The aircraft landed at 5:30 p.m. local time carrying 160 passengers. It was welcomed with a traditional water salute, followed by an official opening ceremony.
The new route was established following negotiations between Uzbekistan’s embassy in Islamabad, Centrum Air and relevant Sri Lankan authorities.
Flights between Tashkent and Mattala will operate twice a week, on Wednesdays and Saturdays, through the end of March 2027.
The service is expected to improve transport links between the two countries and provide more convenient connections between Sri Lanka and Central Asian destinations via Uzbekistan. It is also intended to support trade, investment and tourism.
