Uzbekistan Airways launches a direct flight between Madrid and Tashkent

Uzbekistan's national carrier, Uzbekistan Airways, has launched a new direct flight between Tashkent and the Spanish capital. A ceremony marking the inaugural departure was held at Terminal 1 of Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport. The event was attended by Uzbekistan's ambassador to Spain and airline representatives.

The new route will be one of the longest in the carrier's schedule. Flights are planned once a week, on Mondays. The aircraft departs Tashkent at 10:00 local time and arrives in Madrid around 17:00 Madrid time. The return flight departs at 18:35 and lands in Tashkent at 04:40 the following day. Flights will be operated on a wide-body Boeing 787, with capacity for 270 passengers.

Previously, air links between Madrid and Uzbekistan were served by charter and seasonal flights from Iberojet and World2Fly. Uzbekistan Airways' new route is being positioned as a convenient option for Uzbek citizens to visit Spain and experience its cultural attractions. The airline's promotional materials highlight distinctive features of Spanish culture — palaces, flamenco, bullfighting, the Mediterranean Sea, and the Real Madrid football club.

Numerous direct flights operate from Russia to Uzbekistan, including from Moscow, St. Petersburg, Kazan, and other cities. As a result, the new Tashkent–Madrid route may also appeal to Russian travellers looking to reach Europe via a connection. This option could be especially relevant given the limited direct air links between Russia and EU countries.

As part of expanding its European route network, Uzbekistan Airways is also increasing the frequency of its Tashkent–Milan flights in 2025, from one to three per week. Other cities with direct service include Frankfurt, Istanbul, London, Munich, Paris, and Riga. In total, the airline's route network covers 11 European destinations.

According to 2024 figures, Uzbekistan Airways carried a record 6 million passengers, up 20% year-on-year. To meet growing demand, the airline leased two Airbus A320neo aircraft and took on temporary use of two wide-body Airbus A330-200s from carrier Qanot Sharq.

Since 2015, Uzbekistan Airways has held authorisation from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) to operate flights to EU countries. The airline received clearance without additional restrictions, reflecting its high level of reliability and safety.

Besides its European destinations, Uzbekistan Airways operates flights to cities in Asia and North America, including Bishkek and Osaka. The airline also cooperates with a number of international carriers, including AirBaltic, Belavia, Korean Air, Malaysia Airlines, S7 Airlines, Turkish Airlines, and Ural Airlines, under codeshare agreements.