China launches first direct cargo route to Uzbekistan's Urgench

(ECNS) -- China opened its first direct international cargo flight to Urgench in Uzbekistan on Monday, marking a significant step in expanding its air freight network in Central Asia.

The new route, operating twice a week from Urumqi Tianshan International Airport, takes about four hours per flight.

This is the airport's third cargo route to Uzbekistan and part of a broader push to enhance its international reach. Since the start of 2025, Urumqi has launched eight new cargo routes — including to Paris and Madrid -- handling over 3,000 international cargo flights, a 535 percent increase year-on-year.

By the end of July, the airport's international cargo volume had reached 55,000 tons, nearly quadrupling compared to the same period last year and already surpassing the total for 2024. The growth underscores Urumqi's rising role as a national logistics hub.

(By Evelyn)