Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan have agreed to increase the permitted frequency of flights between their major cities, potentially adding capacity on two of Central Asia’s most important aviation links.
The countries agreed to permit up to 60 weekly flights on each of the Almaty–Tashkent and Astana–Tashkent routes. The permitted frequency on other routes between Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan will rise from 14 to 20 weekly flights.
The agreement was reached during bilateral talks in Tashkent held alongside the China–Central Asia Civil Aviation Cooperation Working Group Conference.
Kazakhstan’s delegation was led by Saltanat Tompiyeva, chairwoman of the country’s Civil Aviation Committee. Uzbekistan was represented by Jamoliddin Nazarov, head of the Air Transport Department at the Uzbek Ministry of Transport.
The decision is intended to respond to rising passenger demand and stronger business and tourism ties between the two countries. Almaty and Astana are important gateways for visitors entering Kazakhstan, while Tashkent is a major hub for Uzbekistan’s Silk Road destinations, including Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva.
The additional permitted capacity could make short breaks and multi-country Central Asian itineraries easier to sell, particularly when combined with existing domestic rail and air connections. It may also improve travel options for business visitors and people travelling between the two neighbouring markets.
However, the agreement is a regulatory capacity increase rather than a confirmed timetable. No specific airlines, launch dates, fares, aircraft or guaranteed number of operating flights were announced. Actual services will depend on carrier plans, airport slots and market demand.
