ISLAMABAD: The Embassy of Uzbekistan in Islamabad on Monday announced the expansion of its flight operations to Pakistan, improving connectivity between the two countries and reducing travel time from Islamabad to Tashkent to just two hours.
“Direct flights have significantly reduced travel time, especially when stopovers in Dubai have been eliminated,” said an official at the Uzbek embassy. Sunrise.
Uzbekistan Airways, the national airline of the Republic of Uzbekistan, now operates a total of four weekly flights between Uzbekistan and Pakistan, doubling the frequency of its Tashkent-Islamabad service while continuing its regular Tashkent-Lahore flights.
According to Uzbekistan Airways, the decision to expand services was driven by strong passenger demand, as previous Islamabad flights were often operating at full capacity and tickets were sold out days in advance.
“Tashkent-Islamabad-Tashkent” flights operate twice a week, every Tuesday and Saturday, while “Tashkent-Lahore-Tashkent” flights operate twice a week, every Wednesday and Friday.
The embassy said that with this expansion, Uzbekistan Airways has strengthened its role as a key bridge between Central and South Asia, offering Pakistani travelers greater choice, convenience and connectivity to destinations around the world.
Flights from Tashkent to Islamabad take around two hours, providing a fast and efficient link between the two capitals. One-way fares start at approximately $200, while round-trip tickets are available from $400, making this route one of the most affordable and time-saving options for business, educational and leisure travelers.
The embassy added that the “Tashkent-Lahore” route is equally attractive, with one-way fares starting at around $200 and round-trip fares starting at $400. All flights are operated on modern and comfortable aircraft, ensuring that passengers enjoy world-class onboard service, professional crews and the highest safety standards.
Tashkent International Airport, the airline’s main hub, is strategically located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, offering passengers efficient connections and a comfortable travel experience.
Beyond direct travel between Pakistan and Uzbekistan, the airport serves as a strategic transit hub, connecting travelers to more than 50 international destinations in Europe, North America, the Middle East, East Asia and Southeast Asia.
Passengers flying through Tashkent can enjoy seamless transit connections to major cities around the world, including Istanbul, Frankfurt, Paris, London, New York, Moscow, Dubai, Tokyo, Seoul, Kuala Lumpur, Baku, Astana, Batumi and many more.
According to the embassy, this extensive network makes Uzbekistan Airways an increasingly popular choice for Pakistani travelers seeking both regional and long-haul connections, combining competitive pricing with superior comfort and efficiency.
The embassy said Uzbekistan and Pakistan share centuries-old historical, cultural and spiritual ties rooted in the heritage of the Silk Road and Islamic civilization. The improved air links will further strengthen tourism, trade and people-to-people exchanges between the two sister nations.
For Pakistani tourists, Uzbekistan offers a gateway to the legendary cities of the Silk Road: Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva and Kokand.
The embassy added that Uzbek visitors are increasingly attracted to Pakistan’s diverse landscapes, historical monuments and renowned hospitality.
Improving air connections will facilitate the connection of companies, students and families, while boosting mutual investment and tourism growth.
Published in Dawn, November 4, 2025
