Uzbekistan and Pakistan Discuss Expansion of Air Connectivity and Tourism

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Uzbekistan’s Ambassador Alisher Tukhtaev met with Saeed Arman Yahya, head of the Pakistani private airline Fly Jinnah, the Dunyo news agency reports.

During the meeting, the parties discussed prospects for expanding air connectivity between the two countries, increasing tourist flows, and enhancing cooperation between airlines, including in cargo transportation.

It was noted that in recent years relations between Uzbekistan and Pakistan have been steadily strengthening across various areas — from politics to trade, investment, industrial cooperation, tourism, culture, and education.

The parties emphasized that systemic reforms continue in both countries, aimed at boosting trade and tourism exchanges, establishing joint ventures, developing civil aviation in Uzbekistan, and creating favorable conditions for foreign investors.

Saeed Arman Yahya outlined Fly Jinnah’s activities and plans. The airline began operations in 2022 with a fleet of six aircraft, which will be expanded by two additional modern planes in December of this year.

Currently, Fly Jinnah operates regular flights within Pakistan as well as to several cities in Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

“In 2026, we plan to launch regular flights to four new destinations,” he said. “In this regard, we are interested in cooperating with Uzbek airlines, particularly Uzbekistan Airways, to carry out cargo operations, including dedicated cargo flights and LCL services, as well as to create better conditions for transit passengers through our country and increase passenger traffic with the goal of transforming Tashkent into a regional aviation hub.”

Following the meeting, the sides agreed to continue work on the issues discussed and to hold additional meetings with the relevant organizations.