Kazakhstan general overview
April key drivers include rising fuel prices, seasonal fluctuations in demand, and the gradual restoration of route networks on certain routes.
Against this backdrop, Kazakhstan continues to systematically develop its transport infrastructure. For example, in April, the number of aircraft in Kazakhstan increased by three. AirAstana received an Airbus A321, and two new Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft joined SCAT Airlines' fleet. In 2026, the airline has already launched new flights from Shymkent to Karaganda, Kostanay, Bishkek, Novosibirsk, St. Petersburg, and Tyumen, and also launched direct flights from Astana to Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia.
Against this backdrop, Kazakhstan continues to systematically develop its transport infrastructure. For example, in April, the number of aircraft in Kazakhstan increased by three. AirAstana received an Airbus A321, and two new Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft joined SCAT Airlines' fleet. In 2026, the airline has already launched new flights from Shymkent to Karaganda, Kostanay, Bishkek, Novosibirsk, St. Petersburg, and Tyumen, and also launched direct flights from Astana to Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia.
The situation in the Middle East
High occupancy rates remain on a number of medium- and long-haul routes from the Persian Gulf (Africa, Latin America, North America), and international airlines are not fully resuming their flight programs. Air Astana announced that it is extending flight suspension of scheduled flights to Dubai until May 31. In early May, travel from the UAE to Kazakhstan is limited. Flights are available on Turkish Airlines , SilkWay , Lufthansa , and Uzbekistan Airways . Due to capacity constraints, we recommend booking flights in advance.
In addition to scheduled flights, WELLGO offers cargo charter solutions. For more information, please contact info@wellgo.kz or submit your request using the form on our website.
In addition to scheduled flights, WELLGO offers cargo charter solutions. For more information, please contact info@wellgo.kz or submit your request using the form on our website.
Korean direction
Between Seoul and Almaty, loads have been slowly decreasing, yet the period from late April to early May is characterized by a continued increase in fuel surcharges. For some airlines, the surcharge exceeds USD 1.30 per kilogram.
WELLGO offers direct cargo flights, as well as regular departures via connecting airports and re-forwarding options .
WELLGO offers direct cargo flights, as well as regular departures via connecting airports and re-forwarding options .
European direction
The sharp rise in fuel prices is also impacting the European air travel market. German airline Lufthansa is cancelling 20,000+ short haul flights in order to conserve fuel. However, the airline has not announced any changes to its long-haul schedule, and operates five flights per week to Kazakhstan.
Prices and available capacity on the Europe-Kazakhstan route remained stable in April. WELLGO expect a slight increase in flight loads in the first week of May due to holidays in European countries.
Prices and available capacity on the Europe-Kazakhstan route remained stable in April. WELLGO expect a slight increase in flight loads in the first week of May due to holidays in European countries.
Chinese direction
AirAstana's new Almaty-Shanghai route took place in Shanghai . Launched on March 29, the flight operates three times weekly and complements the airline's existing routes to Beijing, Guangzhou, Sanya, Urumqi, and Yining. As noted elsewhere, the May holidays cause flight delays up to 7 days. For urgent cargo, we recommend using priority fares with guaranteed departures on the agreed dates.
Road transport from Europe
The road freight transportation market from Europe is currently stable, with no significant changes. Border crossing times between Poland and Belarus are 1-2 days, and between Lithuania/Latvia and Belarus are 2-4 days.
Several European countries have planned restrictions on heavy-duty vehicle traffic for the May holidays of 2026, affecting both FCL and LCL shippers. These restrictions apply to vehicles over 7.5 tonnes and are in effect on motorways and key roads. Additionally, freight traffic is planned to be suspended in Italy from May 25 to 29, 2026. These restrictions include exceptions for the transportation of essential goods, and violations entail fines.
There has been an increase in additional requests for goods crossing the EU-Belarus border. WELLGO recommend having a complete set of documents (contract, payment order, and a letter from the sender confirming that the cargo is not a dual-use item) at the time of shipment.
Northern route (via Russia):
Average border crossing time is 2-4 days.
Southern route (via the Caspian Sea):
Waiting time for the Alyat- Kuryk ferry is 1-1.5 weeks – usually stable subject to seasonal demand, fuel costs, and regulatory restrictions. In these circumstances, advance planning and flexibility in choosing logistics solutions remain key.
Several European countries have planned restrictions on heavy-duty vehicle traffic for the May holidays of 2026, affecting both FCL and LCL shippers. These restrictions apply to vehicles over 7.5 tonnes and are in effect on motorways and key roads. Additionally, freight traffic is planned to be suspended in Italy from May 25 to 29, 2026. These restrictions include exceptions for the transportation of essential goods, and violations entail fines.
There has been an increase in additional requests for goods crossing the EU-Belarus border. WELLGO recommend having a complete set of documents (contract, payment order, and a letter from the sender confirming that the cargo is not a dual-use item) at the time of shipment.
Northern route (via Russia):
Average border crossing time is 2-4 days.
Southern route (via the Caspian Sea):
Waiting time for the Alyat- Kuryk ferry is 1-1.5 weeks – usually stable subject to seasonal demand, fuel costs, and regulatory restrictions. In these circumstances, advance planning and flexibility in choosing logistics solutions remain key.
Road transport from China
In April, rising fuel prices in China continued to impact the road logistics sector, with increases up to 17%. However, prices have declined. As with air freight, we expect a short-term increase in demand and prices for road freight after the Chinese holidays from May 1st to 5th.
Chinese customs authorities are tightening export controls on dual-use goods. Manufacturers may be required to provide additional documentation.
Current status of queues at major border crossings:
Chinese customs authorities are tightening export controls on dual-use goods. Manufacturers may be required to provide additional documentation.
Current status of queues at major border crossings:
- Dostyk - Alashankou - free slots available on day 17;
- Altynkol – Khorgos – there are no free slots for 3-4 weeks in advance, paid reservations for the next day;
- Bakhty - Tachen - free slots for the 4th day;
- Maykapchigai – Zimunai – no queues.