Air Cargo Routes Face New Pressure

Jul 8
3 min read

🚨 Market Signal

China–Europe air cargo is entering a new adjustment phase as EU e-commerce rules begin reshaping freighter capacity and parcel flows. At the same time, Central Asia is gaining stronger relevance as an intercontinental air bridge, supported by growing cargo volumes, new regional routes, and expanding transit activity.

Uzbekistan remains part of this shift, with Middle Eastern carriers entering the market, the national route network expanding, and transit freight through the country continuing to grow.

In this edition, we explore how new customs rules, rising air cargo demand, and stronger Central Asian connectivity are changing logistics planning across Eurasia.

E-Commerce Rules Reduced China–Europe Air Cargo Capacity

Freighter capacity between Hong Kong, China and the European Union declined in early July 2026 following the introduction of a new EU customs charge on low-value e-commerce imports, affecting capacity on several key cargo routes.

Dedicated freighter capacity fell 19% week-on-week after the new rules took effect on 1 July 2026
Capacity declined most at major e-commerce gateways including Budapest, Hungary and Milano Malpensa Airport, with Hong Kong recording a 47% weekly reduction
New €3 customs duty on low-value parcels is expected to reshape e-commerce logistics and influence future China–Europe air cargo demand

IATA: Central Asia Became an Intercontinental Air Bridge

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) reports that Central Asia is rapidly evolving into a strategic air cargo corridor connecting Europe and Asia.

Air cargo volumes have more than doubled since 2019, with Uzbekistan recording the region's fastest growth
Technical transit flights now account for approximately 65% of regional air cargo traffic
Growing infrastructure investment is strengthening Central Asia's role in cargo consolidation and transit between China and Europe

Air Arabia Resumed Flights to Kyrgyzstan

UAE carrier Air Arabia resumed direct regular passenger flights ex Sharjah, United Arab Emirates to Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan on 3 July 2026, following a one-year suspension.

Flights to Bishkek have resumed, with ex Sharjah to Osh services also set to return
The airline is evaluating new routes to Issyk-Kul and Karakol
Operations support Kyrgyzstan's expanding regional air connectivity

China Opened New Rail Route to Turkmenista

China launched a new international container rail service connecting Xining with Turkmenistan, expanding freight connectivity across Central Asia.

The inaugural train departed on 28 June 2026 carrying 55 containers
The route passes through Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan before reaching Turkmenistan
Transit time is estimated at 14–15 days, supporting regional trade and multimodal logistics

Middle Eastern Carriers Expanded Uzbekistan Network

Two Middle Eastern airlines introduced their first-ever scheduled services to Uzbekistan in early July, strengthening the country's international connectivity.

Royal Jordanian began ex Amman, Jordan to Tashkent, Uzbekistan flights on 1 July 2026, operating twice weekly using Embraer 195-E2 and Airbus A320neo aircraft
Oman Air launched ex Muscat, Oman to Tashkent, Uzbekistan services on 4 July 2026, operating three weekly flights using Boeing 737 aircraft
The new routes expand transit options through the Middle East and improve access to Africa and North America

Uzbekistan's Air Network Continues to Expand

IATA's latest report highlights sustained growth in Uzbekistan's aviation sector, with new routes and airlines significantly expanding the country's international connectivity.

Scheduled route network increased from 185 to 206 routes in 2025, an 11% year-on-year increase
47 airlines now operate scheduled services to 11 airports across Uzbekistan
Medium-haul routes account for 63% of the country's total air network

Uzbekistan Strengthened Transit Trade

Transit freight through Uzbekistan on the China–Europe corridor increased in 2025, highlighting the country’s growing importance in regional logistics and cross-border trade flows.

Transit volumes through Uzbekistan reached 15.3 million tons in 2025
Cargo traffic increased by 54% compared with 2021
The Middle Corridor accounted for 28% of Uzbekistan’s total freight transportation in 2025