Abu dhabi: Etihad Airways and Uzbekistan Airways have signed a codeshare agreement that opens Central Asia for Etihad's global guests and links Uzbekistan Airways guests to Etihad's daily Abu Dhabi service. The agreement takes effect on 15 May 2026, with the first codeshare flights available for travel from 9 August 2026.
According to Emirates News Agency, under the partnership, Etihad guests can book a single ticket on Uzbekistan Airways flights from Tashkent to eight destinations across Uzbekistan: Samarkand, Urgench, Nukus, Termez, Fergana, Namangan, Andizhan, and Bukhara - as well as several international destinations on Uzbekistan Airways' network. Uzbekistan Airways guests, in turn, can now easily reach Abu Dhabi via Tashkent on the new Etihad daily service starting this summer. Etihad and Uzbekistan Airways are also developing a frequent flyer partnership between Etihad Guest and UzAirPlus, set to expand reward options for members of both programmes.
Uzbekistan is one of Central Asia's fastest-growing inbound markets. Travellers are drawn to the Silk Road heritage of Samarkand and Bukhara, the medieval citadel of Khiva, and the wide-open landscapes of Karakalpakstan. The agreement gives Etihad's guests a single connection to all of it.
Tashkent is the largest city in Central Asia, a region where economic and cultural ties are growing fast. The new partnership puts Uzbekistan within easy reach of Etihad's guests, while giving Uzbekistan Airways travellers wider access to international markets through Abu Dhabi.
Arik De, Etihad Airways Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer, commented that Uzbekistan is one of the most exciting markets in their network, and the agreement provides guests with easy access to Uzbek cities on a single ticket while offering direct service to Abu Dhabi. He acknowledged the strong partnership with Uzbekistan Airways, which is expanding its fleet and reach.
Shukhrat Yadgarov, Deputy Chairman of the Board for Commerce and Tourism at Uzbekistan Airways JSC, stated that partnering with Etihad Airways marks a strategic milestone in Uzbekistan Airways' international network expansion. The codeshare agreement allows passengers access to a new destination within their route portfolio - Abu Dhabi, complementing existing daily operations between Tashkent and Dubai.
The partnership aims to boost air connectivity between Uzbekistan and the United Arab Emirates, promoting tourism, cultural exchange, and business relations. With the addition of Uzbekistan Airways, Etihad's partner network now spans 46 codeshare and over 130 interline partners, offering guests single-ticket and through-fare access to over 350 destinations worldwide.