Etihad Airways and Uzbekistan Airways have joined hands through a new codeshare agreement aimed at improving connectivity between the UAE and Central Asia. The partnership comes into effect on 15 May 2026, while the first codeshare flights under the agreement will be available for travel from 9 August 2026, aligning with Etihad’s launch of its daily Abu Dhabi–Tashkent route.

The new arrangement allows Etihad guests to travel across Uzbekistan with greater convenience by booking a single ticket from Tashkent to eight destinations within the country. These include Samarkand, Urgench, Nukus, Termez, Fergana, Namangan, Andizhan, and Bukhara. Travellers will also gain access to selected international destinations within the Uzbekistan Airways network.

At the same time, Uzbekistan Airways passengers will be able to travel seamlessly to Abu Dhabi through Tashkent using Etihad’s upcoming daily service. Both airlines are also working on a frequent flyer collaboration between Etihad Guest and UzAirPlus, which is expected to expand reward opportunities for travellers in the future.

Uzbekistan continues to attract increasing international interest as one of Central Asia’s growing tourism markets. The country’s historic Silk Road cities, including Samarkand and Bukhara, along with destinations such as Khiva and the landscapes of Karakalpakstan, have been drawing travellers looking for cultural and heritage experiences.

Tashkent, the largest city in Central Asia, continues to strengthen its role as an important regional hub. Through this partnership, Etihad aims to make the region more accessible for global travellers while also opening wider international connections for Uzbekistan Airways customers through Abu Dhabi.

Arik De, Etihad Airways Chief Revenue & Commercial Officer, said: “Uzbekistan is one of the most exciting markets in our network right now, and this agreement gives our guests something they’ve been asking for: Easy access to eight Uzbek cities on a single ticket while offering direct service to our beautiful home in Abu Dhabi. We’ve found a strong partner in Uzbekistan Airways, an airline expanding its fleet and reach, and we’re looking forward to growing the relationship from here.”

Shukhrat Yadgarov, Deputy Chairman of the Board for Commerce and Tourism at Uzbekistan Airways JSC, said: “Partnering with Etihad Airways marks another strategic milestone in the continued expansion of Uzbekistan Airways’ international network. Through this codeshare agreement, passengers of the national carrier will gain access to a new destination within our route portfolio - Abu Dhabi. The new service will complement our existing daily operations between Tashkent and Dubai, further strengthening air connectivity between Uzbekistan and the United Arab Emirates."

He further added: “This partnership brings together the shared commitment of two leading airlines to the highest standards of safety, service excellence, operational reliability, and traditional hospitality. We are confident that this agreement will serve as a strong air bridge between our nations and will contribute significantly to the further development of tourism, cultural exchange, and business relations.”

With this addition, Etihad’s partner network now includes 46 codeshare and more than 130 interline partners, making it one of the largest partner networks among non-alliance airlines. The network now offers travellers access to over 350 destinations worldwide through single-ticket connectivity. Bookings are now open on the airlines’ official platforms.