Hungarian low-cost airline Wizz Air is set to expand its footprint in Central Asia with plans to launch direct flights from Europe to Uzbekistan. This move comes following the flights between Uzbekistan and Abu Dhabi by the carrier.
In December 2022, Wizz Air commenced regular flights to Samarkand, marking its first foray into the Uzbek market. Subsequently, the airline expanded its services, connecting Samarkand with Abu Dhabi and Tashkent since January 2023. With increasing demand, particularly on the Samarkand to Abu Dhabi flight, the airline has been ramping up its flight frequency, reflecting a positive response from travelers.
On April 6, 2024, the Ambassador of Uzbekistan to Hungary, Aybek Shakhavdinov convened a meeting in Budapest with the President of Wizz Air, Robert Carey. Discussions during the meeting revolved around the mutual interest of both parties in enhancing Wizz Air's presence in the aviation market of Uzbekistan.
The discussions centered on the launch of direct flights between European capitals and key Uzbek cities, reflecting Wizz Air's strategic vision to facilitate convenient air travel between the two regions. Moreover, plans were outlined for a Wizz Air delegation, led by its CEO Jozsef Varadi, to visit Tashkent, further emphasizing the airline's commitment to strengthening its operations in Uzbekistan.
Wizz Air, renowned for its affordable fares, has been operating flights from Abu Dhabi to Samarkand since December 2022, and since January last year on the Tashkent to Abu Dhabi route. With ticket prices starting as low as $45 one way, the airline has made air travel more accessible for a broader segment of travelers.
