In April 2026, airports in Kazakhstan maintained a positive trend in passenger traffic, with an increase of 1.6% compared to the same period in 2025. At the same time, Uzbekistan demonstrated higher growth rates and became the leader in Central Asia with a figure of 9.1%.
WHAT RESULTS DID THE COUNTRIES OF THE REGION ACHIEVE
According to Airports Council International Europe (ACI EUROPE), in April 2026, airports in Uzbekistan recorded the highest growth in passenger traffic among the countries of Central Asia and the Caucasus, increasing by 9.1% compared to April 2025. Thus, the republic overtook Kazakhstan, where growth was 1.6%.
A positive trend was also seen at airports in Armenia, where passenger traffic increased by 8.7%. In Azerbaijan and Georgia, however, a decline was recorded at 12.9% and 16.3% respectively.
HOW DID INDICATORS CHANGE IN OTHER COUNTRIES
The highest growth in passenger traffic was recorded in Slovakia (125.2%), North Macedonia (30.6%), Albania (25.3%) and Moldova (24.6%).
The most notable decline was recorded in Israel (–73.4%), Russia (–18%), Georgia (–16.3%) and Cyprus (–16.1%).
WHAT ACI EUROPE REPORTED
ACI EUROPE noted that the decline in passenger traffic in a number of countries is linked to the impact of the conflict in the Middle East. The association stated that the military operation by the USA and Israel against Tehran, which began in late February, led to disruptions in air traffic in the region due to the closure of the airspace of Iran and several Persian Gulf countries.