Air China plans launching direct flights to Fergana Valley

China's flag carrier Air China is considering launching direct flights to cities in Uzbekistan's Fergana Valley while also planning to increase the frequency of its Beijing–Tashkent service to seven flights a week.

Photo: Uzbekistan Airports

The plans were discussed during a meeting held on July 8 at the central office of Uzbekistan Airports with an Air China delegation. The Chinese side was represented by external directors Xu Niansha, Tam Wang Chi, and Gao Chunlei.

The two sides reviewed prospects for expanding bilateral cooperation, including increasing the number of weekly flights between Beijing and Tashkent from the current three to seven.

The talks also focused on the further development of Air China's route network in Uzbekistan. Representatives of Uzbekistan Airports presented the capabilities of the country's regional airports, highlighting their potential to handle international flights.

Particular attention was given to airports in the Fergana Valley. Air China representatives noted the region's potential for strengthening tourism, business, and people-to-people ties and expressed interest in studying the feasibility of launching direct flights to the area.

Air China began operating direct flights between Beijing and Tashkent in July 2025, three weeks after receiving approval from Uzbekistan's Civil Aviation Agency. At the same time, the airline was granted permission to operate services on the Urumqi–Tashkent route.