor Umurzakov, Advisor to the President of Uzbekistan on Strategic Development.
The agreement with Fly Khiva Group will support deeper cooperation in building comprehensive passenger and cargo air connectivity, advancing operational excellence, improving service quality, and promoting sustainable development and talent development. Fly Khiva Group is an Uzbekistan-based airline group operating passenger services across Central Asia, Europe and the Middle East, as well as cargo services with global reach. The group has operated cargo flights between Hong Kong and Uzbekistan since 2024.
The aviation cooperation is further supported by wider government-level developments. The HKSAR Government and the Government of Uzbekistan have confirmed a mutual visa-free arrangement, allowing passport holders from both places to visit for up to 30 days. The HKSAR Government has also completed the initialling of an Air Services Agreement with Uzbekistan, enabling airlines from both sides to operate flights on the relevant routes.
Fred Lam said Hong Kong International Airport has been actively expanding its aviation network, especially across Belt and Road markets, with Central Asia representing a strategically important region. He said the MoUs with partners in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan create a strong foundation for closer connectivity between Hong Kong and Central Asia, supporting the movement of passengers, cargo and business opportunities.
He added that AAHK is encouraged by Cathay Pacific’s planned direct service between Hong Kong and Almaty and will continue working closely with the HKSAR Government to expand HKIA’s network, strengthen long-term competitiveness and further reinforce Hong Kong’s position as an international aviation hub.
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SOURCE: Airport Authority Hong Kong
