Uzbekistan and Russia’s Dagestan region have strengthened air connectivity as Uzbekistan Airways and Red Wings launched direct flights between Makhachkala and Tashkent.

The new route will operate twice a week. Red Wings will fly on Mondays at 21:10 (GMT+3) under flight WZ 4137, while Uzbekistan Airways will operate Thursday services at 11:30 with flight HY 9732, The Caspian Post reports via Uzbek media.

Airport officials expect the new flights to have a positive impact on passenger traffic, improving travel options for business, tourism, and family visits between the two cities.

Earlier forecasts indicated that by the end of 2025, passenger traffic through Makhachkala Airport could increase by 10 per cent compared to 2024, when the airport handled 2.9 million passengers. The launch of direct services to Tashkent is seen as a key factor supporting that growth.