Magic City park in Tashkent. Photo: phtash / Shutterstock.com Etihad Airways has launched its first-ever route to Uzbekistan, operating a new daily nonstop service between Abu Dhabi and Tashkent.
The inaugural flight, announced today, August 10, arrived in the Uzbek capital, establishing a new direct connection between the United Arab Emirates and one of Central Asia's rapidly developing aviation and tourism markets.
The new service strengthens Abu Dhabi's role as a regional gateway, giving travelers from Uzbekistan access to Etihad's wider network through the UAE capital. Connections are available onward to destinations across the Gulf, Europe, the Levant and North America.
Etihad is operating the new service with Airbus A320 aircraft. The route runs daily in both directions.
From August 9 to September 1, flight EY830 departs Abu Dhabi at 8:35 p.m. and arrives in Tashkent at 2:05 a.m. the following day. The return EY831 leaves Tashkent at 3:25 a.m. and arrives in Abu Dhabi at 6:55 a.m.
From September 1, the schedule changes slightly. EY830 will depart Abu Dhabi at 9:20 p.m. and arrive in Tashkent at 1:50 a.m. the following day, while EY831 will leave Tashkent at 3:35 a.m. and arrive in Abu Dhabi at 6:25 a.m.
The launch is also supported by Etihad's codeshare partnership with Uzbekistan Airways. Through the agreement, passengers can connect beyond Tashkent to eight destinations in Uzbekistan, including Andijan, Bukhara, Fergana, Namangan, Nukus, Samarkand, Termez and Urgench.
The partnership also provides access to selected international destinations on Uzbekistan Airways' network.
Abu Dhabi. Photo: Sergey_Bogomyako / Shutterstock.comEtihad said the new route is intended to support growing demand for tourism, business and international travel between Uzbekistan and the UAE.
For Uzbek travelers, the service provides direct access to Abu Dhabi and its attractions, including Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Saadiyat Island and Yas Island. Travelers connecting through Abu Dhabi can also reach destinations across Etihad's expanding international network.
Meanwhile, passengers from the airline's global network gain a new direct gateway to Tashkent and onward destinations in Uzbekistan.
Speaking at the launch, Frank Meyer, Chief Digital Officer of Etihad Airways, described Uzbekistan as one of Central Asia's dynamic and fast-growing markets, highlighting its cultural heritage, tourism potential and growing economic importance.
The Tashkent service forms part of Etihad's broader network expansion strategy, as the airline continues adding connections between Abu Dhabi and high-potential international markets.
Etihad Airways. Photo: kamilpetran / Shutterstock.comWith daily flights now operating, the new route gives travelers a more direct option between the UAE and Uzbekistan while strengthening air links between Central Asia and markets farther afield.