Etihad Airways Launches Daily Flights to Tashkent: How Uzbekistan Becomes the Gulf’s New Gateway to Central Asia

Travelers can now connect Abu Dhabi to Tashkent in under five hours, thanks to Etihad Airways’ new daily nonstop service. This strategic launch positions Uzbekistan at the heart of the Gulf’s ambitions toward Central Asia, while providing European passengers with simplified access to one of the Silk Road’s most captivating destinations.

From September 1, schedules will be optimized to ease connections to Europe, the Levant, or North America. Operated with an Airbus A320, Etihad isn’t just serving the Uzbek capital—it’s now offering single-ticket access to eight domestic cities via a groundbreaking partnership with Uzbekistan Airways. A logistical revolution for travelers eager to explore Central Asia without multiple layovers.

For passengers transiting through Abu Dhabi, this new route also highlights the carrier’s world-class hub efficiency. With daily flights, Etihad reinforces its role as an East-West aerial bridge while tapping into the growing demand for lesser-known Central Asian destinations.

The inaugural flight sold out, signaling strong potential for a route poised to reshape travel between Europe and Central Asia—a boon for history, culture, and untouched landscapes.

Tashkent: The New Must-Stop Hub Between the Gulf and Central Asia

Etihad Airways has scheduled its Abu Dhabi–Tashkent flights during off-peak hours, departing at 20:35 and arriving at 02:05 the next day. From September 1, these will shift to a 21:20 departure and 01:50 arrival, better aligning with the airline’s long-haul connections.

This overnight positioning isn’t coincidental—it feeds Abu Dhabi’s hub with transit passengers bound for Europe, Africa, or the Americas. For the Uzbek market, it guarantees direct access to the Emirati capital without additional stops. Tashkent is now the ideal gateway to explore a region still underserved by major carriers.

The modernized Tashkent International Airport now boasts infrastructure capable of handling long-haul flights. With this new daily service, Etihad is part of a broader push to grow air traffic in Central Asia, where demand for travel to Europe and the Middle East continues to rise.

For authenticity-seeking travelers, Tashkent serves as a gateway to Silk Road treasures: Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva. Thanks to the partnership with Uzbekistan Airways, these destinations are now accessible on a single ticket, with no extra fees or administrative hassles.

A Win-Win Partnership with Uzbekistan Airways

The launch of this route comes with a historic codeshare agreement between Etihad and Uzbekistan Airways. Passengers can now book Etihad tickets to eight Uzbek cities directly from Tashkent—and vice versa. A major innovation for travelers looking to explore Central Asia without juggling multiple reservations.

Accessible destinations include Andijan, Bukhara, Fergana, Namangan, Nukus, Samarkand, Termez, and Urgench. Some of Uzbekistan Airways’ international routes are also included, expanding coverage further. For Etihad, this deal enhances its appeal on the Gulf–Central Asia axis while boosting connectivity at its Abu Dhabi hub.

Arik De, Etihad’s Commercial and Revenue Director, praised the initiative: “Uzbekistan is one of the most exciting markets in our network right now. This agreement meets a clear customer demand: easy access to eight Uzbek cities on a single ticket, paired with a direct service to Abu Dhabi.”

For Uzbekistan Airways, the partnership grants direct access to European and Middle Eastern markets, likely boosting tourism in Uzbekistan. Both airlines are also exploring a loyalty program tie-up, allowing travelers to earn and redeem miles across Etihad Guest and UzAirPlus.

Samarkand, Bukhara, and Beyond: Central Asia Within Reach

Thanks to this partnership, travelers can seamlessly combine cultural stops. For example, a passenger flying in from Europe could land in Tashkent in the morning, take an internal flight to Samarkand the same day, return to Tashkent for an overnight flight to Abu Dhabi, and connect to their final destination.

Samarkand, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is renowned for its mausoleums, mosques, and madrasas, while Bukhara, another Silk Road gem, charms visitors with its preserved architecture and timeless atmosphere. Once difficult to reach without extensive planning, these cities are now effortless and quick stops for transit passengers.

For history and culture enthusiasts, this new offering is a rare chance to discover a region still untouched by mass tourism. With daily flights and optimized connections, Etihad Airways and Uzbekistan Airways are finally making Central Asia accessible to global travelers.

Etihad Airways: A Key Player in the Gulf’s Expansion into Asia

This route launch aligns with Etihad’s broader strategy to expand its network into Central Asia. The Gulf has become a pivotal crossroads between Europe, Africa, and Asia, and Tashkent—with its tourism and economic potential—is a critical link in this chain.

Frank Meyer, Etihad’s Digital Director, called the new route “a significant step in the airline’s expansion. By launching a daily nonstop between Abu Dhabi and Tashkent, we’re opening a new door between Central Asia and the world.”

For Etihad, this service underscores the rising importance of Central Asia as a strategic destination. With cities like Tashkent, Samarkand, and Bukhara drawing increasing visitor numbers, the airline is positioning itself as an essential link between this region and global hubs.

This initiative could mark the dawn of a new era for air traffic between the Gulf and Central Asia, with ripple effects on tourism, trade, and cultural exchange across the region.

To book your flight or learn more, visit Etihad Airways.

With this new route, Uzbekistan is no longer a distant, hard-to-reach destination—it’s now an easy, fast, and promising stop for travelers seeking authentic adventures.