The Competition Committee of Uzbekistan has sent a request to the Civil Aviation Agency (Uzaviatsiya) regarding the activities of private airlines Centrum Air and Qanot Sharq. The move follows complaints about flight delays, overbooking, and violations of passenger rights.
According to the committee, the number of consumer complaints about air travel is rising. In 2025, 127 complaints were filed, while in the first four months of 2026, the figure reached 145. Analysis revealed 110 cases of charging for services not rendered, 90 cases of schedule non-compliance, and 72 cases of poor service quality.
Passengers primarily complain about insufficient or unclear information about services, denial of boarding despite prior booking, multi-hour flight delays, and lack of compensation for damages.
The investigation found that Centrum Air and Qanot Sharq are not fully complying with the Law on Protection of Consumer Rights, rules for passenger and baggage transport, the Air Code, and certain provisions of the Civil Code.
Specifically, in cases of flight delays or cancellations, obligations to provide passengers with food, water, hotel accommodation, and transport between the airport and temporary lodging are not being fully met.
It was also noted that when overbooked, airlines must warn passengers in advance about possible denial of boarding, offer compensation, and book seats on the next flight.
In this regard, the Competition Committee has asked the agency to review the airlines' operations, including flight delays, technical malfunctions, and service quality, and to take necessary measures.
The committee is also conducting an analytical study of flight delays, their causes, and compensation paid to passengers across all airlines operating in Uzbekistan in 2025-2026.
Citizens who believe their rights have been violated in air transport can contact the Competition Committee via short number 1159.
In December 2025, it was reported that two passengers were unable to board an Istanbul-Namangan flight due to overbooking by Centrum Air. Following the committee's intervention, their rights were restored: the airline paid 500 euros in compensation, 865,000 soums, and provided additional benefits.
Source: www.gazeta.uz