Direct flights connecting Hong Kong and Almaty are set to launch next year, potentially saving business travelers up to 10 hours. Lawmakers anticipate the route will attract tourists from Central Asia and strengthen business ties.

Direct flights between Hong Kong and Kazakhstan could save business travellers up to 10 hours and open the city’s shorelines to tourists from landlocked Central Asia, lawmakers have said after the flag carrier announced plans to launch an Almaty route next year. Lawmaker Jonathan Stuart Lamport, who represents the business sector, on Thursday said the announcement had received widespread support from the industry, as direct flights between Hong Kong and Almaty would significantly strengthen ties...