A significant aviation milestone was reached between China and Uzbekistan as both nations agreed to substantially expand their air transport cooperation during negotiations held in Astana from August 12-14, 2025. The breakthrough came during the second conference of the “Central Asia – China” Civil Aviation Cooperation Working Group (C5+1 format), where Uzbekistan’s delegation successfully negotiated expanded flight privileges with China’s civil aviation administration.
The agreement represents a major leap forward in bilateral aviation ties, with the number of permitted weekly flights set to increase to 130, while Uzbek airlines will gain access to additional Chinese cities. Most notably, the number of authorized Uzbek carriers operating passenger and cargo services to China will expand from six to eight companies, marking a substantial boost in operational capacity for Uzbekistan’s aviation sector.
Progressive expansion from previous agreements
The latest agreement builds upon the foundation established during the first working group meeting in Xi’an, China, in June 2024. That initial breakthrough had already transformed the aviation landscape between the two countries, increasing authorized carriers from three to six per side, expanding destination cities for Uzbek operators from nine to twelve in China, and boosting the weekly flight limit from 30 to 100 for each country.
The previous negotiations had also secured “fifth freedom of the air” rights for cargo operations to third countries and enhanced passenger transport opportunities. Uzbek airlines received unlimited third, fourth, fifth, and seventh freedom rights for flights to Haikou, Sanya, and Xionghai-Boao international airports on Hainan Island, with Chinese carriers receiving reciprocal unlimited access to Uzbek cities from these airports.
Current operational landscape
The expanded cooperation has already yielded impressive results in flight operations. Weekly passenger flights have surged from 19 to 61, while cargo and transit operations have nearly doubled from 72 to 128 flights. The carrier roster now includes established operators Uzbekistan Airways, China Southern Airlines, and Loong Air, alongside newer entrants Centrum Air, Qanot Sharq, Air China, China Eastern Airlines, YTO Airlines, and North Western Cargo International.
Geographic connectivity has expanded significantly, with Uzbek cities of Samarkand and Fergana joining Tashkent in the network, while Chinese destinations now encompass Beijing, Urumqi, Xi’an, Chengdu, Hangzhou, Guangzhou, Shanghai, Sanya, and Haikou. The busiest routes currently include Tashkent – Beijing with 17 weekly flights, Tashkent – Urumqi with 14 flights, and Tashkent – Guangzhou with 9 weekly services.
International business implications
This aviation expansion creates substantial opportunities for international companies across multiple sectors. The increased flight frequency and expanded route network significantly improve connectivity between Central Asia and China’s major economic centers, reducing transportation costs and delivery times for goods and business travelers. Manufacturing companies seeking to establish supply chains between these regions will benefit from enhanced cargo capacity and more flexible scheduling options.
For construction and infrastructure firms, the improved aviation links facilitate easier movement of specialized equipment, technical expertise, and project management teams between markets. The expanded carrier permissions also indicate both governments’ commitment to economic integration, suggesting a favorable regulatory environment for foreign businesses seeking to establish operations spanning both markets. Tourism and hospitality sectors stand to gain from increased passenger capacity, while the fifth freedom rights for cargo operations open new possibilities for logistics companies to develop multi-country supply chain solutions using Central Asia as a strategic hub for broader regional distribution networks.
