Eurasian Corridor Expansion Accelerates

Jun 3
3 min read

🚨 Market Signal

Infrastructure investment and expanding air connectivity are strengthening Eurasian logistics networks at a time when supply chains continue to prioritize reliability, diversification, and alternative routing options.

China is accelerating corridor development through the upgraded Chongqing Asia–Europe Express, which now links more than 40 logistics hubs across Europe, Central Asia, and ASEAN while reducing logistics costs and supporting strong cargo growth. At the same time, Hong Kong has expanded airport capacity with the opening of its new Terminal 2, reinforcing its position as a major aviation gateway connecting Belt and Road markets.

Across Central Asia, airlines and cargo operators are adding capacity and restoring connectivity. Cargolux has returned to Kazakhstan with plans for up to 14 weekly transit cargo flights, LOT Polish Airlines has established direct service between Warsaw and Almaty, and carriers including FlyOne Asia, Varesh Airlines, and FlyKhiva are expanding regional networks across the Caucasus, Central Asia, and Türkiye.

In this edition, we explore how new logistics infrastructure, expanding airline networks, and the return of major cargo operators are improving connectivity between China, Europe, and Central Asia while creating more routing options across Eurasian supply chains.

Chongqing Expanded Asia–Europe Logistics Corridor

Chongqing, a major direct-controlled municipality in Southwestern China, has upgraded its Asia–Europe Express service by integrating the China–Europe Railway Express and the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor, creating a multimodal network linking ASEAN, China, Central Asia, and Europe.

The corridor now connects major hubs including Duisburg, Moscow, and Almaty, covering more than 40 international logistics nodes across Eurasia. The upgraded service has improved operational efficiency, reduced logistics costs, and supported strong cargo growth across the network.

Door-to-door logistics solutions have reduced overall transportation costs by approximately 20%
Cargo volumes increased 69% year-on-year between January and April 2026

Hong Kong Opened New Airport Terminal

Hong Kong International Airport has commissioned its new Terminal 2, significantly increasing passenger handling capacity and supporting future aviation growth across Asia and Belt and Road markets. The development strengthens Hong Kong's position as a major international aviation and logistics gateway.

Airport capacity increased to 100 million passengers per year
Fifteen airlines will gradually relocate operations to the new terminal
Supports future connectivity growth with Belt and Road markets, including Central Asia

FlyOne Asia Expanded Network to Azerbaijan

Uzbek carrier FlyOne Asia launched direct regular passenger flights ex Tashkent, Uzbekistan and Baku, Azerbaijan in May 2026. The airline is expanding its international route network across Central Asia, the Caucasus, and Eastern Europe.

Weekly flights operate every Wednesday using Airbus A320 equipment
Baku becomes a new destination in FlyOne Asia's expanding scheduled network alongside Russia, Latvia, and Israel services

Varesh Airlines Resumed its Services to Tajikistan

Iranian carrier Varesh Airlines resumed direct regular passenger flights ex Tehran, Iran to Dushanbe, Tajikistan on 31 May 2026, restoring air connectivity between the two capitals after a nearly three-month suspension.

Flights operate once weekly on Sundays
Service resumed following disruptions caused by instability in the Middle East

Cargolux Returns to Kazakhstan

Luxembourg-based cargo carrier Cargolux returned to Kazakhstan on 1 June 2026, restoring transit cargo operations through Astana International Airport after a two-year absence.

Up to 14 weekly transit cargo flights are planned through Astana
Operations are expected to be performed by the airline's Boeing 747 freighter fleet
Flights were previously suspended in 2023 due to commercial conditions

LOT Polish Airlines Introduced Direct Almaty Flight

Polish carrier LOT Polish Airlines launched direct regular passenger flights ex Warsaw, Poland to Almaty, Kazakhstan on 31 May 2026, strengthening air connectivity between Central Asia and Europe.

Flights operate four times weekly using Boeing 737 MAX aircraft
Supports growing business, tourism, and transit traffic between Europe and Central Asia

FlyKhiva Launched Istanbul Service

Uzbek carrier FlyKhiva has launched direct passenger flights ex Termez, Uzbekistan and Istanbul, Türkiye on 30 May 2026, expanding international connectivity from southern Uzbekistan.