Teesside International Airport and Sary‑Arka Airport in Kazakhstan have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen air‑cargo connectivity between the UK, Central Asia and China. The agreement links two cargo‑focused airports with complementary geographic positions and shared ambitions to expand freight networks, develop logistics infrastructure and create new trade opportunities across Europe and Asia.
Teesside International Airport has been developing as a UK e‑commerce and air‑cargo hub, attracting global freight forwarders and increasing its on‑airport cargo presence. The airport currently handles multiple daily flights through its cargo tenants, with further scheduled services to Europe and Asia due to be announced.
Sary‑Arka Airport, located in Karaganda, is being developed as a major cargo and logistics hub connecting China, Central Asia and European markets. Positioned on key trans‑Eurasian trade corridors, the airport is expanding its cargo infrastructure, handling capabilities, airline partnerships and logistics ecosystem to support both transit and regional freight flows.
The MoU formalises cooperation between the two airports, with a shared objective to develop new cargo traffic between their regions and strengthen wider Europe–Central Asia–China connectivity. The agreement includes provisions for sharing expertise in airport, cargo and real‑estate development, as well as collaboration on innovative e‑commerce handling initiatives.
Both airports will explore commercial and cargo services, including scheduled and charter freighter operations between Teesside and Sary‑Arka. The partnership also aims to support regional logistics ecosystems by improving access to reliable freight capacity and creating stronger links between businesses in the Tees Valley, Kazakhstan, Central Asia and China.
Phil Forster, managing director of Teesside International Airport, said: “This agreement represents an exciting opportunity for Teesside International Airport as we continue to strengthen our position as a growing cargo gateway connecting the UK with key global markets. Sary‑Arka Airport shares many of our ambitions and is strategically positioned as an important cargo hub between Europe and Asia.”
