IndiGo and Uzbekistan Airways Expand Flights Between India and Central Asia

With more Indians traveling to Central Asia, new flights are being introduced between India and countries like Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan. IndiGo, India’s largest airline, has doubled its flights from Delhi to Almaty and Tbilisi starting August 16, 2024, and to Tashkent starting August 17, 2024. The airline will now offer daily flights on these routes, up from the previous schedule of four weekly flights to Tashkent and three weekly flights to Almaty. There are also plans to increase flights to Kyrgyzstan.

Vinay Malhotra, IndiGo’s Head of Global Sales, stated, “These additional flights are in response to rising demand for outbound leisure travel. With this expansion, IndiGo now offers daily flights to all four of our Central Asian destinations: Tashkent, Almaty, Tbilisi, and Baku.”

Social media platforms like Instagram and YouTube are filled with posts from Indians exploring Silk Road countries like Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan. Improved direct flight options, easy visa processes, and budget-friendly prices have made these destinations popular among Indian tourists.

In a significant move to boost tourism and strengthen cultural connections, Uzbekistan Airways will begin direct flights between Tashkent and Goa starting October 27, 2024. The route will operate twice a week, using the modern Airbus A320 Neo to connect Tashkent with Goa’s Manohar International Airport (Mopa). This new air link is expected to create fresh opportunities for tourism and foster cultural exchange between Uzbekistan and India, especially with the scenic state of Goa.

Tourism Minister Rohan A Khaunte celebrated the launch, calling it a “milestone” for Goa. He noted, “This new connection will not only enhance tourism but also deepen our cultural ties with Uzbekistan. We are dedicated to making Goa a more accessible destination for global travellers.”

Suneel Anchipaka, Director of Tourism and Managing Director of Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC), highlighted the broader significance of this development. “Uzbekistan Airways’ decision to start flights to Goa signals growing international interest in our state as a premier tourist spot,” he said.

Uzbekistan Airways has also launched direct flights between Mumbai and Tashkent, operating twice a week. The airline has maintained a strong presence in India, offering regular services to New Delhi for over 20 years. Currently, it operates daily flights from New Delhi to Tashkent, with connections to destinations in Europe, the USA, the Middle East, and Central Asia.

IndiGo, a private low-cost airline based in Gurgaon, India, increased the frequency of its passenger flights on the Delhi-Tashkent-Delhi route from August 17, 2024. The airline will expand from four weekly flights to daily service, using Airbus 320 aircraft. This change is expected to benefit both business and leisure travelers by providing greater flexibility in their travel plans.

Uzbekistan is rapidly emerging as a popular destination for Indian tourists, due to its shared cultural heritage, stunning art and architecture, and strong bilateral relations. The nation’s modern tourism initiatives and relaxed visa regulations have made it a top travel spot for 2024. With its deep historical roots, ancient civilization, and UNESCO World Heritage sites, Uzbekistan offers an ideal experience for history buffs and curious explorers alike.