Central Asia and China expand air links under new agreements
Uzbekistan and China agreed to raise weekly flights between them from 100 to 114, while Kazakhstan secured an increase from 150 to 180 weekly flights with China and two new destinations, Chengdu and Kashgar. The deals were reached at the third meeting of the Central Asia–China Working Group on Civil Aviation Cooperation in Tashkent. Kazakhstan's vice minister of transport said flights between the two countries rose 52 percent year on year. Air Astana and China Southern Airlines also signed a strategic partnership agreement.
Key facts
- Astana is developing a 25-year civil aviation master plan with the International Civil Aviation Organization.
- Kazakhstan and China discussed a direct investment fund with initial capitalization of up to $200 million.
- Uzbekistan and China signed an agreement in January 2024 to jointly develop the Air Silk Road initiative.
- Chengdu Airlines launched a weekly direct Kashgar–Osh service in April 2026 using a Chinese-made C909 aircraft.
Summarised with AI from 2 sourcesRead our AI policy
Why it matters
Expanded capacity may improve direct air connections between Central Asia and China.
What changed
First published from Euronews and OilPrice.com