Etihad Airways celebrated the arrival of its inaugural flight to Tashkent, officially launching the airline's first route to Uzbekistan and creating a new connection between Abu Dhabi and one of the world's fastest-growing aviation markets.

The new daily non-stop service reinforces Abu Dhabi’s position as a premium gateway, connecting Uzbekistan to the UAE, the wider region and Etihad’s expanding global network. Through Abu Dhabi, travellers from Uzbekistan can seamlessly access major gateways across GCC, Europe, Levant and North America, further strengthening connectivity between Central Asia and global centres of commerce, culture and innovation.

The launch is complemented by Etihad’s recently introduced codeshare partnership with Uzbekistan Airways, enabling guests to travel beyond Tashkent to eight destinations across Uzbekistan - Andijan, Bukhara, Fergana, Namangan, Nukus, Samarkand, Termez and Urgench - as well as selected international destinations on the Uzbekistan Airways network.

Speaking at the launch event, Frank Meyer, Chief Digital Officer of Etihad Airways, said: "Today’s inaugural flight to Tashkent is a proud moment for Etihad and an important milestone in our continued network expansion. Uzbekistan is one of Central Asia’s most dynamic and fast-growing markets, with a rich cultural heritage, strong tourism appeal and growing economic significance.”

“By launching a daily, non-stop service between Abu Dhabi and Tashkent, we are opening a new gateway between Central Asia and the world. Through Abu Dhabi, travellers can seamlessly connect to destinations across Etihad’s expanding global network, supported by the premium service and hospitality that Etihad is renowned for.”