From 9 August 2026, Etihad will fly daily between Abu Dhabi and Tashkent, opening a direct Gulf gateway to Uzbekistan.
A codeshare with Uzbekistan Airways then carries you on one ticket to eight cities, from Samarkand to Bukhara.
Why the Route Matters for Gulf Travellers
For years, reaching Uzbekistan from Abu Dhabi meant longer one-stop journeys or limited seasonal service. A daily link from a major Gulf hub changes the planning maths.
Etihad will connect Abu Dhabi (AUH) nonstop with Tashkent (TAS), the Uzbek capital, from 9 August 2026. The service runs every day, so you are not tied to a once- or twice-weekly window.
The flight departs Abu Dhabi late evening and lands in Tashkent in the early hours. That timing works well if you are connecting into Abu Dhabi from another Gulf city the same evening.
You can browse Etihad routes and fares on Wego before you book.
One Ticket Beyond Tashkent
Etihad’s codeshare with Uzbekistan Airways took effect on 15 May 2026, with seats bookable from 25 May 2026.
On a single ticket from Abu Dhabi, you can book onward travel to eight Uzbek cities through Tashkent — instead of buying a separate domestic flight after you arrive.
That means your bags are checked through and your connection is protected on one booking. Etihad and Uzbekistan Airways are also developing a frequent flyer partnership between Etihad Guest and UzAirPlus.
The Eight Connected Cities
Tashkent becomes your hub for the rest of the country. Here is what each onward destination is known for:
| City | Known For |
|---|---|
| Samarkand | Registan Square and landmark Silk Road architecture |
| Bukhara | A historic old town of madrasas and trading domes |
| Urgench | Gateway to the walled old city of Khiva |
| Nukus | Home to the renowned Savitsky art collection |
| Termez | Ancient Buddhist and Silk Road sites in the south |
| Fergana | Base for the silk and ceramics towns of the Fergana Valley |
| Namangan | A Fergana Valley city known for gardens and crafts |
| Andijan | An eastern Fergana Valley hub close to the border |
How to Plan the Trip
With the connection sorted, the planning is mostly about pairing cities and timing. Most first-time visitors build a route around Tashkent, Samarkand and Bukhara.
Book the full journey on one Etihad itinerary to keep your bags and connection protected, rather than splitting it into separate tickets. You can compare options for flights to Tashkent on Wego.
If you are staying a night in the capital before flying on, look at hotels in Tashkent near the airport for the early-morning arrival.
Spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons for sightseeing, so an August start may suit travellers planning ahead for the cooler months.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do the Abu Dhabi–Tashkent flights start?
The first flights are scheduled for 9 August 2026, with seats bookable from 25 May 2026.
Can I book Abu Dhabi straight through to Samarkand?
Yes. The codeshare with Uzbekistan Airways lets you book a single ticket from Abu Dhabi to eight Uzbek cities, including Samarkand and Bukhara, connecting in Tashkent.
Do UAE travellers need a visa for Uzbekistan?
No. UAE passport holders can enter Uzbekistan visa-free for up to 30 days, according to the Uzbekistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Do Saudi travellers need a visa for short trips?
No. Saudi citizens can enter Uzbekistan visa-free for up to 30 days if they present a return ticket or a ticket to a third country, according to Uzbekistan MFA embassy guidance.
Sources
- Uzbekistan Airways — Abu Dhabi Codeshare Announcement
- Etihad Airways — Flights to Tashkent
- Uzbekistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs — Visa Information
- Official E-Visa Portal of the Republic of Uzbekistan
- Uzbekistan MFA Embassy in Kyrgyzstan — Saudi Arabia Visa-Free Guidance
Disclaimer: Wego strives to ensure all information presented in this article is accurate and up to date at the time of publication. Travel policies, prices, visa requirements, and conditions can change rapidly. We strongly recommend verifying critical details with official sources before making travel decisions. Wego does not accept liability for any inaccuracies, oversights, or changes that may occur after publication.
