Uzbekistan Airways launches first flight connecting Tashkent and Hangzhou

The event brought together diplomats from Uzbekistan's Consulate General in Shanghai, representatives from the national airline's Beijing office, officials from the Zhejiang Provincial Government's Foreign Affairs Office, Hangzhou airport administration, and members of the Uzbek diaspora in China.

During the ceremony, Xing Huidong, Deputy Director of the Zhejiang Foreign Affairs Office and Vice President of the Provincial Friendship Association, emphasized the deepening relationship between Uzbekistan and China. He highlighted that following the Uzbek President's state visit to China in January, the two nations have reached the highest level of "all-weather comprehensive strategic partnership."

Xing also noted Uzbekistan's pioneering role in implementing trade, economic, transport, logistics, and cultural projects with Zhejiang Province. He recalled Uzbek Prime Minister Abdulla Aripov's attendance at the 19th Asian Games closing ceremony in Hangzhou as an honorary guest in October 2023. Additionally, he mentioned the recent sister-region agreement between Syrdarya Region and Zhejiang’s Olhai District in 2024.

Jiang Fumin, a Party Committee Member of Zhejiang Airport Group and Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport, welcomed the new route, highlighting Hangzhou Airport’s significance.

"Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport is the second-largest airport in Eastern China, ranked among the country's top 10 airports and the world’s top 100 busiest airports. In 2019, it earned recognition as one of the busiest airports globally," Jiang remarked.

The Tashkent–Hangzhou route is expected to strengthen passenger traffic, economic exchanges, and cultural connections between the two countries. Both sides expressed their commitment to maintaining high-quality service and collaboration to ensure the route's success.

This direct connection is another milestone in the ever-growing partnership between Uzbekistan and China, fostering economic growth and cultural exchange.