Uzbekistan and Hong Kong plan to officially establish regular air service by the summer of 2026. During aviation authority talks held on May 4-5, the sides agreed to prepare and sign a corresponding interstate agreement by the end of June.

Until the main document is signed, an interim agreement has taken effect. It grants airlines the right to operate regular passenger and cargo flights on a charter basis. A key point is the use of the “fifth freedom of the air” on parity terms, as well as the possibility of introducing “seventh freedom” for cargo aircraft. This will strengthen Uzbekistan’s role as a key air bridge between Hong Kong and Europe.

Cooperation will also extend to education. Representatives of the Ministry of Transport visited the Hong Kong International Aviation Academy, where they agreed to annually train two specialists from Uzbekistan in master’s programs on a grant basis. Uzbek students will study air transport management and aviation safety.

The foundation for regular flights began in 2023. Since then, over 900 transfer cargo flights have been operated through the airports of Tashkent, Namangan, and Navoi to countries in Europe, the Middle East, and America. The successful experience of charter services has become the basis for transitioning to stable and unlimited regular air service.

Source: podrobno.uz