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Aviation Networks Gain Scale

  • Jun 10
  • 2 min read

🚨 Market Signal

Air connectivity across Eurasia continues to expand as airlines add new routes, cargo operators strengthen transit networks, and airports capture rising passenger and freight flows.


China and Central Asia are deepening their aviation ties, while Kazakhstan is attracting growing transit traffic between Asia and Europe. At the same time, regional carriers are opening new destinations and restoring long-standing connections, reinforcing Central Asia's role as an increasingly important bridge between Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.


In this edition, we explore how expanding route networks, growing transit operations, and strengthening regional connectivity are creating new opportunities across Eurasian aviation and logistics.



Sichuan Airlines Established Astana Transit Operations

Chinese carrier Sichuan Airlines operated its inaugural cargo flight through Astana International Airport on 2 June 2026, adding new transit capacity along the Middle Corridor between Asia and Europe.


  • The Chengdu,China - Budapest, Hungary cargo service uses Astana as a technical stop for refueling and ground handling, strengthening Kazakhstan's role as a transit hub between China and Europe

  • Service operate eight times weekly using Airbus A330 equipment

  • Enhances Astana's role as a growing cargo transit hub



Air Astana Added Guangzhou to its China Network

Kazakhstan's flag carrier Air Astana commenced direct regular passenger flights ex Astana, Kazakhstan to Guangzhou, China on 2 June 2026, further expanding connectivity between Central Asia and Southern China.


  • Flights operate twice weekly on Tuesdays and Thursdays using Airbus A321neo aircraft

  • Guangzhou becomes another key Chinese destination in Air Astana's growing network

  • Strengthens business and trade connectivity between Kazakhstan and China


FlyArystan Connected Aktau and Batumi

Kazakh low-cost carrier FlyArystan introduced direct regular passenger flights ex Aktau, Kazakhstan to Batumi, Georgia on 6 June 2026.


  • Flights operate twice weekly using Airbus A320 aircraft

  • Seasonal service scheduled through 29 August 2026

  • Strengthens connectivity between Kazakhstan and the South Caucasus


Air Astana Restores Dubai Services via Pakistan

Air Astana will gradually recover flights between Kazakhstan and Dubai beginning on 15 June 2026, utilizing Pakistani airspace to restore connectivity with the UAE.


  • Almaty–Dubai service is set to resume on 15 June using Airbus A321 equipment

  • Astana–Dubai operations will restart on 10 July

  • Frequency will gradually increase to daily services



Uzbekistan Leads Regional Passenger Traffic Growth

Uzbekistan's airports recorded the strongest passenger traffic growth in Central Asia and the South Caucasus in April 2026, according to ACI Europe.


  • Uzbekistan's airports recorded a 9.1% year-on-year increase in passenger traffic in April 2026

  • Growth outpaced Armenia (+8.7%) and Kazakhstan (+1.6%)

  • Uzbekistan also led the region in March with 15.9% growth


Shirak Avia Restores Armenia–Uzbekistan Connectivity

Armenian carrier Shirak Avia resumed direct regular passenger flights ex Yerevan, Armenia to Tashkent, Uzbekistan in early June 2026, restoring a connection absent for more than three decades.


  • Flights operate once weekly using Boeing 737 family aircraft

  • Marks the first direct air link between the two capitals since the collapse of the Soviet Union

  • Expands Shirak Avia's presence in Central Asia following its entry into Kazakhstan


For logistics planning and execution, contact CargoPoint:


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