Etihad Airways has chosen Uzbek capital Tashkent over Kazakhstan’s largest city Almaty as a first Central Asia destination, betting that its network expansion can capitalise on Uzbekistan’s rapidly growing aviation and tourism markets.

The national airline on August 9 launched daily non-stop flights between UAE capital Abu Dhabi and Tashkent. The launch of a previously announced Almaty route has been postponed, with Etihad executives indicating it could start in 2027. Etihad already links to commercial capital Almaty using a codeshare with Air Astana.

“We believe that Tashkent is the better option for us, to attract more people to the UAE, to Abu Dhabi. But also to bring more visitors to Tashkent. As well as connect people to our global network,” Jurriaan Pietter Stelder, Etihad’s senior vice president of network, alliance & commercial strategy, told reporters at the launch event.

The market entry of state-owned Etihad gives Uzbekistan another direct link to a major international aviation hub. The daily service gives Uzbek travellers direct access to Abu Dhabi and onward connections across Etihad’s network, supporting two-way tourism and business flows.

"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,” Frank Meyer, chief digital officer of Etihad, said.

The inaugural flight was sold out, highlighting early demand for the new connection.

The route is operated with an Airbus A320, providing 160 seats per flight.

Etihad said that its network operates at an average load factor of almost 90%. The carrier expects to fly at least 140 passengers per day in each direction on the Tashkent route.

“We did announce that we would start flying to Almaty. We did announce that last year. But in the end, we didn't,” Jurriaan said. “So it has been postponed. We do envision that we will fly flights into Kazakhstan. Specifically to Almaty. Somewhere in 2027, I would think. It's not fully decided yet when that will happen. But we decided it is a better time for us to start Tashkent at the moment. And perhaps Kazakhstan and Almaty will follow later.”

Asked directly whether Tashkent offered a better opportunity than Kazakhstan, Jurriaan replied: “Exactly. We believe that Tashkent is the better option for us.”

“When we launch a new route. It is important to study the market well. And we have studied the Uzbek and Tashkent markets very well for quite a long time. And we have seen it grow very fast. Also with your three local airlines here. The market has been developing really quickly,” Jurriaan added. “And next to that. Your ministry of tourism has invested a lot. To attract more people to Uzbekistan. And they have been very successful at that. So that was the reason for us to start flying into Tashkent.”

Etihad’s Tashkent launch comes alongside a codeshare partnership with Uzbekistan Airways. It allows passengers to connect through Tashkent to eight destinations in Uzbekistan — Andijan, Bukhara, Fergana, Namangan, Nukus, Samarkand, Termez and Urgench — as well as to selected international destinations on Uzbekistan Airways’ network.

The partnership is intended to help both airlines expand their reach.

The two carriers plan to establish a frequent-flyer partnership, using the Etihad Guest and UzAirPlus programmes.

Etihad is already considering a second destination in Uzbekistan, possibly Samarkand. For now, however, the airline will use its partnership with Uzbekistan Airways to connect travellers from Tashkent to Samarkand and other domestic destinations.

The airline also plans to work with Uzbekistan Airways and other local partners to better understand Uzbek customers and adapt its offering to the local market. 

Etihad’s arrival places it in an increasingly competitive Uzbek aviation market, where international carriers have sought to capture growing demand. Not all of them have remained in the market.

Etihad has faced questions over ticket prices, with some social media users describing its initial fares as expensive for Uzbekistan. The airline said it will offer tiered fares based on the level of service, ranging from basic economy tickets with limited baggage and no lounge access to higher-priced options with additional benefits. Pricing would also take into account offers from competing airlines and the need to balance affordability with the carrier’s commercial interests.

The UAE airline plans to employ an airport manager and sales manager in Tashkent, with a local team of up to four or five people. It will also contract passenger and cargo sales and airport-handling agents.

The airline could deploy larger aircraft or increase frequency on the Tashkent route if demand grows. The airline is considering using the A321LR, which offers a larger business-class cabin and flat-bed seats.

Etihad has added 20 to 25 aircraft annually over the past two to three years and plans to maintain that pace in 2026 and beyond.