Uzbek Ambassador, MAG explore launching Tashkent-Manchester air link

Uzbekistan's Ambassador to the UK and Manchester Airports Group (MAG) officials have explored the potential for establishing a direct air route between Tashkent and Manchester. This initiative is part of a wider strategy to enhance air connectivity between Uzbekistan and the UK.

During their discussion, Ambassador Ravshan Usmonov and Rhys Whalley, MAG's director of corporate affairs, focused on improving transport links and the feasibility of introducing direct flights on the Tashkent-Manchester corridor.

Rhys Whalley highlighted Manchester Airport's significance as a major transport and logistics hub in both the north of England and Northern Europe. He noted that the airport currently serves over 32 million passengers annually and possesses the infrastructure to accommodate future growth, potentially reaching 70 million passengers.

Both parties acknowledged that the rapid expansion of Uzbekistan's aviation industry and the increasing capacity of its domestic airlines are crucial elements that could facilitate the launch of this new route.

Whalley expressed that a direct air link would not only bolster business and tourism relations between the two nations but also broaden Uzbekistan's transit access to Europe. He affirmed MAG's readiness to assist Uzbek airlines and provide the necessary support to realize the project.

The meeting concluded with a mutual commitment to collaborate closely on the organizational aspects required to inaugurate direct flights.