ASTANA – Central Asia is emerging as an increasingly important intercontinental bridge for global air cargo, with Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan recording particularly strong growth, according to a new report by the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
The report, Central Asia’s Growing Role in Global Air Cargo Flows, published Sept. 30, highlights the region’s growing importance as an alternative corridor for Europe–Asia trade. Since 2019, air cargo volumes across Central Asia have more than doubled, while the share of direct transit cargo increased from 59% to around 65% of total regional air cargo.
Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan recorded the fastest growth among Central Asian markets. Between 2019 and 2024, combined inbound, outbound and direct transit cargo volumes increased by 149% in Kazakhstan and 182% in Uzbekistan.
The increase in outbound cargo suggests that Central Asia is developing beyond its traditional role as a technical stopover region, with growing logistics and cargo consolidation functions connecting European and Chinese markets.
Central Asia eyes broader logistics role
According to IATA, expanding connectivity, increased freighter activity and deeper integration into major trade corridors give Central Asia significant potential to develop into a multimodal logistics hub.
The association said continued investment in infrastructure, connectivity and operational efficiency will be important to support sustainable long-term growth.
At the same time, IATA identified three areas that governments and industry should prioritize as the region’s cargo role expands: digitalization, consistent implementation of global standards, and supply-chain safety and security.
Digitalization and global standards
IATA noted that cargo data remains fragmented across different systems, creating duplication, potential delays and compliance risks.
The association said its ONE Record standard became the preferred method for cargo data sharing in January 2026. Airlines representing more than 70% of global air waybill volumes are on track to implement the standard, with support from technology providers, freight forwarders and other digital supply-chain partners.
IATA also emphasized the importance of applying global standards consistently, arguing that fragmentation increases complexity and the risk of delays.
Safety and security represent another key priority. IATA pointed to ICAO Annex 18 as the global foundation for the safe transportation of dangerous goods by air, while stressing the need to modernize the framework in response to emerging risks, including undeclared dangerous goods, lithium battery misuse and attempts to exploit cargo systems.
“The potential for growth in the region is immense,” said Brendan Sullivan, IATA’s Global Head of Cargo. “It is important that the airlines, governments and the wider cargo industry are aligned to global standards that underpin the transformation of air cargo, delivering goods faster to market but elevating safety and security of those shipments by air.”
