Centrum Air, an airline based in Uzbekistan, has started operating direct flights between Hyderabad and Tashkent. The first flight on this route departed from Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad on Tuesday.
According to data from GMR Hyderabad International Airport Limited (GHIAL), this new route represents the first direct air connection between South India and Central Asia. The launch was marked by a special ceremony at the airport, attended by representatives of GHIAL, Centrum Air, and other stakeholders.
Flights between Hyderabad and Tashkent will operate twice a week. This new route will provide passengers from Hyderabad and other cities in South India with direct access to Uzbekistan.
GHIAL predicts that this direction will contribute to the development of business, trade, and cultural ties between India and Uzbekistan, as well as increase Tashkent's accessibility as a regional aviation hub.
Qadir Kadiravan, CEO of GMR Hyderabad International Airport Ltd, emphasized the growing importance of direct international connections between Hyderabad and emerging markets, as the city strengthens its position as a center for technology, business, and innovation. He also noted Hyderabad's role as one of India's leading medical tourism destinations, attracting foreign patients for specialized treatment.
"The launch of the Hyderabad-Tashkent route is another step in expanding South India's international air connectivity and establishing a direct link with Central Asia," stated Kadiravan.
According to him, the new route will open up additional opportunities for business travel, tourism, education, and cultural exchange between India and Uzbekistan.
Abhishek Goyal, Executive Director and CEO of Aeroprime Group, characterized the launch as an important milestone in expanding Centrum Air's Indian network. He added that following the launch of flights to Delhi, Hyderabad became a promising addition to the airline's network due to its potential for business and tourist travel.
With the addition of the Tashkent route, Hyderabad Airport's network expanded to 27 international and 74 domestic destinations. The airport expects that the new service will strengthen its role as a gateway from South India to Central Asian markets, including the technology and healthcare sectors, while creating new opportunities for transit flights in the region.
This launch is part of Hyderabad Airport's strategy to expand its international route network and is expected to improve air connectivity between Uzbekistan and other Central Asian countries for business and leisure travelers.