Shenzhen has launched its first direct passenger route to Central Asia, marking a notable step forward in China–Uzbekistan connectivity and creating new opportunities for trade, investment, and cross-border business travel. The new non-stop service links Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport with Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan.
Operated by Uzbekistan Airways, the new route is the first direct passenger air service between Shenzhen and Central Asia, and also the airport’s first newly launched international route of 2026. According to the airport, the service will run once a week on Mondays. Flights depart Tashkent at 1:20 a.m. local time and arrive in Shenzhen at 7:40 a.m. Beijing time, while outbound flights leave Shenzhen at 9:10 a.m. Beijing time and land in Tashkent at 4:20 p.m. local time.
The launch comes as China and Uzbekistan continue to deepen cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative, especially in areas such as trade, investment, energy, infrastructure, and people-to-people exchanges. For companies in southern China, the new route provides a more direct air corridor into the Central Asian market, potentially improving business mobility and reducing travel friction for commercial engagement.
Airport authorities said the new service is expected to support both cross-border travel and stronger business links. For Shenzhen-based companies looking to expand their regional footprint, the Tashkent connection may serve as a practical gateway for exploring opportunities in Uzbekistan and the wider Central Asia region.
With the addition of the Tashkent route, Shenzhen Airport now connects to 42 cities in 23 Belt and Road partner countries, underscoring the city’s growing role in international aviation and regional business connectivity.
