Uzbekistan has demonstrated the largest increase in air cargo traffic among Central Asian countries over the past five years, with volumes increasing by 182%. This was stated in an analytical report by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), UzDaily.uz reported.
According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the growth in cargo traffic has allowed it to overtake Kyrgyzstan and establish itself as a key aviation hub in the region. Kazakhstan, however, retains its leadership in absolute volumes, with cargo traffic increasing by 149% compared to 2019.
This dynamic growth reflects not only investments in airport infrastructure but also changes in global logistics. Amid airspace restrictions and the restructuring of international routes, Central Asia is becoming an important transit corridor between Europe and China. Direct transit plays a key role, with its share increasing to 65% of the region's total air cargo volume.
At the same time, the increase in outbound and inbound traffic demonstrates that Central Asian countries are gradually transitioning from their role as technical refueling hubs to full-fledged logistics and consolidation centers. Although direct transit itself brings limited added value, the development of airport infrastructure and the growth of international cargo flows are creating the foundation for the formation of regional logistics ecosystems and strengthening Central Asia's position in the global supply chain.
CentralasianLIGHT.org
July 1, 2026