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China–Europe Air Cargo Surges

  • May 13
  • 2 min read

Updated: May 15


🚨 Market Signal

Air freight markets across Eurasia are entering a new expansion phase driven by rising demand, network diversification, and growing cross-border connectivity.


China–Europe air cargo rates are increasing ahead of the peak export season as fuel costs rise and capacity tightens across key European gateways. At the same time, airlines across Central Asia and the Middle East are launching new international services, strengthening direct connectivity between China, Europe, the Caucasus, and Central Asia.


In this edition, we explore how rising air freight demand, expanding regional flight networks, and new international routes are improving market access and reinforcing Eurasian logistics connectivity.



China–Europe Air Freight Rates Rise Ahead of Peak Season

Air freight rates between China and Europe continued to increase in Week 17 of 2026 as higher fuel costs, tightening capacity, and growing pre-holiday demand strengthened the market across major European gateways.


  • China–Frankfurt rates reached CNY 42–44/kg amid strong heavyweight cargo demand

  • China–Amsterdam rates climbed to CNY 46/kg following freighter capacity reductions into Paris

  • London Heathrow pricing increased to approximately CNY 42/kg as UK demand recovered

  • Flight suspensions and aircraft maintenance tightened available freighter capacity across Europe

  • Rising jet fuel prices and geopolitical instability continue to pressure operating costs and support higher rate levels



FlyArystan to Launch Flights Between Almaty and Xi’an

Kazakh low-cost carrier FlyArystan will introduce direct passenger flights ex Almaty, Kazakhstan to Xi’an, China further expanding air connectivity between Central Asia and western China.


  • New Almaty–Xi’an service launches on 30 June 2026

  • Flights will operate twice weekly on Tuesdays and Fridays

  • Expansion supports increasing passenger and business traffic between Kazakhstan and China

  • FlyArystan currently operates a fleet of 28 Airbus A320-family aircraft


Airblue is set to Expand Pakistan–Azerbaijan Air Connectivity

Pakistani low-cost carrier Airblue has launched scheduled direct flights ex Lahore, Pakistan to Baku, Azerbaijan strengthening regional aviation links between South Asia and the Caucasus.


  • New Lahore–Baku flights operate twice weekly

  • Airblue becomes the third carrier serving the Pakistan–Azerbaijan market

  • Total connectivity between Lahore and Baku rises to 10 weekly flights

  • Route complements existing services by Azerbaijan Airlines and Pakistan International Airlines

  • Expansion reflects growing bilateral cooperation and rising regional travel demand



Royal Jordanian to Launch Flights to Tashkent

Royal Jordanian will launch direct passenger flights ex Amman, Jordan to Tashkent, Uzbekistan establishing the airline’s first route into Central Asia and strengthening Uzbekistan’s international air connectivity.


  • New Amman–Tashkent service will start on 30 June 2026

  • Flights will operate twice weekly using Embraer 195-E2 aircraft

  • Flight time estimated at approximately 4.5 hours

  • Tashkent will become Royal Jordanian’s first destination in Central Asia

  • Route expansion supports growing aviation and business links between the Middle East and Uzbekistan


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