In early October 2026, the Tourism Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan and Air Arabia engaged in discussions aiming to expand air connectivity by introducing new flight routes to boost Uzbekistan’s tourism sector. Air Arabia currently operates routes to Tashkent and Namangan, including 13 weekly flights combining the Tashkent-Sharjah and Tashkent-Abu Dhabi connections.
Plans for New Routes and Flight Frequency Expansions
The two sides explored launching direct flights to notable tourist destinations such as Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva. Discussions also included potential increases in flight frequency between Tashkent and the UAE cities Sharjah and Abu Dhabi. This expansion targets enhancing access to Uzbekistan’s cultural and historic centers for
international travelers.
Marketing Cooperation and Tourism Package Development
Uzbekistan’s Tourism Committee and Air Arabia agreed to promote the country’s tourism offerings through the airline’s digital platforms and select global markets. Joint marketing campaigns and creation of specialized tourism packages were among the cooperative strategies discussed to attract more visitors from Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and North Africa.
Familiarization Trips and Passenger Information Initiatives
Plans include organizing familiarization trips for bloggers, influencers, tour operators, and media representatives, with Air Arabia committing to cover airfare costs for participants. The airline will also distribute informational materials about Uzbekistan’s tourist attractions onboard its aircraft flying to Europe and other key international markets.
Upcoming Tourism Events and Tourism Infrastructure Growth
Air Arabia received
invitations to the 31st Tashkent International Tourism Fair, “Tourism on the Silk Road,” scheduled for November 2026, along with the Investment Forum and MICE Tourism Conference linked to the event. Representatives highlighted logistical and infrastructure improvements in Uzbekistan over the last decade, including new hotels and expanded accommodation options, supporting the country’s growing tourism capacity.
Additionally, Air Arabia expressed readiness to help develop the Umrah Plus tourism product, targeting specialized tourism segments within Uzbekistan’s offerings.
