Uzbekistan’s Tourism Committee and Air Arabia have discussed plans to expand air connectivity, introduce new routes and jointly promote the country’s tourism potential in international markets, the Tourism Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan reported.

During the meeting, the parties reviewed the current state of their cooperation, Air Arabia’s existing route network in Uzbekistan and opportunities to launch additional destinations. Particular attention was given to attracting more international visitors through the airline’s global network, The Caspian Post reports, citing UzDaily.

Air Arabia currently operates flights to Tashkent and Namangan. The Tashkent-Sharjah and Tashkent-Abu Dhabi routes together account for 13 flights per week.

The sides discussed the possibility of introducing new direct flights to Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva and other tourist destinations across Uzbekistan. They also considered increasing the frequency of services between Tashkent and Sharjah, as well as Tashkent and Abu Dhabi.

Attracting transit tourists from Europe, the Middle East, Asia and North Africa was identified as another potential area of cooperation.

The Tourism Committee and Air Arabia also agreed to focus on promoting Uzbekistan’s tourism opportunities through the airline’s digital platforms and in selected international markets. Discussions included developing dedicated tourism packages and organizing joint marketing campaigns.

The plans also envisage familiarization trips for bloggers, influencers, tour operators and media representatives. Air Arabia expressed its readiness to provide practical assistance with these initiatives, including covering airfare costs for participating influencers and bloggers.

The parties also highlighted the increase in tourist arrivals from Europe to Uzbekistan and the need to strengthen promotional efforts in European markets. As part of their cooperation, they plan to distribute informational materials about Uzbekistan’s tourism attractions and destinations aboard aircraft to introduce the country to passengers in Europe and other target markets.

Air Arabia also expressed its willingness to support the Umrah Plus project and help develop it as a separate tourism product.

Representatives of the airline noted the changes in Uzbekistan’s tourism industry over the past decade, pointing to the growing number of modern, high-class hotels, a wider range of accommodation options and improvements in tourism infrastructure.

Following the meeting, the parties reached practical agreements aimed at increasing tourist arrivals by expanding air connectivity and making greater use of Air Arabia’s international route network.

Air Arabia representatives have also been invited to participate in the 31st Tashkent International Tourism Fair, “Tourism on the Silk Road,” scheduled for November.

The airline has additionally been invited to attend the Investment Forum and MICE Tourism Conference, which will take place as part of the fair.