Etihad opens the Silk Road with new Uzbekistan Airways codeshare

Etihad Airways and Uzbekistan Airways have signed a codeshare agreement that opens Central Asia for Etihad’s global guests and links Uzbekistan Airways guests to Etihad’s daily Abu Dhabi service. The agreement takes effect on 15 May 2026, with the first codeshare flights available for travel from 9 August 2026.

Launch Date:
Agreement effective 15 May 2026, with first codeshare flights from 9 August 2026.

New Route:
Etihad introduces a daily Abu Dhabi–Tashkent service.

Expanded Access:
- Etihad guests can book a single ticket to eight Uzbek cities via Tashkent: Samarkand, Urgench, Nukus, Termez, Fergana, Namangan, Andizhan, and Bukhara.
- Uzbekistan Airways passengers gain direct access to Abu Dhabi, complementing their existing daily Dubai service.

Frequent Flyer Benefits:
Etihad Guest and UzAirPlus are developing a partnership to expand reward options.

Strategic Importance:
Uzbekistan is one of Central Asia’s fastest-growing inbound markets, rich in Silk Road heritage and cultural tourism.

Broader Impact
- Strengthens tourism, cultural exchange, and business ties between the UAE and Uzbekistan.
- Adds to Etihad’s already extensive partner network: 46 codeshare and 130+ interline partners, covering over 350 destinations worldwide.
- Positions Tashkent as a gateway to Central Asia for Etihad’s global passengers.

Leadership Voices
- Etihad Airways (Arik De, Chief Revenue & Commercial Officer): Called Uzbekistan “one of the most exciting markets” and emphasized easy access to multiple Uzbek cities on a single ticket.
- Uzbekistan Airways (Shukhrat Yadgarov, Deputy Chairman): Highlighted the partnership as a “strategic milestone” that strengthens connectivity with the UAE and supports tourism and business growth.