WEBDESK: Uzbekistan Airways is launching a new direct flight route between Tashkent and Islamabad, starting June 14, 2025. This service will operate once a week, every Saturday, marking an important step in strengthening regional connectivity and cooperation between Uzbekistan and Pakistan.
According to the Uzbek embassy in Islamabad, introducing this route is an important step in improving travel, trade, tourism and contacts between people across Central and South Asia. Many people such as diplomats, business leaders and travel lovers, praised the announcement because they view it as a significant advantage for both the tourism sector and the economy.
The Uzbekistan Airways flight will connect two capital cities that are central to the cultural and historical landscapes of their regions. Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, is a gateway to the historic Silk Road cities such as Samarkand and Bukhara. Islamabad, on the other hand, offers access to Pakistan’s scenic northern areas, business hubs, and cultural landmarks.
In addition to the new Islamabad route, Uzbekistan Airways currently operates biweekly direct flights to Lahore on Wednesdays and Fridays. These connections were helping expand the airline’s regional footprint, linking Pakistan’s major cities not only with Uzbekistan, but also with the wider Central Asian region and beyond.
“Together, these routes support cross-border mobility, business travel, educational exchange, and cultural cooperation,” the embassy said.
According to the embassy, the importance of trade between Tashkent and Islamabad goes beyond business and was set to strengthen links between people by allowing travelers, students, pilgrims, tourists and others to travel directly to each country.
Islamabad-Tashkent flight route boosts tourism
The embassy also stated that this move aligns with the Central and South Asia Connectivity Initiative, a regional strategy aimed at promoting integration through trade, infrastructure, and cultural cooperation. The initiative envisions a more connected and peaceful region, with improved access to markets and greater collaboration between neighboring countries.
Tourism officials are particularly optimistic about the impact of this new service.. The route will provide easier access for Uzbek travellers to explore Pakistan’s mountainous beauty, diverse culture, and rich history.
The airline’s decision to add this Islamabad route reflects a broader push to attract more regional travelers and business opportunities.
“This air route is a cornerstone of the Central and South Asia Connectivity Initiative, first proposed by the President of Uzbekistan in 2021. It is part of a broader strategic push to transform a landlocked region into a land-linked hub. The Tashkent-Islamabad flight complements major regional infrastructure initiatives such as the Trans-Afghan Railway and supports broader cooperation in transport, logistics, infrastructure, energy, and digitisation,” the statement said.
