Central Asia Just Got Closer for Indian Travellers
Air India has entered into a codeshare partnership with Uzbekistan Airways, opening up direct access to Tashkent from three major Indian cities. Effective from 20 March 2026, Air India's 'AI' designator code now appears on Uzbekistan Airways-operated flights on the Delhi–Tashkent, Mumbai–Tashkent, and Goa–Tashkent (seasonal) routes.
The practical benefit is simple: you can now book a single ticket through Air India that covers your entire journey, with baggage checked through to your final destination. No separate bookings, no collecting bags mid-route.
What's a Codeshare and Why Should You Care?
A codeshare means Air India sells tickets for flights that Uzbekistan Airways actually operates. You book through Air India's website or app, your ticket shows an AI flight number, but the plane and crew are Uzbekistan Airways. The benefit for travellers is seamless connections — if you're flying from Chennai or Kolkata, you can book a connecting itinerary through Delhi to Tashkent on a single ticket, with Air India handling the domestic leg and Uzbekistan Airways taking you to Tashkent.
Routes Covered
| Route | Operated By | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Delhi → Tashkent | Uzbekistan Airways | Year-round |
| Mumbai → Tashkent | Uzbekistan Airways | Year-round |
| Goa → Tashkent | Uzbekistan Airways | Seasonal |
Beyond the codeshare, Air India and Uzbekistan Airways also maintain an interline partnership — meaning you can book onward connections from Tashkent to Bukhara, Samarkand, Fergana, Nukus, Urgench, Termez, Qarshi, and Namangan on separate Uzbekistan Airways flights.
Why Uzbekistan Is Worth Your Attention
Uzbekistan is one of Central Asia's fastest-growing tourism destinations, and for good reason. Samarkand's Registan Square is one of the most stunning architectural complexes on the Silk Road. Bukhara's old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with over 140 architectural monuments. And Tashkent itself has transformed into a modern, walkable capital with excellent food, bazaars, and a growing cafe culture.
For Indian travellers, Uzbekistan offers a visa-on-arrival or e-visa option, making it one of the easier Central Asian countries to visit. Flight times from Delhi are around 3–4 hours — shorter than flying to Southeast Asia.
What the Airlines Said
Air India's Chief Commercial Officer Nipun Aggarwal called Tashkent an increasingly important destination for leisure, business, and cultural travel. Uzbekistan Airways' Chairman Shukhrat Khudaykulov described the agreement as opening a new chapter in aviation cooperation between the two countries, with further joint initiatives planned.
How to Book
Codeshare flights are available through Air India's website, mobile app, and authorised travel agents. You can also compare prices across airlines on FareEagle — search Delhi to Tashkent flights to see what's available.
Interested in exploring more of Central Asia? Check out our destination guides or read about offbeat destinations for Indian travellers including Georgia, Uzbekistan, and Armenia.
