Tajikistan travellers gain options as Tashkent adds Almaty, Astana seats

Uzbekistan's Ministry of Transport has announced agreements to increase the number of scheduled weekly flights with Kazakhstan and China, a move it says will widen travel options for passengers. The deals were reached at a regional civil aviation meeting in Tashkent, but no date has been given for when the extra flights will begin.

Key facts

• Tashkent–Almaty and Tashkent–Astana: weekly flights rise from 42 to 60 on each route
• Other Uzbekistan–Kazakhstan routes: weekly flights rise from 14 to 20
• Uzbekistan–China: scheduled flights rise from 100 to 114 per week
• Agreements were signed to formalise the increases
• Where the deals were made: third Central Asia–China (C5+1) Working Group on Civil Aviation Cooperation, Tashkent, 3–5 November

What is changing?

Following talks between the aviation authorities of Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, both the Tashkent–Almaty and Tashkent–Astana routes will go from 42 to 60 scheduled flights per week each. All other routes between the two countries will increase from 14 to 20 flights per week.

Uzbekistan and China separately agreed to raise the number of scheduled flights between them from 100 to 114 per week. The two sides signed documents to formalise the agreement.

Who took part in the talks?

The agreements came out of the third meeting of the Central Asia–China (C5+1) Working Group on Civil Aviation Cooperation, held in Tashkent on 3–5 November. It brought together representatives of aviation authorities and airlines from Uzbekistan, China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan.

The meeting also covered implementation of an agreement on jointly building the "Air Silk Road", aviation cooperation between Central Asia and China, liberalisation of air transport markets and the harmonisation of regulatory frameworks. Participants further discussed civil aviation infrastructure, flight safety, green and smart technologies, joint projects and a mechanism for regular high-level meetings.

Why is this happening?

According to the ministry, the agreements are expected to expand travel opportunities for passengers, strengthen Uzbekistan's regional and international transport and logistics links, and support trade, economic and tourism cooperation.

What this means for travellers

Travellers using Tashkent as a gateway to Almaty, Astana and Chinese destinations could see more weekly departures to choose from once the increases take effect. The source does not state when the new frequencies begin, which airlines will operate them or how fares may be affected, so passengers should check schedules with airlines before booking.

The working group's fourth meeting is scheduled to take place in Kyrgyzstan in 2027.