BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 10. Uzbekistan and the United Arab Emirates are expanding tourism and transport links with the launch of Etihad Airways' direct service between Abu Dhabi and Tashkent, opening new opportunities to increase tourist flows and strengthen broader business ties.
This was reflected in the statement by the Tourism Committee of Uzbekistan.
Tashkent International Airport welcomed Etihad's first flight on the new route early Monday, with an Airbus A320 arriving at 2:05 a.m. The aircraft was greeted with a traditional water cannon salute, while passengers and crew were welcomed with national sweets and flowers.
Representatives of Uzbekistan's Tourism Committee, Etihad Airways, Uzbekistan Airports and the UAE Embassy in Uzbekistan attended a ceremony marking the launch. The event included welcoming remarks, a ribbon-cutting ceremony and a celebratory cake.
The new service will operate daily using Airbus A320 aircraft, providing a direct connection between the capitals of Uzbekistan and the UAE.
The route is expected to support the growth of Uzbekistan's tourism sector by making the country more accessible to UAE residents and international travelers connecting through Abu Dhabi, one of the region's major aviation hubs.
The launch also represents one of the first tangible outcomes of cooperation between Uzbekistan's Tourism Committee and Etihad Airways under a joint marketing campaign aimed at promoting Uzbekistan as a tourism destination in the UAE market.
"The direct route to Abu Dhabi makes travel more convenient for UAE residents and gives international travelers passing through one of the region's largest aviation hubs easier access to Uzbekistan," the Tourism Committee said.
Uzbekistan has increasingly focused on expanding international air connectivity as a means of attracting more foreign visitors and supporting tourism-related investment. New routes operated by major international airlines can also contribute to stronger business, cultural and investment exchanges.
Etihad Airways, the UAE's national airline, was established in 2003 and is headquartered in Abu Dhabi. The carrier operates an international network from Abu Dhabi and has received international recognition for its service and passenger experience.
