Air Capacity Expands as Eurasian Corridors Gain Momentum

Apr 29
3 min read

🚨 Market Signal

Air network expansion and rising rail volumes are reinforcing Eurasian logistics as a more capacity-driven and interconnected system.

Chinese carriers are rapidly scaling their presence across Europe, adding new direct routes such as Beijing–Venice and expanding operations from Beijing Daxing to Frankfurt and Milan. At the same time, rail freight between China and Kazakhstan continues to grow, with volumes reaching 9.1 million tons in Q1 and container traffic on the Trans-Caspian corridor rising by over 34%. Parallel to this, new cargo operations such as Xi’an–Tbilisi–Copenhagen flights are strengthening air freight connectivity between China, the Caucasus and Europe, while Uzbekistan is recording double-digit cargo growth and adjusting airline networks.

In this edition, we explore how new China–Europe air routes, expanding rail flows across Central Asia, and rising cargo volumes in Uzbekistan are improving transit speed, strengthening corridor utilization, and increasing routing flexibility across Eurasian supply chains.

Geosky Launches China–Europe Cargo Flights via Tbilisi

Georgian cargo carrier Geosky has launched regular freight operations between China and Europe, expanding air cargo connectivity across the region.

First flight operated Xi’an–Tbilisi–Copenhagen on April 19 using Boeing 767-300 freighter
Aircraft capacity of up to 56.5 tons per flight supports high-volume cargo flows
Network extends beyond Copenhagen to Barcelona, Brescia and Prague
Strengthens air cargo links between China, the Caucasus, and Europe

Air China Expands Its Hub with New Europe Route

Air China is strengthening its dual-hub strategy in Beijing by adding new direct connections from Daxing Airport to key European cities, enhancing long-haul connectivity and network efficiency.

New services include ex Beijing Daxing, China to Frankfurt, Germany starting in April and ex Beijing Daxing to Milan, Italy launching in June
Air China’s European network now covers 23 destinations, expanding its market presence
Operations are integrated with Lufthansa through a joint venture, improving connectivity and coordination
China’s international schedule includes 21,047 weekly flights across 86 countries, up 1.8% year-on-year

Rail Freight Between Kazakhstan and China Continues to Grow

Rail freight volumes between Kazakhstan and China increased steadily in early 2026, reflecting strengthening cross-border trade and rising demand across Eurasian corridors.

Total volume reached 9.1 million tons in Q1 2026, up 9.3% year-on-year
Increase of 775,000 tons compared to the same period in 2025
125 container trains operated via the Trans-Caspian corridor through Kazakhstan
Container volumes grew 34.4% year-on-year, indicating accelerating corridor utilization

Shirak Avia to Launch Tashkent–Yerevan Flights

Armenian carrier, Shirak Avia will launch direct regular passenger flights ex Tashkent, Uzbekistan to Yerevan, Armenia, marking the first direct connection between the two cities in decades.

Flights are expected to begin in May 2026
Service will operate once per week using Boeing 737 aircraft

Uzbekistan Airports Record Strong Cargo Growth in Q1

Uzbekistan’s airports reported a sharp increase in cargo volumes in early 2026, reflecting rising air freight activity and expansion of the country’s cargo airline sector.

Total cargo and mail reached 19,783 tons in Q1 2026, up 14% year-on-year
Marks the strongest first-quarter growth in the past three years
Growth driven by expansion of domestic cargo carriers operating Boeing 767 and 757 freighters
Full-year volumes reached 98,137 tons in 2025, up 12% year-on-year

Turkish Airlines Suspends Flights to Uzbekistan

Turkish Airlines will suspend operations on selected international routes, including Uzbekistan, as part of network adjustments for the summer 2026 season.

Flights ex Istanbul, Turkiye to Fergana, Uzbekistan to be suspended from May 2026 until March 2027
Decision linked to rising fuel costs and geopolitical pressures affecting operations
Similar suspension applies to Turkistan route in Kazakhstan
Reflects broader network optimization amid volatile aviation market conditions