The key facts

  • The first direct Tashkent — Mattala flight took place on 28 October, with 160 passengers on board
  • Flights are operated by Centrum Air, with the route planned until the end of March 2027
  • Expansion of tourism, trade and investment between the two countries is expected

The first direct flight was operated on 28 October

The first direct flights between Tashkent and Sri Lanka have been launched. According to the Dunyo agency, the first flight landed at Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport on 28 October at 17:30 local time, carrying 160 passengers from Tashkent. The aircraft was greeted with a traditional water arch, and an official ceremony was held at the airport, reports Kun.uz citing the agency.

Who organized the route and for how long

The air service was organized following negotiations between the Embassy of Uzbekistan in Islamabad and the Centrum Air airline with relevant organizations of Sri Lanka. Flights on the route Tashkent — Mattala — Tashkent are scheduled until the end of March 2027.

What is expected from the new route

The launch of the route is expected to expand tourism, trade and investment ties between the two countries. In addition, it gives residents of Sri Lanka the opportunity to travel to other Central Asian countries via Uzbekistan.