Centrum Air Launches Direct Delhi–Tashkent Flights to Boost India–Uzbekistan Connectivity
Centrum Air, Uzbekistan’s largest private airline, has launched direct passenger flights between Delhi and Tashkent, expanding options for travellers on one of Central Asia’s most popular corridors from India. The service, inaugurated on 3 October 2025, will operate twice weekly—on Tuesdays and Fridays—at competitive fares on the carrier’s modern fleet.
The first flight took off from Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport with a brief ceremony attended by airport authorities and dignitaries. The launch followed a pre-event gathering in New Delhi hosted by the airline and attended by Uzbekistan’s ambassador, senior trade representatives, and media, reflecting the diplomatic and commercial weight attached to the service.
Competitive Market Context
The Delhi–Tashkent sector has long been served by Uzbekistan Airways, which has traditionally been the main operator linking the two capitals. In 2023, IndiGo also entered the market, launching direct flights from Delhi and, in 2025, Mumbai to Tashkent, leveraging its scale as India’s largest carrier to tap into outbound leisure and business traffic.
Centrum Air’s entry now brings a third option into the mix, adding competition in terms of pricing and schedules. For passengers, the additional capacity is expected to enhance connectivity and support the growth of two-way flows in tourism and trade.
Tourism and Business Flows
Uzbekistan has positioned itself as a cultural and heritage destination for Indian travellers, with Tashkent often serving as the entry point for tours across Samarkand, Bukhara, and other historic cities. Rising interest in Central Asian heritage, coupled with competitive fares, has helped make Uzbekistan one of the more accessible overseas leisure destinations from India.
At the same time, India’s outbound travel has grown sharply in the post-pandemic years, with Central Asia benefiting from its short-haul geography. Beyond leisure, the corridor is also attracting business and trade travelers, as India and Uzbekistan expand ties in sectors ranging from pharmaceuticals to education and services. Direct flights cut travel times significantly compared to connecting options via the Gulf, making them attractive for business communities.
Airline’s Growth Outlook
Centrum Air, founded just two and a half years ago, has grown to a fleet of 13 aircraft operating to more than 35 destinations.
The airline plans to expand its fleet to 15 aircraft by the end of 2025 and 22 by the end of 2026. The carrier has positioned India as a key market in its South Asia strategy.
Adil Mirza of Centrum Air said the launch was aimed at building stronger travel and trade links: India, he noted, has always been a priority market for the airline, and the new service was intended to “build a bridge that connects cultures, businesses, and people” while opening Uzbekistan’s tourism and hospitality to a wider audience.
Strengthening Air Links
With three carriers now offering services between India and Uzbekistan—IndiGo from Mumbai and Delhi, Uzbekistan Airways from Delhi, and Centrum Air from Delhi—the corridor is entering a new phase of growth. Traffic is expected to rise further as competition drives down fares and improves schedule choice.
For Centrum Air, the Delhi launch strengthens its regional footprint and aligns with Uzbekistan’s broader ambition to enhance connectivity with South Asia. For travellers, it represents not just another route, but a sign of the maturing links between India and Central Asia.
Also Read: Vietnam Airlines upgrades Mumbai-Ho Chi Minh City route with wide-body aircraft
