Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA) in Shamshabad has launched a direct air service between Hyderabad and Tashkent, establishing the first direct air connection between South India and Central Asia. The twice-weekly Centrum Air service is expected to provide passengers from Hyderabad and the wider southern region with a direct route to Uzbekistan’s capital.
The inaugural flight departed from Hyderabad airport in the presence of senior officials from GMR Hyderabad International Airport Ltd. (GHIAL), Centrum Air and other stakeholders. The launch was marked by a ceremony at the airport.
The new service adds Tashkent to Hyderabad’s international connectivity network and positions the airport as a gateway for travel between South India and Central Asia. Tashkent is also described as a regional hub, giving passengers direct access to Uzbekistan and a potential connection point for wider travel in the region.
According to the information released about the launch, the route is intended to support business, trade and cultural exchanges between India and Uzbekistan. It is also expected to serve passengers travelling for tourism and education, while reducing the need for indirect journeys for those travelling between South India and Central Asia.
Kadhir Kadhiravan, chief executive officer of GMR Hyderabad International Airport Ltd., said Hyderabad’s growing role as a global centre for technology, business and innovation was increasing the need for direct international connectivity to emerging markets.
“The launch of the Hyderabad–Tashkent service is a significant step towards expanding South India’s international connectivity and establishing a direct link with Central Asia,” Kadhiravan said. He added that RGIA was pleased to welcome Centrum Air as it inaugurated its first destination in South India.
The airport said the route would offer greater travel convenience and create opportunities for business, tourism, education and cultural exchange between India and Uzbekistan. The twice-weekly schedule will determine the regular capacity available to passengers, although the information released for the launch did not specify operating days, aircraft type or seat capacity.
For Hyderabad, the route expands the airport’s international role beyond serving the city and its immediate catchment area. The service is also aimed at passengers from the wider South Indian region, making the airport part of a broader travel network linking southern India with Central Asia.
Centrum Air’s entry into Hyderabad marks the airline’s first destination in South India, according to GHIAL. The immediate next step is the operation of the newly launched twice-weekly service between Hyderabad and Tashkent.
