Published on
September 24, 2025
Poland’s abrupt choice to seal its border with Belarus is now strangling one of Europe’s busiest supply arteries linking China and the continent. The freeze, imposed earlier this month amid surging military frictions and now in its final hours, has stranded more than one-hundred and thirty hardened freight trains in Brest, the swampy belt-town wedged along the Polish frontier. The strangulation is sharper than steel; diesel is already pinching in mammoth gantry cranes. The two-week dribble of vessels has swollen into a stupefying parking lot that officials warn, if cleared slowly, might ripple into the buoyant trans-Eurasian tourism, splicing summer and autumn refugees.
The border closure is straining freight operations and delaying shipments across Europe. With most freight trains travelling through Poland’s Malaszewicze hub, the border closure has effectively choked the flow of goods to their European destinations. As a result, logistics providers like New Silk Road Intermodal Sichuan are scrambling to find alternative solutions to maintain trade and supply chains.
Impact on Freight and Travel: A Growing Backlog
According to a recent report, many trains using the China-Europe Railway Express are now stranded in Belarus, waiting for the border to reopen or for customs clearance. Most of these freight trains departed after September 12, and while some have already reached Brest, others are still en route. Experts estimate that it could take up to a week to clear the backlog once the border reopens.
This delay is not just affecting freight shipments but also has the potential to impact travel plans for tourists, especially those relying on efficient freight networks for transportation across the region. Since Poland serves as a vital gateway for trade, the closure could disrupt travel schedules, particularly for tourists heading into or out of Europe via train or those planning to visit countries linked through the China-Europe Railway Express.
Alternative Routes: Boosting Tourism and Trade
To ease the disruption, companies are taking several measures to reduce the impact on freight operations. Among these steps is the temporary halting of some trains while alternative transport solutions are being introduced. Rail-sea transport through Saint Petersburg, Russia, is one such solution being implemented to bypass the Poland-Belarus border. The use of the southern route via Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, and Georgia has also been ramped up. This southern route, which passes through the Caspian Sea to Baku and crosses into Europe through Turkey, ensures that the flow of goods and by extension, tourists, can continue moving even during disruptions.
The introduction of these alternatives not only addresses freight concerns but could also offer new travel opportunities for tourists interested in exploring regions outside the traditional China-Europe corridor. With more trains passing through these southern routes, tourists might find themselves exploring new cities and destinations that were not initially part of their travel plans.
Impact on Tourism and Travel Plans
While the closure of the Poland-Belarus border primarily impacts trade, there is no doubt that it will also have a short-term effect on tourism. Since the border closure, tourists heading into Europe from China might face delays in their travel plans. Whether through train, bus, or other forms of transport, delays in the freight system could mean longer wait times and possible disruptions to holiday schedules.
However, the opening of alternative routes could eventually help boost tourism to regions that have not traditionally been major travel destinations for tourists. With travel corridors now passing through Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, and Turkey, tourists might find it easier to visit these countries, all of which offer rich cultural experiences and scenic landscapes. These destinations could see a rise in tourist numbers, driven by the increased frequency of train services operating on the southern route of the China-Europe Railway Express.
Moreover, local tourism in these regions could benefit from the rerouting of freight. Regions such as Baku and cities along the Caspian Sea and Black Sea now have an opportunity to attract tourists who might have otherwise flown straight into European capitals. With these routes offering direct access to mainland Europe through Georgia and Turkey, travellers may be enticed to visit these scenic spots en route to their final destinations.
What This Means for the Future of Travel and Freight
Experts have expressed optimism that the border will not remain closed for much longer. With alternative transport solutions already in place, companies are still able to meet the demands of their clients. Some companies running along the China-Europe Railway Express have even reported that clients are continuing to place orders despite the current disruptions. The long-term impact of the border closure on global tourism may be minimal if these alternative routes continue to operate efficiently.
The reopening of the border could provide significant relief for the tourism industry in Europe, which has been recovering from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. The increased traffic from new routes could potentially bring more global visitors to areas that have previously been underserved by major tourism operators. Additionally, the re-establishment of the usual freight corridors will undoubtedly help streamline travel plans for tourists and businesses across Europe and Asia.
A Temporary Setback with Long-Term Opportunities
The Poland-Belarus border closure has upset freight trains for now, but the creative fixes being rolled out might turn this bump into a bonus for tourism. Southern corridors on the China-Europe Railway Express are forming alternate tracks, escorting tourists to lesser-known but fascinating spots. Once the backlog eases, regular trains for trade and travel will hum back to everyday speed. Thanks to the adaptive design of the China-Europe Railway Express service platform, the addition of creative detours and boosted schedules keeps products and visitors moving. This highway on rails keeps doors open, so travelers will finish their trips, delays and all, with stories to tell.
