Centrum Air to launch direct Karachi–Tashkent flights from September 3, for boosting Pak–Uzbekistan Connectivity

By:  Shams Abbasi

ISLAMABAD, Jul 21 (APP):In a major step toward enhancing regional connectivity, trade and tourism, Centrum Air has announced the launch of direct scheduled flights between Karachi and Tashkent, with operations set to begin on September 3, 2026.

The new non-stop service is expected to further strengthen the growing strategic partnership between Pakistan and Uzbekistan by making travel between the two countries faster, easier and more convenient.

The inaugural flight on the Tashkent–Karachi–Tashkent route will mark another milestone in expanding air links between the two friendly nations.

The airline will operate two flights every week, on Thursdays and Sundays, providing passengers with reliable and direct access between the commercial hub of Pakistan and the capital of Uzbekistan.

The launch of the new route is expected to boost business, tourism, cultural exchanges and investment opportunities.

It will also facilitate smoother travel for entrepreneurs, students, pilgrims and tourists while encouraging stronger people-to-people contacts.

In addition, passengers flying through Tashkent will have convenient onward connections to destinations across Central Asia and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), making the Uzbek capital an important regional transit hub.

Uzbekistan has increasingly emerged as a preferred destination for travelers seeking history, culture and spiritual heritage.

Visitors can explore the legendary Silk Road cities of Samarkand and Bukhara, renowned for their magnificent Islamic architecture and centuries-old traditions. Other major attractions include the Centre for Islamic Civilization in Tashkent and the Imam Al-Bukhari Memorial Complex near Samarkand, one of the most significant religious and historical sites in the Muslim world. Whether visiting for business, leisure or cultural exploration, Uzbekistan offers a unique blend of heritage and modern development.

Welcoming the development, Uzbekistan’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Alisher Tukhtaev, shared his excitement with APP here on Tuesday, describing the launch of the Karachi route as another important milestone in strengthening transport connectivity between the two countries.

“I am delighted to share with you another important milestone in strengthening transport connectivity between Uzbekistan and Pakistan. Starting from September 3, 2026, Centrum Air will launch regular non-stop flights on the Tashkent–Karachi–Tashkent route,” the ambassador said.

He highlighted the remarkable progress achieved in a short period, noting that just 20 months ago there were no regular direct flights between Pakistan and Uzbekistan. With the introduction of the Karachi service, the total number of weekly direct flights between the two countries will rise to eight,including four flights to Lahore, two to Islamabad and two to Karachi.

Ambassador Tukhtaev described the expanded flight network as a reflection of the rapidly developing strategic partnership between Uzbekistan and Pakistan.

He emphasized that improved air connectivity would bring the peoples of both countries closer, strengthen economic cooperation and open new avenues for tourism, trade and cultural exchange.

The launch of Centrum Air’s Karachi service is expected to support growing bilateral relations and create fresh opportunities for businesses and travelers alike. As both nations continue to deepen cooperation across multiple sectors, enhanced air connectivity is set to play a vital role in fostering regional integration and unlocking new economic potential.

Concluding his message, Ambassador Tukhtaev welcomed passengers aboard the new route, expressing confidence that the latest addition to the flight network would pave the way for many more shared successes between Uzbekistan and Pakistan in the years ahead.