At the end of July, during a meeting on the development of the country’s aviation infrastructure, the Prime Minister of Kazakhstan announced the creation of Kazakhstan’s first national cargo airline. Initially, the airline plans to lease three aircraft, with a gradual fleet expansion to ten units.
The first flights are expected early in 2026. Specific aircraft types and potential route networks have not yet been disclosed - however, the new carrier will create additional opportunities for both export and import cargo operations.
Kazakhstan’s achievements in aviation development and its growing transit potential were also highlighted by ICAO Council President Salvatore Scacciatano. During his visit to Kazakhstan in July, he congratulated the country on its accomplishments in civil aviation, noting its dynamic growth, sustainable development, and well-structured regulatory framework. Kazakhstan became the first country in the region to establish an autonomous Aviation Administration, significantly enhancing flight safety oversight.
Events held during President Scacciatano’s visit emphasized the strategic importance of the aviation sector and Kazakhstan’s efforts to position itself as a regional logistics hub. WELLGO continues to monitor developments with interest.
Temporary Runway Closure at Astana Airport
From September 1 to October 31, Astana Airport will suspend all arrivals and departures between 10:00 and 18:00 due to runway reconstruction.
International carriers such as Aeroflot, Red Wings, Uzbekistan Airways, and Air Astana (Scat) are expected to adjust their schedules on routes to Dubai, Nha Trang, Da Nang, and Batumi. However, this is not expected to significantly impact the airport’s overall cargo handling capacity or operational timing.
Current Situation on Russia-Bound Flights
In August, the Almaty–Moscow route continues to operate daily with narrow-body aircraft and twice weekly with wide-body aircraft. The wide-body flights on the Astana–Moscow route, which operated in July, are not scheduled for the first half of August. Please note the possibility of flight delays on this route.
Development of Air Connectivity with the UAE
Starting September 1, Wizz Air will stop the Abu Dhabi subsidiary’s operations, discontinuing the daily Almaty–Abu Dhabi flights. However, this closure is not expected to significantly affect cargo capacity availability on the UAE–Kazakhstan corridor.
A major boost to Kazakhstan’s air transport potential may come from another Middle Eastern carrier—Etihad Airways. The airline has announced the launch of eight weekly flights on the Almaty–Abu Dhabi route starting March 16, 2026. The aircraft type has not yet been announced.
Etihad Airways ranks among the top three airlines in the Gulf region, with a network covering 79 destinations, including Western Europe, the USA, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia. By the end of 2025, the airline plans to launch over 25 new routes.
Etihad holds the CEIV certification and specialises in pharmaceutical and temperature-sensitive cargo. The new flights will significantly expand both import and export opportunities for Kazakh companies.
Holiday Season in Europe
August in European countries traditionally coincides with public holidays and vacation periods. Due to the August 15 holiday in Western and Southern Europe, increased air freight demand is expected during the second and third weeks of the month.
The impact is most noticeable in Italy, where several companies cease shipments early in the month, leading to longer transit times and higher freight costs. WELLGO recommend planning shipments in advance according to your partners’ operational schedules.
Current freight rates:
General cargo, Amsterdam–Almaty: from 1.8 EUR/kg
General cargo, Milan–Almaty: from 1.9 EUR/kg
Air Freight from China
The China–Kazakhstan route remains stable in August, following the launch of the direct China Eastern Airlines flight from Shanghai to Almaty in early July. At the end of July, Air China launched a new service, operating four weekly flights on the Beijing–Almaty route, using Boeing 737 aircraft.
Overall, cargo booking lead times at the beginning of the month do not exceed one week, and air freight rates remain unchanged.
Current freight rates:
General cargo, Beijing–Almaty: from 1.35 USD/kg
General cargo, Shanghai–Almaty: from 1.25 USD/kg
According to statistics from the freight exchange ATI.SU, in the second quarter of 2025, the number of road freight requests from Kazakhstan to other countries increased significantly, while demand for imports declined.
This trend is largely driven by the Russia-bound corridor, where shipment requests dropped by 20% year-on-year and by 46% compared to the previous quarter. A decline has also been observed on several European routes. In contrast, freight deliveries from China remain in high demand.
Road Freight from China
Queues at the China–Kazakhstan border crossings remain stable, although border congestion is gradually easing. Carriers have compensated by booking entry slots in advance.
Current queue status at major border crossings:
Dostyk–Alashankou: free booking at least one month in advance; paid booking available in 2 days
Altynkol–Khorgos: free booking at least one month in advance; paid booking available in 3 days
Bakhty–Tacheng: free booking in 1–1.5 weeks; paid booking available in 2 days
Maykapchagai–Zimunai: no queues; closed on Sundays
Rate trends:
Gradual rate increases are expected in August.
Average rate in early August: $6,800 per tarpaulin-covered trailer (Shanghai–Almaty route).
Freight from Europe
The European holiday season will affect not only air but also road freight. Already in early August, increased demand has led to a shortage of available trucks from Italy. Short-term delays in road freight are possible in Western and Eastern Europe during mid-month.
Northern Route (via Russia):
€6,500 per full curtain-side (Germany–Kazakhstan)
No departure queues from the EU; average border crossing time: 6 hours
Southern Route (via the Caspian Sea):
Average cost: €9,000 per curtain-side (including transshipment across the Caspian Sea)