Centrum Air has expanded its Indian footprint with the launch of a twice-weekly direct service between Hyderabad and Tashkent, operating every Tuesday and Friday. The inaugural flight departed on 28 September, marked by a ceremony at Hyderabad International Airport. This new route follows the carrier's existing Delhi–Tashkent link, making Hyderabad its second gateway in India.
The service is designed to stimulate tourism, business, trade, and cultural exchange between India and Uzbekistan. Travellers from Hyderabad and the wider South Indian region now have a direct connection to Uzbekistan, with onward access to Centrum Air's network across Central Asia and beyond.
Strategic expansion in a key market
Adil Mirza, Head of Agents Division at Centrum Air, said: “The launch of the Hyderabad–Tashkent route marks an important milestone in Centrum Air’s expansion in India. Hyderabad and the wider South Indian region represent an important market, and this direct service will provide travellers with convenient access to Uzbekistan whilst supporting greater tourism, trade and business opportunities between the two countries.”
The airline is working with Aeroprime Group, its Exclusive General Sales Agent in India, to drive market development. Abhishek Goyal, Executive Director and CEO of Aeroprime Group, expressed enthusiasm for the route, noting its potential to enhance connectivity and open up new opportunities for travellers and businesses.
The Hyderabad–Tashkent service complements Centrum Air's five weekly flights between New Delhi and Tashkent, strengthening air links between the two nations. With a fleet of 16 modern Airbus aircraft, Centrum Air continues to broaden its route network, operating from its hubs in Uzbekistan.
For travel agents and tour operators, the new route offers a direct sales opportunity for Uzbekistan packages, particularly for cultural and heritage tourism. The timing of the flights—midweek and weekend—could appeal to both leisure and business travellers.
Centrum Air's expansion in India aligns with broader trends in the region. As carriers add capacity on Central Asian routes, destinations like Tashkent are becoming more accessible to Indian travellers. For more on regional connectivity, see Finnair's Tokyo expansion as an example of how airlines are scaling up in Asia.
The new service also underscores the growing importance of secondary Indian cities in international aviation. Hyderabad, a major tech and pharmaceutical hub, has seen rising demand for direct international flights. This route could also benefit the MICE segment, given the business ties between South India and Central Asia.
For hoteliers and destination marketers, the route opens up potential for promoting Uzbekistan as a leisure destination to South Indian travellers. The country's rich Silk Road heritage, including Samarkand and Bukhara, remains a strong draw.
Centrum Air's move comes as other carriers are also adjusting their networks. For instance, Virgin Voyages' status match is a different approach to attracting loyal customers, but both strategies reflect a focus on expanding market reach.
Travel agents can leverage the new service to build packages that combine Tashkent with other Central Asian destinations, given Centrum Air's network. The airline's hubs in Uzbekistan provide connections to cities like Almaty, Bishkek, and beyond.
As the travel industry continues to recover, new routes like this are a positive sign for international connectivity. For more on how airlines are innovating, see Mitsui Ocean Sakura's free flights on Japan cruises, which shows another way carriers are adding value.
Overall, the Hyderabad–Tashkent service is a strategic addition for Centrum Air, strengthening its position in India and providing more options for travellers. With the support of Aeroprime Group, the airline is well-positioned to capture demand in this growing market.
