Emirates SkyCargo to start freighter for Kazakhstan

Emirates SkyCargo will start weekly cargo flights from Dubai to Almaty International Airport, Kazakhstan, from 16 June 2026. The service will run every Tuesday using Boeing 777F freighter aircraft. It will carry more than 100 tonnes of cargo each week. This is the airline’s first dedicated cargo route to Central Asia.

Badr Abbas, Emirates SkyCargo’s Divisional Senior Vice President said “The expansion into Almaty supports our long-term growth strategy and D33 Dubai Economic Agenda objectives, accelerating foreign trade and Dubai's standing as a global logistics hub.”

The new link is expected to improve movement of goods between Central Asia and global markets. It will support shipments such as electronics, machinery, consumer goods and perishables. Cargo will move through Dubai, which acts as a transfer hub to other regions. The service may reduce transit steps for exporters and importers and improve delivery times and reliability for time-sensitive trade. It also adds more direct capacity for a region that depends heavily on air freight for long-distance trade.

The addition comes as Emirates SkyCargo expands its freighter operations and network capacity. More aircraft are being added to support rising demand for air cargo, alongside existing bellyhold capacity on passenger flights.

Almaty is expected to handle more transit cargo as connections improve. The route adds another link between Central Asia and long-haul markets through Dubai, supporting wider regional trade diversification and more stable air freight options for exporters.