China Eastern Airlines Launches Direct Flights Between Xi’an, Tashkent

China Eastern Airlines has officially launched regular passenger flights between Xi'an, China, and Tashkent, Uzbekistan.

According to a press release from Uzbekistan Airports, the inaugural flight landed at Tashkent International Airport on July 16 at 14:38, The Caspian Post reports, citing Uzbek media.

The Airbus A320 aircraft, carrying 137 passengers, was welcomed with the traditional water salute.

This marks China Eastern Airlines’ entry into the Uzbek market, with the launch of scheduled flights on the Xi’an - Tashkent - Xi’an route.

Uzbekistan Airports reported that flights will be operated three times a week - on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays - using Airbus A320 aircraft. The flight duration will be approximately 4.5 hours.

In July, Uzbekistan’s Civil Aviation Agency granted China Eastern Airlines permission to operate regular flights to Uzbekistan. The carrier was authorized to run the Xi’an - Tashkent - Xi’an route, initially planning to use Boeing 737-800 aircraft.