Islamabad Special report: Pakistan and Uzbekistan are set to enter a new phase of air connectivity as Uzbekistan’s Centrum Air has announced the launch of direct scheduled flights between Karachi and Tashkent from September 3, 2026, a move expected to significantly enhance trade, tourism, investment, and people-to-people contacts between the two countries.
According to the airline, the new route will operate twice a week, every Thursday and Sunday, providing travelers with a convenient non-stop connection between Pakistan’s largest commercial hub and the Uzbek capital. The service will also offer seamless onward connections via Tashkent to destinations across Central Asia and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS).
Industry experts believe the direct air link will facilitate stronger economic cooperation by making business travel easier, reducing travel time, and improving access to emerging Central Asian markets. The route is expected to benefit exporters, importers, investors, tourists, students, and members of the Pakistani and Uzbek business communities while supporting growing bilateral trade and commercial engagement.
The launch is particularly significant because regular direct scheduled flights between Karachi and Tashkent have not been available in recent years, with most passengers previously relying on connecting flights through hubs such as Dubai, Istanbul, or other regional gateways. The new service is expected to offer a faster and more convenient travel option for passengers.
The Karachi route follows Centrum Air’s earlier expansion into Pakistan with direct flights between Tashkent and Lahore, reflecting the airline’s growing presence in the Pakistani market and the strengthening diplomatic and economic ties between Islamabad and Tashkent.
Uzbekistan remains one of Central Asia’s most attractive tourism destinations, renowned for its Silk Road heritage, the historic cities of Samarkand and Bukhara, the Centre for Islamic Civilization in Tashkent, and the Imam Al-Bukhari Memorial Complex near Samarkand. The new direct service is expected to encourage greater cultural exchanges and tourism while further strengthening bilateral relations between the two friendly countries.
