Shenzhen now has direct flight to Central Asia

The crew of the maiden flight from Tashkent, Uzbekistan, to Shenzhen pose for a photo after landing on March 30. Photos courtesy of Shenzhen Airport

Shenzhen Airport has launched its first new international route this year, offering passengers nonstop service to Tashkent, Uzbekistan. As the airport’s first passenger connection to Central Asia, the weekly Monday flight establishes an efficient and convenient link between Shenzhen and a key city in the region, helping the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area to further integrate into the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

The newly launched Shenzhen-Tashkent route is operated by Uzbekistan Airways, a flag carrier from Central Asia that was newly introduced to Shenzhen Airport. The inbound flight departs Tashkent at 1:20 a.m. local time and arrives in Shenzhen at 7:40 a.m. Beijing time, while the outbound flight departs Shenzhen at 9:10 a.m. Beijing time and arrives in Tashkent at 4:20 p.m. local time.

The flight is operated by Uzbekistan Airways.

Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, is a vibrant metropolis where ancient history meets modern development. As the largest city in Central Asia, it serves as the region’s political, economic, and cultural heart. 

Featuring a distinctive architecture, wide boulevards, and impressive metro stations adorned with intricate designs, the city is a green city of fountains and parks, serving as the primary gateway for travelers exploring the rich heritage of Uzbekistan.

With the launch of the Tashkent route, Shenzhen Airport now connects to 42 cities across 23 BRI partner countries.

Shenzhen Airport also expects to introduce foreign flag carriers such as Malaysia Airlines and Thai Airways, with the goal of bringing the number of foreign airlines operating at the airport to nearly 20.