BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 10. Uzbekistan and the
United Arab Emirates are expanding tourism and transport links with
the launch of Etihad Airways' direct service between Abu Dhabi and
Tashkent, opening new opportunities to increase tourist flows and
strengthen broader business ties.


This was reflected in the statement by the Tourism Committee of
Uzbekistan.


Tashkent International Airport welcomed Etihad's first flight on
the new route early Monday, with an Airbus A320 arriving at 2:05
a.m. The aircraft was greeted with a traditional water cannon
salute, while passengers and crew were welcomed with national
sweets and flowers.


Representatives of Uzbekistan's Tourism Committee, Etihad
Airways, Uzbekistan Airports and the UAE Embassy in Uzbekistan
attended a ceremony marking the launch. The event included
welcoming remarks, a ribbon-cutting ceremony and a celebratory
cake.


The new service will operate daily using Airbus A320 aircraft,
providing a direct connection between the capitals of Uzbekistan
and the UAE.


The route is expected to support the growth of Uzbekistan's
tourism sector by making the country more accessible to UAE
residents and international travelers connecting through Abu Dhabi,
one of the region's major aviation hubs.







The launch also represents one of the first tangible outcomes of
cooperation between Uzbekistan's Tourism Committee and Etihad
Airways under a joint marketing campaign aimed at promoting
Uzbekistan as a tourism destination in the UAE market.


"The direct route to Abu Dhabi makes travel more convenient for
UAE residents and gives international travelers passing through one
of the region's largest aviation hubs easier access to Uzbekistan,"
the Tourism Committee said.


Uzbekistan has increasingly focused on expanding international
air connectivity as a means of attracting more foreign visitors and
supporting tourism-related investment. New routes operated by major
international airlines can also contribute to stronger business,
cultural and investment exchanges.


Etihad Airways, the UAE's national airline, was established in
2003 and is headquartered in Abu Dhabi. The carrier operates an
international network from Abu Dhabi and has received international
recognition for its service and passenger experience.