Following the introduction of a visa-free regime on June 1, 2025, between Uzbekistan and China, two major Chinese airlines — Air China and China Eastern Airlines — have launched regular passenger flights to Tashkent for the first time.
China’s national carrier Air China officially began flights on the Beijing – Tashkent – Beijing route, with the inaugural Boeing 737 landing in Tashkent on the evening of July 19. The arrival was marked by a traditional water arch salute and warm greeting with flowers and national music for passengers and crew. The airline will operate this route thrice weekly on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.
A spokesman for Air China stated, “We are pleased to offer direct connections between the capitals of China and Uzbekistan. We are confident that this route will become an important link in developing trade, tourism and cultural ties,” according to Uzbekistan Airports’ press service.
Another leading Chinese carrier, China Eastern Airlines, commenced its own route from Xi’an to Tashkent, with the first Airbus A320 flight arriving on July 16 carrying 137 passengers. The arrival was also celebrated with flowers, traditional music, and national snacks. These flights will operate three times a week — on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays — with an approximate flight duration of 4.5 hours.
Since the visa-free regime took effect, demand for flights between the two countries has risen. Prior to mid-July, 29 regular direct weekly flights connected Uzbekistan and China, operated by five airlines including three Uzbek and two Chinese carriers. The recent addition of Air China and China Eastern Airlines enhances connectivity significantly.
Plans are underway to increase flight frequencies and introduce additional routes, extending flight networks beyond the capital cities, thereby expanding accessibility.
Macroregional opportunities and implications for international business
The launch of new direct air links between Uzbekistan and China is a tangible sign of strengthening international relations that will facilitate safer, faster, and more convenient travel and cargo movement. Enhanced accessibility also bolsters tourism and business exchanges, which in turn can stimulate demand for hospitality-related construction and interior design services.
Overall, these developments underscore Uzbekistan’s approach to creating an internationally integrated market environment conducive to business growth and cross-border collaboration. For foreign investors and international trade actors, the improved air transport infrastructure aligned with visa facilitation policies signals promising conditions to scale their presence in Uzbekistan and the Central Asian region.
