Uzbekistan and Air Arabia outline new areas of cooperation

Uzbekistan and Air Arabia discussed launching new routes, increasing flight frequency, and jointly promoting the country in international tourism markets. They placed particular emphasis on attracting transit tourists from Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and North Africa.

The Tourism Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan hosted a meeting with representatives of Air Arabia to discuss expanding flights and strengthening cooperation in the tourism sector.

Launching new direct flights to Uzbekistan’s popular tourist destinations – Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva, and others – was one of the key issues. The parties also discussed increasing flight frequency on the Tashkent – Sharjah and Tashkent – Abu Dhabi routes.

The parties discussed using the airline’s international route network to attract transit travelers from Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and North Africa.

The parties also discussed prospects for developing the Umrah Plus initiative. Air Arabia expressed its readiness to support the initiative and help create a dedicated tourism product combining religious pilgrimages with visits to Uzbekistan’s sightseeing attractions. The airline’s representatives noted the significant changes in Uzbekistan’s tourism sector over the past decade, highlighting the development of hotel infrastructure, the growing number of modern, high-class hotels, and improvements in the quality of tourist facilities.

Following the meeting, the parties reached several practical agreements to expand air traffic, promote Uzbekistan in international markets, and increase tourist arrivals. Air Arabia representatives were also invited to attend the 31st International Exhibition “Tourism on the Silk Road – TITF 2026”, which will take place in November. They were also invited to participate in the Investment Forum and Conference on MICE Tourism, held as part of the fair.

Aziza Alimova, UzA