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The Next Wave of Eurasian Aviation

  • Jul 22
  • 2 min read

🚨 Market Signal

Air cargo networks across Eurasia continue to expand as new international routes, growing cargo capacity and modern logistics infrastructure strengthen connectivity between China, Central Asia and Europe.


Chinese airlines are increasing their presence across Central Asia, while Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Georgia and Uzbekistan continue to attract new international services and invest in aviation infrastructure. At the same time, evolving trade patterns and multimodal solutions are reinforcing Central Asia's role as a strategic transit bridge between Asian production centers and European markets.


In this edition, we explore how shifting air cargo demand, expanding airline networks, and Uzbekistan's growing logistics capabilities are reshaping freight flows across Eurasia.



Asia–Europe Air Cargo Volumes Declined

Air cargo volumes between Asia Pacific and Europe declined following new EU customs measures affecting low-value imports from China.


  • Asia Pacific–Europe volumes fell 15% year on year, with China and Hong Kong recording the sharpest declines

  • Hong Kong cargo volumes dropped 23% year on year after the EU ended the de minimis exemption for low-value parcels

  • The figures highlight how regulatory changes are influencing China–Europe air cargo flows and network planning



China Eastern to Introduce Kazakhstan Service

China Eastern Airlines plans to launch direct scheduled passenger flights ex Shanghai, China to Astana, Kazakhstan in autumn 2026.


  • Initial operations are expected three times weekly, with plans to increase to daily service

  • The launch follows an agreement to expand China–Kazakhstan bilateral flight rights from 124 to 152 weekly services

  • The route will strengthen air connectivity between China and Central Asia


Air China Is Set To Expand Network with Kyrgyzstan Service

Chinese flag carrier Air China launched direct scheduled passenger flights ex Beijing, China to Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.


  • Flights operate three times weekly using Airbus A321 aircraft

  • Air China becomes the second airline connecting the Chinese and Kyrgyz capitals

  • The launch reflects continued expansion of Chinese airlines across Central Asia


China Eastern Connected Shanghai and Tbilisi

China Eastern Airlines launched direct scheduled passenger flights ex Shanghai, China to Tbilisi, Georgia on 15 July 2026.


  • Services operate three times weekly using Airbus A330 aircraft

  • China Eastern becomes the third Chinese carrier serving the Georgian market

  • The new route supports growing passenger and business connectivity between China and Georgia



Tashkent Cargo Terminal Expanded Capacity

Uzbekistan Airports highlighted the growing role of Tashkent's new cargo terminal in supporting international freight and transit operations.


  • The terminal handled 48,190 tons of cargo during the first half of 2026, up 33.2% year on year

  • Designed for 120,000 tons annually, the facility supports growing transit, exports, perishables, live animals, and e-commerce shipments

  • Average cargo processing time has been reduced to 3–4 hours, improving operational efficiency



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