Direct flights between Muscat and Tashkent expected to launch on June 1

According to the Dunyo information agency, the discussions focused on expanding cooperation in the tourism sector, establishing stronger networks between travel agencies, and promoting the cultural heritage of both nations. Minister Al-Busaidi noted a steady increase in the number of Omani tourists visiting Uzbekistan in recent years and expressed confidence that the launch of direct flights would further accelerate this growth. To support this initiative, the Omani side offered to assist in organizing a "road show" presentation in Muscat to showcase Uzbekistan’s tourism potential and agreed to host reciprocal photography exhibitions.

The legal groundwork for this route was established in April 2025, when Uzaviation granted Oman Air permission to operate regular flights on the Muscat – Tashkent – Muscat route. The carrier originally planned to deploy Boeing 737 aircraft for its first destination in Central Asia. By the summer of 2025, aviation authorities from both countries had signed an updated agreement allowing for up to 50 flights per week. This agreement included the mutual introduction of "open skies" regimes at the airports of Samarkand and Salalah, alongside additional freedoms for cargo carriers.

The Ministry of Transport of Uzbekistan previously pledged its full support to Oman Air to facilitate the launch of these regular services, which were initially projected to start by the end of 2025.

Travel between the two nations has already been simplified by recent policy changes. Since July 2024, Oman has provided a visa-free regime for citizens of Uzbekistan, allowing stays of up to 14 days or the option to obtain a visa upon arrival. Conversely, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev issued a decree at the end of May to extend the visa-free period for citizens of Oman, Bahrain, and Kuwait to 30 days, further encouraging bilateral travel and exchange.