For years, travelers between Pakistan and Uzbekistan have complained about the limited number of flights. Seats are about to sell out weeks in advance, and families or businesspeople often found themselves scrambling for tickets. Now, that is about to change.
Uzbekistan Airways has announced that from October 28, it will double its weekly flights on the Tashkent–Islamabad route. This means two direct flights every week instead of just one. The airline already operates two flights on the Tashkent–Lahore route, and now Islamabad will see the same convenience.
A Response to Growing Demand
According to officials, the decision was prompted by the overflowing demand. “Flights are always packed — sometimes you can’t find a seat even a month before,” shared Ahmed Khan, a Pakistani student in Tashkent who often struggles to book his ticket home. “This new flight is a major relief for us.”
Business travelers are equally upbeat. Textile exporters from Faisalabad and Karachi frequently are utilizing Tashkent as a gateway to reach Central Asian and European markets. “More flights mean fewer delays for our shipments and easier travel for our teams,” said one trader.
Read more: Pakistan–Uzbekistan trade hits $404 million, direct flights and faster visas boost ties
More Than Just Flights
Diplomats in Islamabad describe the move as a symbol of deepening ties. Pakistan and Uzbekistan have been working to strengthen relations in trade, tourism, and cultural exchanges. Direct air links are seen as the backbone of this growing partnership. “When masses travel more easily, business, friendships, and opportunities grow naturally,” an embassy official noted.
For many Pakistanis, the benefit goes even further. Tashkent International Airport is serving as a major transit hub, linking passengers to destinations across
- Europe
- North America
- Asia
With more flights, travelers from Lahore and Islamabad can now access global connections with less hassle and more flexibility.
A Bridge Between Two Nations
At its heart, the announcement reflects more than just additional flights — it is clearly depicting a stronger bridge between two brotherly nations. For students eager to return home, families planning vacations, and entrepreneurs chasing opportunities, this expansion feels like a long-awaited answer to their travel woes.