On October 28, the Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport welcomed the inaugural flight from Tashkent carrying 160 passengers. In line with international aviation traditions, the first aircraft was received with a water salute, followed by an official ceremony.
The new air service is expected to expand Uzbekistan's transport links with South Asia, as well as boost trade, investment, and tourism opportunities between the two nations.
Additionally, this route will provide convenient travel links between Sri Lanka and other Central Asian countries via Uzbekistan.
Direct flights on the "Tashkent–Mattala–Tashkent" route will operate twice a week—on Wednesdays and Saturdays—until the end of March 2027.
The launch of this new route marks a significant step in strengthening bilateral relations, increasing tourist flow, and developing cooperation between Uzbekistan and Sri Lanka.
