Etihad Airways Launches New Direct Abu Dhabi–Tashkent Route

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — Etihad Airways has launched a new direct route between Abu Dhabi and Tashkent, with the airline’s first flight to Uzbekistan operating at full capacity. The daily service expands air connectivity between Central Asia and Etihad Airways’ international network.

Flights between the two capitals will operate daily, strengthening air connectivity between Uzbekistan and the UAE and providing passengers from Central Asia with additional travel options through Abu Dhabi’s international aviation hub.

Through Etihad Airways’ extensive route network, passengers from Tashkent can use Abu Dhabi as a transit point for onward flights to destinations across the Gulf, Europe, the Levant and North America.

The new route also complements a recently signed codeshare agreement between Etihad Airways and Uzbekistan Airways.

Under the partnership, passengers can continue their journeys from Tashkent to several cities in Uzbekistan, including Andijan, Bukhara, Ferghana, Namangan, Nukus, Samarkand, Termez and Urgench, as well as selected international destinations operated by Uzbekistan Airways.

New opportunities for tourism and business

The launch of direct air services is expected to support tourism and business ties between Uzbekistan and the UAE. The new route will make Abu Dhabi more accessible to Uzbek travelers and facilitate travel to Uzbekistan for international visitors.

Abu Dhabi offers a range of cultural, business and leisure attractions, including Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Saadiyat Island’s cultural district and Yas Island’s tourism infrastructure.

For passengers from Etihad Airways’ global network, Tashkent provides an additional gateway to Central Asia. The new service offers more convenient access to Uzbekistan’s tourism destinations, including Samarkand and Bukhara, as well as the country’s capital.

Speaking at the launch ceremony, Etihad Airways Chief Digital Officer Frank Meyer said the opening of the airline’s first route to Uzbekistan marked an important step in expanding its network.

He said Uzbekistan represents a dynamic Central Asian market with a rich cultural heritage, significant tourism potential and growing economic importance.

Strengthening Abu Dhabi as an international hub

The new service is part of Etihad Airways’ strategy to expand its network and strengthen Abu Dhabi’s position as an international aviation hub.

For Uzbekistan, direct air connectivity with Abu Dhabi is important not only for passenger travel but also for tourism, trade, business ties and investment cooperation.

The launch of daily flights between Tashkent and Abu Dhabi marks another step in expanding Uzbekistan’s international air connectivity and strengthening its links with major global aviation hubs.