Hyderabad-Tashkent flight to boost ties in tourism, pharmaceuticals and healthcare, envoy says

Uzbekistan-based private airline Centrum Air will start direct flights between Hyderabad and Tashkent from September 28. Photo credit: Special arrangement

The new flight from Hyderabad to Tashkent will be one of the first tangible results of renewed efforts to deepen India-Uzbekistan ties, with Uzbekistan’s ambassador to India Sardor Mirzayusupovich Rustambaev describing the route as an “air bridge” between Uzbekistan and South India.

Uzbekistan-based private airline Centrum Air will start direct flights between Hyderabad and Tashkent from September 28. The service will operate twice a week, with flights from Hyderabad on Mondays and Thursdays and return flights from Tashkent on Tuesdays and Fridays.

Speaking at the launch event, Mr Rustambaev said the new route represents more than the launch of another commercial air service and will help strengthen ties between the two countries in tourism, trade, health, education and technology.

The ambassador’s remarks came in the backdrop of the recent strengthening of ties between India and Uzbekistan during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit. “Greater connectivity and non-stop air services would be an important basis for achieving these goals, especially as both countries seek to deepen cooperation in high-tech, pharmaceuticals, digitization, renewable energy and critical minerals,” he added.

Gateway to Central Asia

Centrum Air is looking at Hyderabad not only as an origin and destination market, but as a potential gateway for travelers from across South and West India. Adil Mirza, head of agent division at Centrum Air, said the airline is encouraging tour operators in Hyderabad as well as agencies in Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra and Kerala to use the city to send passengers to Uzbekistan and other destinations.

He said Tashkent could also serve as a transit hub rather than just a point-to-point, with Centrum Air’s network providing additional connections to several destinations in Central Asia, Russia, the Middle East and Europe. The airline highlighted connections to destinations including Almaty, Bishkek, Baku, Tbilisi and Frankfurt.

Pharmacy and healthcare

Hyderabad’s pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors are expected to be among the major beneficiaries of the new tie-up. Mr. Rustambaev emphasized Hyderabad’s position as a major pharmaceutical, medical and technology center and said the city is of significant strategic interest to Uzbekistan. The direct flight is expected to facilitate travel for Uzbek citizens seeking advanced medical treatment in Hyderabad.

The airline is also looking to tap Hyderabad’s pharmaceutical ecosystem for business and cargo opportunities. Mr. Mirza said Indian medical products account for around 50% of Uzbekistan’s pharmaceutical market, with around 30-40% of Indian supplies coming from Hyderabad.

Connecting IT and education

The Uzbek side is also eyeing Hyderabad’s tech ecosystem. Mr. Rustambaev said that Uzbekistan is undergoing digital transformation and is interested in attracting Indian IT companies, start-ups and academic institutions. Education is another area expected to generate passenger traffic.

The ambassador said that there is a growing interest among Indian students in higher education in Uzbekistan, especially in medicine and engineering.

Published – 8 Sep 2026 19:16 IST