The Airbus A320 aircraft was welcomed at Tashkent International Airport with a traditional water-cannon salute, Uzbekistan Airports said.
The flights will operate daily, giving passengers from Uzbekistan more convenient connections to major cities across the Gulf, Asia, Europe, Africa, Australia and North America through Abu Dhabi.
The launch also expands Etihad Airways’ network in Central Asia and strengthens Abu Dhabi’s role as a transit hub for passengers travelling between Uzbekistan and international destinations. Etihad’s website lists Tashkent as a daily destination from August 2026.
Uzbekistan Airports said the new route would support the development of international air links and create additional opportunities for business and tourism between Uzbekistan and the United Arab Emirates.
The airline’s passengers will also gain access to eight domestic destinations in Uzbekistan through its code-share partnership with Uzbekistan Airways: Samarkand, Bukhara, Urgench, Nukus, Termez, Fergana, Namangan and Andijan.
The code-share agreement was announced by Uzbekistan Airways in May. Under the partnership, passengers can purchase tickets to Abu Dhabi through Uzbekistan Airways, while Etihad passengers can travel onward from Tashkent to the eight domestic destinations.
The agreement also provides for the integration of the UzAirPlus and Etihad Guest frequent-flyer programs.
Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, was established in 2003 and is based at Abu Dhabi International Airport.
Uzbekistan granted Etihad permission to operate regular flights to the country in October 2025.
