Air India has expanded its international reach with a new codeshare partnership with Uzbekistan Airways, marking a strategic deepening of air links between Tashkent & Delhi.
The agreement, announced on 31 March and effective from 20 March 2026, places Air India’s AI designator on Uzbekistan Airways’ key routes connecting Delhi, Mumbai, and Goa with Tashkent.
According to the release, the arrangement “strengthens its growing international network and enhances connectivity between India and Central Asia.”
Expanded Access to Tashkent, Delhi & Beyond!
Under the new partnership, Air India passengers can now book seamless itineraries to Tashkent from major Indian gateways, with single‑ticket convenience and through‑checked baggage.
The codeshare covers Uzbekistan Airways’ flights on the Delhi–Tashkent, Mumbai–Tashkent, and seasonal Goa–Tashkent routes.
As the release notes, the agreement “provides Air India guests seamless access to Tashkent… with convenient onward domestic and international connections on Air India’s extensive route network.”
The collaboration builds on an existing interline partnership between the two carriers, enabling further connectivity from Tashkent to key Uzbek cities including Bukhara, Qarshi, Nukus, Urgench, Termez, Samarkand, Fergana, and Namangan.
This expanded reach positions Tashkent as a more accessible hub for Indian travellers exploring Central Asia’s cultural and commercial centres.
Strategic Alignment for Both Carriers
For Air India, the partnership aligns with its broader international expansion strategy as the airline continues its multi‑year transformation.
The carrier has been steadily rebuilding its long‑haul network, modernising its fleet, and strengthening global partnerships to enhance its competitive position.
Nipun Aggarwal, Air India’s Chief Commercial Officer, emphasised the strategic value of the agreement, stating that Tashkent is “an increasingly important destination for leisure, business, and cultural travel,” and that the partnership “allows us to offer our guests more choice and convenience while strengthening India’s air links with Central Asia.”
For Uzbekistan Airways, the codeshare opens new opportunities to tap into India’s fast‑growing outbound travel market.
Chairman Shukhrat Khudaykulov described the agreement as “a significant step in expanding our international route network and creating additional opportunities for our passengers,” adding that it “opens a new chapter in the development of aviation cooperation between our countries.”
Strengthening Regional Aviation Ties Between Delhi & Tashkent
The partnership reflects a broader trend of deepening aviation ties between India and Central Asia, driven by rising tourism, business travel, and cultural exchange.
Tashkent, long a gateway to the region, stands to benefit from increased visibility and improved connectivity for Indian travellers.
With codeshare flights now available for booking across Air India’s website, mobile app, and travel agency channels, the agreement is expected to stimulate demand on both sides and support the carriers’ ambitions to grow their presence in a strategically important region.
As Air India continues its global resurgence and Uzbekistan Airways expands its international footprint, the new codeshare marks a timely and mutually beneficial step forward, one that strengthens regional connectivity and enhances travel options for passengers across both networks.
Continue to follow The Aviation Hub for more analysis and insight!
