The presidential office of Kazakhstan has announced plans to introduce nonstop flights between South Korea's Incheon and two cities in Kazakhstan, Astana and Almaty. Park Chun-sup, senior presidential secretary for economic affairs, stated that T'way Air and Eastar Jet, both low-cost carriers, are set to operate direct flights between Incheon and the Kazakh cities. The exact commencement dates for these flights were not disclosed. Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev acknowledged the increased flights between Seoul and Astana as a step to strengthen bilateral ties, also highlighting the resumption of the 30-day visa exemption agreement between South Korea and Kazakhstan. Currently, Air Astana is the sole airline offering nonstop flights between Incheon and Astana, while Asiana Airline and Air Astana operate direct flights between Incheon and Almaty. The aviation authorities of both countries agreed to increase the number of weekly flights from 10 to 42 in March.