Uzbekistan Airlines Introduces Direct Weekly Flights Between Islamabad and Tashkent

Uzbekistan Airlines has officially inaugurated its first direct flight from Islamabad to Tashkent, a significant milestone in improving air connectivity between Pakistan and Central Asia. The inaugural flight, numbered HY466, departed from Islamabad International Airport with 126 passengers on board, marking the start of a new weekly route operating every Saturday.

A festive celebration accompanied the launch event at Zone 1 of the airport, decorated with bright balloons and cultural embellishments. The send-off ceremony was attended by several distinguished dignitaries, including ambassadors from Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, and Tajikistan, along with high-ranking officials such as the Managing Director of PTDC, COO/APM, and Uzbekistan Airlines’ Country Manager.

The flight, scheduled for 11:50 AM, eventually took off at 1:09 PM, symbolizing not just a logistical achievement, but a new chapter in regional cooperation and economic integration. The official launch was commemorated with a cake-cutting ceremony held in Lounge A5, reinforcing the significance of this development.

This weekly service complements the airline’s existing Lahore-Tashkent routes, which already operate on Wednesdays and Fridays. With this addition, Uzbekistan Airlines is steadily strengthening its footprint in South Asia.

The direct route between Islamabad and Tashkent is poised to play a vital role in boosting bilateral trade, tourism, and cultural exchange. Enhanced access to historic cities like Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva will open new doors for Pakistani travelers interested in the rich heritage of the Silk Road.

Experts believe that this improved connectivity will support key sectors including pharmaceuticals, agriculture, logistics, and textiles, aligning with broader regional goals such as the Central and South Asia Connectivity Initiative.