LOT Polish Airlines Launches Flights from Warsaw to Almaty in 2026

LOT is arguably the most ambitious national carrier in Europe at the moment. The airline is expanding its route and lounge network, in the effort to become a prime travel option for connecting traffic. The latest route expansion sees the airline initiate its second flight to Kazakhstan, to Almaty.

LOT Expands East — Warsaw to Almaty Route Announced

Kazakhstan isn't a new destination for LOT Polish Airlines. The carrier already operates flights to the country's other major city, Astana. However it is looking to get a stronger grip on traffic to and from the city offering solutions that won't have you connecting within Kazakhstan which can still be chaotic at times.

The new LOT flight (aff.) from Warsaw to Almaty will takeoff in 2026, ahead of the summer holidays, on May 31st 2026. Therefore launching the flight as the summer seasonal lift in traffic is starting its upwards curve.

A Strengthened Presence in Central Asia

So why setup a second flight towards Kazakhstan? The country has growing economic links and ties with various European countries and is also becoming a tourist hotspot.

More and more Europeans make their way to the central Asian country to explore its rich natural beauty and its culture.

However, getting there is not always easy. There aren't all that many flight options and this new LOT flight LO197 offers a convenient solution, considering the Polish airline's extensive European network.

Route Schedule and Flight Details

LOT flight LO197 from Warsaw to Almaty will commence operations on May 31st 2026 and will cover the route on a 4x weekly frequency for the duration of the summer. Rotating into winter the airline will then reduce its flight frequencies to 3x weekly, during what is seen as the low demand part of the year.

From May 31st 2026 for the duration of the summer months flights will operate every:

• Tuesday
• Thursday
• Saturday
• Sunday

Proof of how LOT is committed to its new flight LO197 from Warsaw to Almaty comes from the fact it is making it from day one a year round service, albeit with variable frequencies throughout the year.

The flight is a long one, especially taking into account the aircraft type LOT intends to use for the service. Flight times are in the range of 6 and a half hours.

Boeing 737 MAX 8 – Small Plane For a Long Flight

Yes, this will be a narrow body service with a block time in excess of 6 hours. LOT flight LO197 will operates exclusively on the airline's Boeing 737 MAX 8 fleet.

It makes total economic sense for the airline. It can cut on fuel and staff costs increasing its profit margins for this service. From a passenger point of view, comfort does take a hit.

Although two travel classes are sold for this route and most LOT Boeing 737 MAX 8 flights, the reality is that the entire aircraft is fitted with the same economy seat in a 3-3 layout throughout. Business class is created by blocking the middle of the 3 seats on each side of the corridor and providing a premium dining experience. You do still have to sit in the exact same seat as in economy class.

The LOT seat on the Boeing 737 MAX 8 doesn't feature an personal inflight entertainment screen. Stream to your device entertainment is available, however, it seems still not consistently across the entire fleet. Just in case download something beforehand, particularly for the return leg which is even longer than that previously mentioned 6.5 hours.