KUALA LUMPUR: AirAsia X Bhd (AAX) has launched its inaugural direct flight from Kuala Lumpur to Tashkent, Uzbekistan, marking a major milestone in its Central Asia expansion and reinforcing Malaysia’s role as an Asean gateway to new regions.
In a statement, the carrier said the new route expands AAX’s network, linking Southeast Asia with Tashkent and providing affordable travel between the two regions.
The launch comes at an opportune time as Malaysia intensifies its international tourism promotion ahead of Visit Malaysia 2026, which aims to attract 47 million visitors and generate RM329bil in receipts.
In conjunction with the launch, AAX also signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Uzbekistan’s tourism authorities to collaborate on joint promotions and exchange programmes aimed at expanding bilateral travel and strengthening people-to-people ties.
Capital A executive chairman Datuk Kamarudin Meranun said the launch marks a significant step in strengthening ties between Malaysia and Uzbekistan.
He said as AAX expands further into Central Asia, the airline remains committed to supporting Malaysia’s tourism agenda ahead of Visit Malaysia 2026, while promoting affordable travel, economic growth, and cultural exchange through enhanced regional connectivity.
Meanwhile, AAX chief executive officer Benyamin Ismail said the airline continues to focus on expanding its long-haul network while making travel more accessible, creating real value for communities and economies across Central Asia and Southeast Asia.
“This year alone, we have flown more than 80,000 and counting travellers between the two regions with Kuala Lumpur ranked as the world’s top low-cost carrier hub by OAG, enabling many to connect seamlessly to over 130 destinations via our Fly-Thru network.
“This new route further complements Malaysia’s tourism agenda ahead of Visit Malaysia 2026 by strengthening inbound travel and positioning Malaysia as Asean’s leading gateway to new regions.”
AAX will operate three weekly flights to Tashkent, offering over 82,000 seats a year with all-in one-way fares starting from RM799 or USD199. Promotional fares are available for booking from now until Oct 26, 2025, for travel through Sept 14, 2026, via airasia.com and the AirAsia MOVE app.
