# Centrum Air launches Hyderabad-Tashkent direct flights 2026-09-29T11:56:29+00:00 | World & Diplomacy | Indian Opinion Desk Corroboration: 1 independent outlet Centrum Air has launched a direct flight service between Hyderabad and Tashkent, the first direct air connection between South India and Central Asia. The inaugural flight departed from GMR Hyderabad International Airport Ltd (GHIAL) on 29 September 2026, with senior officials from GHIAL and Centrum Air present at a special ceremony. The service will operate twice weekly, offering passengers from South India direct access to Uzbekistan. GHIAL CEO Kadhir Kadhiravan said the route expands South India's international connectivity and establishes a direct link with Central Asia. The new link is expected to boost business, trade, and cultural exchanges between the two regions. ## Indian Opinion Analysis Telangana is deepening aviation ties with Central Asia as India pushes its 'Connect Central Asia' policy. Hyderabad already serves as a hub for pharmaceutical and IT exports to Uzbekistan, and direct flights cut travel time by at least four hours versus one-stop connections via Delhi or Dubai. The twice-weekly frequency is modest, but GHIAL has successfully scaled other long-haul routes from similar starting points. The next signal to watch is load factor data from Centrum Air, which will determine whether the airline adds a third weekly frequency in the summer 2027 schedule. ## Coverage - telanganatoday.com Tags: Centrum Air, GHIAL, Hyderabad, Tashkent, Uzbekistan Canonical: https://indianopinion.org/centrum-air-launches-hyderabad-tashkent-direct-flights/ License: Summary and commentary (c) Indian Opinion, reusable with attribution. Facts belong to the linked sources. Cite: https://indianopinion.org/centrum-air-launches-hyderabad-tashkent-direct-flights/#story-in-brief