top of page
Search

Changing Routes, Growing Networks

  • 5 days ago
  • 3 min read

🚨 Market Signal

Geopolitical tensions, rising fuel costs, and changing traffic patterns continue to reshape Eurasian logistics. As traditional routes face mounting pressure, alternative rail and air corridors are gaining strategic importance.


China–Europe rail services are expanding, while Azerbaijan is strengthening its role as a key air corridor between Europe and Asia. At the same time, new cargo services and evolving airline strategies are reinforcing Central Asia's position in regional supply chains, even as fuel shortages and higher operating costs create new challenges.


In this edition, we explore how shifting traffic flows, growing transit networks, and changing airline operations are reshaping connectivity between China, Europe and Central Asia.



China–Europe Rail Volumes Continue to Rise

China–Europe Railway Express maintained strong growth in the first quarter of 2026, reinforcing its role as a reliable Eurasian logistics corridor amid geopolitical disruptions and elevated air freight costs. The network expanded further through enhanced Trans-Caspian operations and now serves 235 cities across 26 European countries.

  • Total of 5,460 train trips transported 546,000 TEU in Q1 2026, up 29% and 22% year-on-year respectively

  • Automobile and auto parts shipments increased 46%, while inbound grain volumes surged 87%

  • Scheduled train services reduced transit times by more than 30% and increased average cargo value per container by 41%



Transit Traffic Through Azerbaijan Continues to Grow

Azerbaijan has strengthened its position as a key alternative air corridor between Europe and Asia as airlines continue to reroute traffic amid geopolitical tensions and airspace restrictions.


  • Daily transit traffic increased from 278 flights in early 2022 to 695 by the end of 2025

  • Average daily overflights reached 810 in March 2026

  • Azerbaijan's airspace has emerged as one of the principal Eurasian transit corridors


Air Serbia Is Set to Expand into Central Asia

Air Serbia plans to strengthen its presence in Central Asia and the South Caucasus as part of its long-term network strategy, following recent growth in the region.


  • Preparations are underway to launch year-round services to Yerevan, Armenia

  • Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan are included in the carrier's five-to-ten-year expansion plans

  • Air Serbia currently serves more than 100 scheduled and charter destinations


Kyrgyzstan Removed from EU Aviation Blacklist

Kyrgyzstan was officially removed from the European Union Air Safety List on 8 June 2026, ending restrictions that had been in place since 2006 and opening new opportunities for international aviation development.


  • The decision followed an EU audit conducted in March and a review held in Brussels in May

  • All Kyrgyz-certified airlines are no longer subject to EU operating restrictions

  • The move paves the way for future air connectivity with Europe


Emirates SkyCargo to Enter Central Asia

Emirates SkyCargo will start dedicated cargo operations between Dubai, UAE and Almaty, Kazakhstan on 16 June 2026, marking the carrier's first destination in Central Asia.


  • Weekly freighter services will be operated using Boeing 777F aircraft

  • Almaty becomes the first Central Asian destination in the Emirates SkyCargo network

  • The service strengthens cargo connectivity between the Gulf and Central Asia



Uzbekistan Airways Cut Russia Frequencies

Uzbekistan Airways announced temporary reductions on selected Russian routes on 12 June 2026 due to jet fuel shortages and rising fuel costs.


  • Russia remains the airline's largest international market, with services to 17 Russian cities

  • Frequency reductions and cancellations are described as temporary measures

  • Full restoration of affected services is expected after fuel supply conditions improve


For logistics planning and execution, contact CargoPoint:


Comments

bottom of page