Uzbekistan’s private carrier Qanot Sharq will begin direct flights between New York and Tashkent from May 3, expanding long-haul connectivity between Central Asia and the United States.
The new service will operate twice weekly, marking the airline’s entry into the transatlantic market and its longest route to date. Flights are scheduled to run using Airbus A330-200 aircraft configured with both business and economy cabins.
The route links Tashkent International Airport with New York JFK, with flight times of approximately 13 hours westbound and 12 hours 30 minutes eastbound.
The launch is expected to increase competition on the route, which has until now been dominated by Uzbekistan Airways. Industry observers note that the addition of a private carrier could influence pricing and expand options for travellers between the two markets.
Qanot Sharq, which began passenger operations in 2021, has been steadily expanding its international network across Europe and Asia. The move into the US market reflects a broader strategy to position the airline as a long-haul operator connecting Uzbekistan with key global destinations.
The service is also seen as a step towards strengthening Uzbekistan’s tourism and business links with North America, supporting inbound travel to Central Asia and improving access for diaspora and corporate travellers.
Schedules filed by the airline indicate departures from Tashkent in the late morning with same-day arrivals in New York, while return flights depart in the afternoon and arrive in Uzbekistan the following day.