Private Uzbek airlines launch historic UK services

:: LGW

Uzbekistan’s private air transport sector has entered the UK market, with two carriers launching direct flights to London and Manchester.

Qanot Sharq (HH), whose name means Wings of the East, commenced twice-weekly service from Tashkent (TAS) to London Gatwick (LGW) on December 15, marking the first-ever scheduled operations to the UK by a private Central Asian airline. The flights utilize Airbus A321LR/XLR aircraft.

Centrum Air (C6) has filed operational plans to follow suit, targeting a March 30, 2026 launch for twice-weekly flights between Tashkent and Manchester (MAN) on Airbus A321neos.

The moves come amid growing demand for flights to Central Asia/Caspian region.

London Gatwick saw passenger numbers to the region increase by 25% year-on-year (July-September), with tourism in the region at an all-time high. Uzbekistan specifically has seen tourist numbers increase from just over two million in 2017 to more than 10 million last year.

Uzbekistan Airways already offers non-stop flights to Tashkent, while Azerbaijan Airlines operates from LGW to Baku. Turkmenistan Airlines also provides the only direct connection between the UK and Ashgabat.

“The launch of our first flight to London Gatwick on 15 December marks an important milestone in the development of our airline and Uzbekistan’s private aviation sector,” Moisey Pak, CEO, Qanot Sharq said.

Notably, interest in Gatwick is not limited to the region’s airlines. In October, Azerbaijan’s state oil fund (SOFAZ) invested US$67 million in the London airport.

CentralAsia+ Aero earlier reported: Uzbekistan’s Centrum Air to launch European service in Spring 2026.

CentralAsia+ Aero earlier reported: Uzbeki private airline to serve Tashkent–London route for the first time.