Etihad Airways inaugurates daily nonstop Abu Dhabi-Tashkent A320 service with full bookings

Etihad Airways has officially launched its first-ever flight route to Uzbekistan, operating daily nonstop Airbus A320 service between Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) and Tashkent International Airport (TAS). The inaugural flight, which took off on August 9, 2026, was fully booked, signaling high passenger interest in this new gateway connecting Central Asia with the UAE. Etihad’s new service marks a significant extension of the airline's global network into an emerging market.

From August 9 through September 1, 2026, Etihad operates flight EY830 departing Abu Dhabi at 20:35 local time and arriving in Tashkent at 02:05 the following day. The return flight EY831 leaves Tashkent at 03:25 and arrives back in Abu Dhabi at 06:55 local time. Beginning September 1, the schedule will adjust slightly: EY830 will depart Abu Dhabi at 21:20, arriving in Tashkent at 01:50, while EY831 will depart Tashkent at 03:35, landing in Abu Dhabi at 06:25, maintaining daily frequency with the Airbus A320 aircraft type.

This new nonstop connection allows seamless travel between Uzbekistan and Etihad’s extensive global network via Abu Dhabi, enhancing business and tourism opportunities. The service also complements Etihad's recently announced codeshare agreement with Uzbekistan Airways. This partnership enables travelers to connect from Tashkent to eight additional urban centers throughout Uzbekistan, including Andijan, Bukhara, Fergana, Namangan, Nukus, Samarkand, Termez, and Urgench, as well as select international routes operated by Uzbekistan Airways.

The Abu Dhabi endpoint offers access to a variety of attractions, such as the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, cultural venues on Saadiyat Island, and entertainment complexes on Yas Island, all of which strengthen the city’s appeal as a stopover. On the Uzbek side, the route opens opportunities for visitors to explore Uzbekistan’s renowned Silk Road cities like Samarkand and Bukhara, while providing a boost to the urban and economic development underway in Tashkent itself.

At the route’s launch event, Etihad’s Chief Digital Officer Frank Meyer emphasized Uzbekistan’s strategic importance as one of Central Asia’s fastest-growing markets. Meyer highlighted the nation's rich cultural heritage and increasing economic significance, describing the daily nonstop route as a key link connecting Central Asia to global markets through Abu Dhabi and strengthening Etihad’s international profile.

The airline views this expansion as part of a broader strategy to connect emerging high-potential markets to its Abu Dhabi hub, reinforcing the emirate’s role as a bridging point between East and West. The new Abu Dhabi-Tashkent route addresses rising travel demand between Uzbekistan, the UAE, and other international destinations, supporting intensified tourism and business relationships.

The use of the Airbus A320 for daily operations reflects Etihad’s capacity planning to match market needs efficiently. This aircraft choice is well-suited for the approximately 3,000-kilometer sector, balancing economic operation and passenger comfort for this mid-distance flight. The fully sold-out inaugural flight confirms strong interest in the route’s convenience and connectivity.

This development builds on Etihad Airways’ expanding cooperation with Uzbekistan Airways and further broadens the airline’s footprint in Central Asia, a region receiving growing attention for its cultural and economic developments. Etihad's new service enhances travel options not only for business travelers but also for leisure tourists seeking to explore both the UAE and Uzbekistan’s unique attractions.

Overall, the launch represents a strategic milestone for Etihad’s network growth and for strengthening cross-regional ties between the UAE and Uzbekistan. The airline’s investment into Central Asian connectivity aligns with broader efforts to deepen travel and trade links across Eurasia, leveraging Abu Dhabi’s position as an international aviation hub.