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From Rail Gateways to Air Links: Eurasian Connectivity Accelerates

  • 5 days ago
  • 2 min read

🚨 Market Signal

Rail scale, new air cargo links, and corridor investment are reinforcing Eurasian logistics as a more structured and capacity-driven network.


China–Europe rail continues to strengthen at key gateways like Horgos, while new air cargo  connections from Western China to Central Europe are improving speed and routing flexibility. At the same time, infrastructure investment across the Trans-Caspian corridor and growing aviation activity in Uzbekistan are expanding regional throughput and connectivity.


In this edition, we explore how Horgos rail growth, new China–Europe air cargo links, and expanding Middle Corridor infrastructure are strengthening Eurasian supply chains and routing flexibility for 2026.



China–Europe Rail Traffic Accelerates Through Horgos

Rail freight volumes through the Horgos border crossing between China and Kazakhstan continue to expand, reinforcing its role as a critical gateway in China–Europe overland logistics and supporting sustained corridor utilization.


  • Over 9,882 China–Europe freight trains handled in 2025, up 13.2% YoY

  • Cargo volumes reached 14.2 million tons (+17.8%), reflecting rising demand

  • Horgos and Alashankou together processed 16,400+ trains, confirming corridor scale


Air Cargo Link Adds Direct Capacity

New cargo flights between Urumqi, China and Warsaw, Poland are expanding direct air freight capacity between China and Central Europe, giving shippers a faster routing option and strengthening Poland’s role as a regional cargo gateway.


  • The service is operated by Beijing Capital Airlines for JD Airlines with three weekly A330 freighter flights

  • Urumqi offers a shorter western China routing to Europe, helping reduce transit times for time-sensitive shipments

  • Ground handling capacity in Warsaw is also being expanded to support higher freight throughput



Azerbaijan Accelerates Middle Corridor Development

Azerbaijan is intensifying investment across rail, port, and aviation infrastructure to strengthen the Trans-Caspian (Middle Corridor) as a competitive alternative for Eurasian trade flows.


  • Ongoing upgrades across rail networks, Caspian ports, and aviation logistics

  • Focus on improving throughput capacity and multimodal integration

  • Positioning Azerbaijan as a key transit node between Europe and Asia



Stratos Freight Enters Uzbekistan Air Cargo Market

New Uzbek cargo airline Stratos Freight has taken delivery of its first freighter, marking the start of its planned entry into the country’s growing air cargo sector.


  • First aircraft: Boeing 757-200PCF, with additional fleet expansion planned

  • Up to four freighters expected by end-2026, including Boeing 767 aircraft

  • Entry increases competition and supports regional cargo capacity growth


Samarkand Airport Adjusts Route Network for Summer Season

Samarkand International Airport has updated its route network for the summer 2026 schedule, reflecting shifting aviation dynamics and regional geopolitical impacts on air connectivity.


  • Network includes 18 airlines across 19 destinations, down from 30 routes and 24 airlines in 2025

  • Reductions linked to Middle East airspace constraints and strategic network shifts by local carriers

  • Moscow remains the largest market (60 weekly flights), followed by Istanbul (13 weekly flights)

  • New and adjusted routes include Almaty, Izmir, Astana, and planned expansion to Tel Aviv and Kazan


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