TASHKENT, Tuesday, February 10, 2026 (WNP): Centrum Air, one of Uzbekistan’s leading private airlines, has announced plans to expand its international network by launching direct flights to Pakistan, marking a significant step toward strengthening air connectivity between the two countries.
Beginning in April 2026, the airline will commence direct operations on the Tashkent–Lahore route, with flights scheduled to operate twice a week.
The new service will link Uzbekistan’s capital with Pakistan’s second-largest city, providing travelers with greater convenience and additional options for cross-border travel.
The announcement comes amid a steady expansion of air links between Uzbekistan and Pakistan in recent years. Uzbekistan’s national carrier, Uzbekistan Airways, currently operates four weekly flights connecting Tashkent with Islamabad and Lahore. These routes have already served more than 30,000 passengers, reflecting growing demand for travel between the two countries.
Tourism has emerged as a key beneficiary of improved air connectivity. Official figures show that nearly 19,000 Pakistani nationals visited Uzbekistan for tourism purposes in 2025, largely facilitated by the availability of direct and regular flights.
Aviation and trade experts believe that the launch of additional direct services between Tashkent and Lahore will further enhance bilateral cooperation across multiple sectors. The expanded air network is expected to support trade, economic and investment ties, while also encouraging greater exchanges in tourism, science and academia, education, and cultural and humanitarian fields.
Established in 2023, Centrum Air has rapidly grown its operations and now maintains a fleet of 14 aircraft. The airline’s planned entry into the Pakistan market underscores its ambition to expand regional connectivity and reflects the deepening strategic and people-to-people ties between Uzbekistan and Pakistan.
The new route is expected to complement broader efforts by both countries to strengthen regional integration and promote closer economic and cultural engagement.
