Wizz Air Eyes Expansion in Uzbekistan
Wizz Air is considering a major expansion of its presence in Uzbekistan, according to the country’s Transport Ministry. In a recent meeting between Wizz Air executives and Uzbek officials, CEO József Váradi expressed interest in launching new routes to Europe and increasing flights on existing routes. The discussions also touched on the potential creation of a joint airline in Uzbekistan, a model similar to Wizz Air Abu Dhabi.
The talks highlighted plans to boost connections between Abu Dhabi and Tashkent, Uzbekistan’s capital, as well as to extend service to secondary cities such as Namangan and Urgench. In a further proposal, Uzbek Transport Minister Ilkhom Makhkamov suggested that Wizz Air establish direct flights between Uzbekistan and Hungary, with a Tashkent-Budapest route potentially launching by the end of 2025.
Wizz Air’s foothold in Uzbekistan began in December 2022 with the launch of flights between Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport (AUH) and Samarkand International Airport (SKD). The following month, the airline expanded its operations by introducing a route between Abu Dhabi and Tashkent International Airport (TAS). According to OAG Schedules Analyser data, Wizz Air currently operates nine weekly flights to Tashkent. This figure is set to increase to 11 flights per week during the northern summer 2025 season. Meanwhile, the Samarkand route, which currently sees five flights per week, is expected to be reduced to four weekly flights over the summer period. Both routes are served using Airbus A321 aircraft, known for their fuel efficiency and operational reliability.
Uzbekistan has emerged as one of the fastest-growing aviation markets in Central Asia. Recent liberalization measures have encouraged private investment and boosted inbound tourism. In 2024, Uzbekistan Airports, the state-owned entity that oversees the nation’s airports, handled a record 13.5 million passengers—a 30% increase from the previous year. This surge in traffic has attracted several new airlines to the market, including Air Samarkand, Centrum Air, FlyArystan, Flyadeal, IndiGo, LOT Polish Airlines, Qatar Airways, and SunExpress.
OAG figures indicate that the summer 2025 season will see more than 4.5 million departure seats from and within Uzbekistan—a year-on-year increase of nearly 8% and an astonishing 185% jump compared to 2019 levels. While Uzbekistan Airways currently commands about 70% of the domestic capacity as of summer 2019, this share is expected to drop to around 45% in 2025 due to growing competition. In response, Uzbekistan Airways expanded its fleet in 2024, adding two Airbus A320neos, two ATR 72s, and one Let L-410. The carrier also plans to launch new routes from Tashkent to Madrid and from Urgench to Rome later this year.
While Wizz Air has been approached for comment regarding these expansion plans, no further details have been provided at this time. The prospect of new routes, coupled with the potential for a joint airline venture in Uzbekistan, signals a significant opportunity for Wizz Air to capitalize on one of Central Asia’s most dynamic aviation markets. As discussions continue, industry analysts and travelers alike will be watching closely to see how Wizz Air’s strategic moves will shape the future of air connectivity between Europe and Asia.
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