On April 2nd, 2024, a momentous occasion was marked as the inaugural direct flight from Mumbai to Tashkent took off.
This launch by Uzbekistan Airways JSC introduces a bi-weekly service directly connecting Mumbai with Tashkent, enhancing the airline’s presence which already includes daily services from New Delhi to Tashkent, offering further connections to Europe, the USA, the Middle East, and Central Asia. Utilizing the A320 Neo aircraft for the Mumbai route, this initiative is set to bolster trade, tourism, and cultural exchanges between the two nations.
Flights from Mumbai are scheduled to depart every Tuesday at 5:40 am, arriving in Tashkent at 9:10 am local time, with the return journey commencing at 11:20 pm and arriving back in Mumbai at 4:10 am local time. Additionally, a Saturday service will see departures from Mumbai at 3:05 pm, reaching Tashkent by 6:35 pm local time, and returning flights leaving Tashkent at 8:50 am to arrive in Mumbai at 1:40 pm local time.
The direct Mumbai-Tashkent flight not only facilitates easier travel but also invites tourists to explore Uzbekistan’s rich tapestry of history and culture, from its Silk Road heritage to Soviet-era monuments. According to Mr. Rustambaev, Uzbekistan offers a captivating blend of architectural wonders, from dazzling minarets and mosaics to grand domes, encapsulating its historical significance and beauty.
Mr. Kalantri highlights the allure of Uzbekistan’s bustling markets, famous for their handicrafts, ceramics, and textiles, presenting a unique shopping experience that brings ancient traditions to life. These direct flights serve as a bridge connecting Mumbai, India’s vibrant film hub, to Tashkent, a burgeoning business center and gateway to historic sites like Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva. This new air route promises to open up new avenues for interaction and mutual appreciation between India and Uzbekistan, celebrating their rich cultural legacies and fostering closer ties.
