Qanot Sharq Launches New Service from Tashkent to London Gatwick

On December 15, the Uzbek airline Qanot Sharq commenced its inaugural flights to London Gatwick, marking a significant expansion in the aviation links between Uzbekistan and the United Kingdom. This new service makes Qanot Sharq the second airline to operate direct flights from Tashkent to London, joining Uzbekistan Airways in serving this route.

The launch comes in response to the growing demand in the Uzbek market, particularly driven by an increase in inbound tourism. Uzbekistan’s strategic geographic position, bridging Eastern and Western markets, is expected to further bolster its aviation sector. In addition to this new route, Centrum Air plans to introduce flights from Tashkent to Manchester starting on March 30, 2026, which will enhance travel options from Uzbekistan to the UK.

Details of the New Route

According to booking data from the past year, approximately 59,000 round-trip passengers traveled between Tashkent and London, with nearly half connecting through Istanbul, primarily with Turkish Airlines. The new flights by Qanot Sharq will operate twice weekly, expanding the choices for travelers seeking non-stop options. This is particularly crucial as connections through Moscow remain limited due to sanctions.

The airline’s fleet currently includes six aircraft: two A320ceos, two A321neos, and two A330-200s. For the Gatwick route, Qanot Sharq will deploy the Airbus A321neo, a modern aircraft known for its efficiency. The inaugural round-trip service utilized the UK32110, a relatively new aircraft with a capacity of 202 seats. The new route spans 2,844 nautical miles (5,267 km), making it the airline’s longest service to date, surpassing its previous link to Busan.

Future Prospects for Uzbek Airlines

The UK will see a record number of direct routes to Uzbekistan in the coming year, with Qanot Sharq and Uzbekistan Airways offering non-stop flights to Tashkent. This marks the first time two airlines have provided direct passenger services from Tashkent to the UK since the early 2000s. Historically, British Mediterranean operated in the market until 2006, primarily connecting through Yerevan and Tbilisi.

In addition to the new Manchester route, Uzbekistan Airways continues to offer flights to both Heathrow and Gatwick. The Heathrow service operates twice weekly with a mix of aircraft, including the A321neo and the 787-8. This expansion in flight options is expected to cater to the increasing demand for travel between Uzbekistan and the UK.

While Moscow remains the largest international market for Tashkent, with around 700,000 round-trip local passengers in the past year, destinations like Istanbul and Dubai are also significant, with 455,000 and 249,000 round-trip passengers, respectively. The growth of direct routes to Western Europe, such as Frankfurt, which saw 66,000 travelers, indicates a shift in travel patterns.

As Uzbekistan’s aviation market continues to develop, the introduction of new airlines and routes promises to enhance connectivity and support the country’s economic growth through increased tourism and business travel.