ABU DHABI— Etihad Airways (EY) has marked the launch of its first scheduled service to Uzbekistan with a sold-out inaugural flight to Tashkent (TAS), establishing a new daily air link between Abu Dhabi (AUH) and the Central Asian capital.
The service began on August 9, 2026, using Airbus A320 aircraft and expanding Etihad’s network into a growing regional market.
The new Abu Dhabi-Tashkent route gives travellers in Uzbekistan direct access to the UAE and onward connections across Etihad’s network in Europe, the GCC, the Levant and North America.
At the same time, passengers travelling from Etihad’s wider network gain a direct gateway to Uzbekistan’s capital and improved access to destinations across the country through a new codeshare partnership with Uzbekistan Airways.
Etihad Inaugurates Tashkent Flights
Etihad operates the new route daily in both directions. The service is designed to support travel between the UAE and Uzbekistan for tourism, business and other international travel needs, while adding another Central Asian destination to the airline’s expanding network.
From August 9 through September 1, flight EY830 departs Abu Dhabi at 20:35 and reaches Tashkent at 02:05 the following day. The return flight, EY831, leaves Tashkent at 03:25 and arrives in Abu Dhabi at 06:55, with both services operating daily on the A320.
From September 1, Etihad will adjust the schedule. EY830 will depart Abu Dhabi at 21:20 and arrive in Tashkent at 01:50 the next day, while EY831 will leave Tashkent at 03:35 and reach Abu Dhabi at 06:25.
Uzbekistan Codeshare Partnership Expands Network
The route launch is supported by Etihad’s codeshare agreement with Uzbekistan Airways, which gives passengers access to eight additional destinations beyond Tashkent. These include Samarkand, Bukhara, Fergana, Namangan, Nukus, Andijan, Termez and Urgench.
The partnership allows travellers to combine the Etihad service with Uzbekistan Airways connections under a single booking. It also strengthens links between Abu Dhabi and Uzbekistan while giving Uzbek travellers access to Etihad’s broader international network through the UAE.
The codeshare became available for travel from August 9, matching the launch of Etihad’s new daily service. The partnership also supports wider cooperation between the two airlines as they expand connectivity between Central Asia and international markets.
Central Asia Aviation Network Expansion
The Tashkent launch represents another step in Etihad’s network expansion strategy, with the airline targeting markets that can strengthen Abu Dhabi’s role as an international connecting hub.
The sold-out inaugural flight also provided an early indication of strong passenger interest in the new connection.
For Uzbekistan, the service creates a direct link with Abu Dhabi while opening additional connections to destinations served across Etihad’s network.
For the UAE, it adds another Central Asian market to Abu Dhabi’s growing international connectivity and supports stronger aviation, tourism and trade links between the two countries.
With daily A320 operations and onward connectivity through the Uzbekistan Airways partnership, the new route gives passengers more travel options between the UAE, Uzbekistan and international destinations.
Etihad’s entry into Tashkent therefore adds both a new destination and a broader network opportunity for travellers on both sides.
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