EDB Launches a New Analytical Publication Series and Presents Its First Brief on Investment in Civil Aviation Infrastructure in Central Asia
Almaty, 8 October 2026 — The Eurasian Development Bank (EDB) is launching a new analytical publication series — Analytical Briefs. These are short, focused publications dedicated to a single topical issue or event. Each brief provide a succinct analytical perspective on developments in the economy or an industry across the Eurasian region. Analytical Briefs will be published, on average, once a week.
The new format complements the existing range of EDB analytical products, which include its Macroeconomic Forecast, thematic reports and working papers.
The first issue focuses on the development of civil aviation infrastructure in Central Asia. Key takeaways from the brief:
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Air transport in the region is growing faster than the global market. In 2025, airlines from the five Central Asian countries carried 31.7 million passengers, nearly double the pre-pandemic level. Available fleet capacity increased by an average of 7.7% annually, almost three times faster than the global average growth rate. Air cargo traffic has grown fourfold. Between 2023 and 2025, air cargo volumes carried by Central Asian airlines grew more than fourfold, reaching 335,700 tonnes. Uzbekistan accounted for approximately 67% of the region’s total air cargo traffic. Airport infrastructure investment is accelerating. The stock of foreign direct investment (FDI) in the region's air transport sector has reached $1.4 billion. By 2035, 12 major airport development projects with a combined value of $5.1 billion are either under implementation or in the planning stage.
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Further growth will require targeted policy and investment measures. Priority areas include investment in airport infrastructure and airline development; expansion of intra-regional air connectivity; promotion of low-cost air services and the Great Silk Road tourism route; improved market access regulation and broader implementation of Open Skies policies, particularly for air cargo operations; continued digitalisation; and strengthening dialogue between public authorities and aviation stakeholders.
The full text of the brief is available at the link.
The publication of the first Analytical Brief precedes the Seventh ICAO Air Transport Conference (ATConf/7), which will be held in Montreal in November 2026. One of the central topics of the conference will be the mobilisation of blended finance for the development of civil aviation infrastructure. The EDB brief's findings on attracting investment into airport infrastructure and enhancing regional air connectivity contribute directly to this important discussion, which will bring together senior policymakers, regulators, international organisations, and representatives of the global air transport industry.
Additional Information:
The Eurasian Development Bank (EDB) is a multilateral development bank investing in Eurasia. For 20 years, the Bank has worked to strengthen and expand economic ties and foster comprehensive development in its member countries. By the end of June 2026, the EDB’s cumulative portfolio comprised 348 projects with a total investment of US $22.1 billion. Its portfolio consists principally of projects with an integration effect in transport infrastructure, digital systems, green energy, agriculture, manufacturing and mechanical engineering. The Bank adheres to the UN Sustainable Development Goals and ESG principles in its operations.
The EDB is implementing three mega-projects as part of its 2022–2026 Strategy: the Eurasian Transport Network, the Eurasian Commodity Distribution Network and the Central Asian Water and Energy Complex.
The EDB Media Centre:
+7 (727) 244 40 44, ext. 4774, 2160