Etihad opens Abu Dhabi-Tashkent route

Etihad Airways has started flights between Abu Dhabi and Tashkent, giving cargo customers a new connection between Uzbekistan and the airline’s wider network through Abu Dhabi.

The route adds capacity to a Central Asian market that has fewer direct air cargo links. It can support the movement of time-sensitive and high-value shipments between Uzbekistan, the UAE and other international markets.

Frank Meyer, Chief Digital Officer of Etihad Airways, said: "Uzbekistan is one of Central Asia’s most dynamic and fast-growing markets, with a rich cultural heritage, strong tourism appeal and growing economic significance.”

Cargo expected to move on the route includes garments and textiles, fresh and dried produce, electronics, pharmaceuticals and healthcare products.

The new connection could give exporters in Uzbekistan more options to reach overseas markets, particularly for goods that need faster transport than sea or road services. It also gives businesses in the UAE and other markets another air link into Central Asia.

Tashkent is a key market for Uzbekistan’s textile and agricultural exports, while demand for faster movement of electronics, pharmaceutical products and healthcare cargo continues to grow.

Through its Abu Dhabi hub, the route can connect shipments from Tashkent to other destinations across Etihad’s network. This could help reduce the need for indirect routings and support more efficient movement of cargo between Central Asia and global markets.

The service also adds another international destination to Abu Dhabi’s growing role as a cargo gateway, linking Central Asian trade with markets across the Middle East, Asia and beyond.