RAWALPINDI:The Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) on Saturday hosted the inaugural flight ceremony of Uzbekistan Airlines’ direct service from Islamabad to Tashkent marking a significant milestone in enhancing regional air connectivity and people-to-people ties between Pakistan and Central Asia.

A PAA spokesman said the Uzbekistan Airlines flight HY466 took off at 1309 hours with 126 passengers on board from Islamabad International Airport for Tashkent. The check-in was conducted at Zone 1 of Islamabad International Airport, which was specially adorned with colorful balloons and a festive atmosphere for the occasion.

The event was graced by the esteemed ambassadors of Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan. Also in attendance were senior officials including the Chief Operating Officer (COO)/Airport Manager Syed Aftab Gilani, the managing director of Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC) and the country manager of Uzbekistan Airlines.

Guests warmly welcomed passengers at Stand 3, and a formal cake-cutting ceremony was held in the upper lounge area (A5) to commemorate the launch.

The entire event was seamlessly organised with the dedicated support and coordination of airport teams under the Pakistan Airports Authority. Pakistan Airports Authority remains committed to promoting international aviation partnerships and facilitating world-class passenger experience.

Published in Dawn, June 15th, 2025