Uzbekistan and Air Arabia plan new flights and tourism push

Uzbekistan and Air Arabia are discussing new direct flights to key tourist cities and increased frequencies on existing routes. The talks aim to boost international visitor numbers through the airline's global network.

Discussions focused on launching new direct flights to Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva. Air Arabia currently serves Tashkent and Namangan, operating 13 weekly flights from Tashkent to Sharjah and Abu Dhabi. The parties considered increasing frequencies on these existing routes to the United Arab Emirates. They reviewed opportunities to attract transit tourists from Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and North Africa.

Joint tourism promotion and marketing initiatives

The parties agreed on coordinated efforts to promote Uzbekistan via Air Arabia’s network. Plans include organizing familiarization trips for bloggers, social media influencers, tour operators, and media representatives. Air Arabia expressed readiness to support these trips, including covering airfare costs for participants.

Promotion will extend through Air Arabia’s digital platforms, with special tourism packages and joint marketing campaigns. They plan to place promotional materials about Uzbekistan aboard Air Arabia aircraft. This information will be distributed to passengers in Europe and other target markets. The partners highlighted the recent increase in tourist arrivals from Europe and the need to strengthen promotional efforts there.

Air Arabia representatives noted significant changes in Uzbekistan’s tourism industry over the past decade. They observed growing numbers of modern, high-class hotels, a wider accommodation network, and improved tourist infrastructure.

Umrah Plus product and event participation

Another area of cooperation is the proposed Umrah Plus tourism product. This combines pilgrimage travel with additional tourism opportunities in Uzbekistan. Air Arabia expressed willingness to support the Umrah Plus project and help develop it as a separate tourism product.

Air Arabia representatives have been invited to participate in the 31st Tashkent International Tourism Fair, 'Tourism on the Silk Road,' scheduled for November. The airline has also been invited to attend the Investment Forum and MICE Tourism Conference held as part of the fair.

Agreed outcomes and next steps

Following the meeting, the parties reached practical agreements aimed at increasing tourist arrivals. The strategy involves expanding air connectivity and using Air Arabia’s international route network. The agreements are intended to attract visitors from additional international markets and strengthen Uzbekistan’s visibility as a tourism destination.

The parties will proceed with practical agreements to increase tourist arrivals by expanding air connectivity and using Air Arabia’s international route network.