India Gains New Direct Air Links Across Central Asia

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Two new international flight connections launched in the same week of September 2026, strengthening India’s direct aviation links with Central Asia and East Asia. Uzbekistan’s Centrum Air commenced its Hyderabad-Tashkent service on September 28, establishing the first direct air connection between South India and Central Asia. On the same date, Mongolia’s Hunnu Air launched its scheduled non-stop service between Ulaanbaatar and New Delhi. The developments create additional travel options for Indian tourists, business visitors and international passengers while improving access to two destinations with distinct cultural, historical and natural attractions.

Centrum Air Opens Direct Hyderabad-Tashkent Connectivity

Centrum Air’s new Hyderabad-Tashkent service establishes Hyderabad as the airline’s second Indian gateway after its existing Delhi operations.

The inaugural flight departed Rajiv Gandhi International Airport on September 28, with the launch marked by a ceremony attended by representatives from GMR Hyderabad International Airport Limited (GHIAL), Centrum Air and other aviation stakeholders.

The service operates twice weekly, providing passengers from Telangana and neighbouring southern Indian states with direct access to the Uzbek capital.

The route is operated using Airbus A320neo aircraft and is designed to support passenger movement between the two markets.

According to GHIAL, the new connection is expected to encourage business, trade, tourism and cultural exchanges. The airport also identified Hyderabad’s position as a technology, healthcare and commercial centre as an important factor behind the route’s potential.

For Indian travellers, Tashkent provides an entry point to Uzbekistan’s historic cities, architectural landmarks and Silk Road heritage.

Tashkent Provides Access to Uzbekistan’s Historic Tourism Circuit

Tashkent serves as an important starting point for exploring Uzbekistan, particularly for international visitors interested in Central Asian history and architecture.

The Uzbek capital combines modern urban infrastructure with traditional markets, religious landmarks, museums and cultural attractions. Visitors can explore the Khast Imam Complex, Chorsu Bazaar and Amir Timur Square.

Beyond the capital, Samarkand is among the country’s most recognised tourism destinations. Its Registan Square, historic madrasas and architectural monuments attract visitors interested in the legacy of the ancient Silk Road.

Bukhara offers another important extension to an Uzbekistan itinerary through its historic mosques, trading domes, madrassas and preserved old town.

Travellers can also visit Khiva, where the walled historic district of Itchan Kala contains centuries-old monuments and traditional buildings.

The Hyderabad connection makes these destinations more accessible to travellers from South India who previously had to consider connecting international journeys.

For tour operators, the route also creates opportunities to develop Uzbekistan itineraries targeting family holidays, cultural tourism, group travel and business events.

Hunnu Air Launches Direct Delhi-Ulaanbaatar Flights

Mongolia’s Hunnu Air commenced its scheduled direct connection between Ulaanbaatar and New Delhi on September 28, 2026.

The weekly service establishes regular non-stop connectivity between the two capitals, reducing the need for Indian travellers to use intermediate airports such as Beijing, Seoul or Hong Kong.

According to India’s public broadcaster Akashvani, the direct journey takes approximately five hours, compared with connecting journeys that can require between 13 and 18 hours.

Hunnu Air’s published timetable lists the Ulaanbaatar-New Delhi service under flight number MR301 and the return journey under MR302. The airline’s schedule shows Monday operations extending through March 27, 2027.

The connection is particularly relevant for Indian tourists interested in Mongolia’s landscapes, nomadic culture, wildlife and outdoor experiences.

It also creates additional opportunities for Mongolian visitors travelling to India for religious tourism, medical services and cultural experiences.

Mongolia Opens Its Wilderness and Cultural Attractions to Indian Travellers

Ulaanbaatar provides access to Mongolia’s major cultural attractions and serves as the principal starting point for journeys into the country’s extensive natural landscapes.

Visitors can explore Gandan Monastery, the National Museum of Mongolia and the Genghis Khan National Museum to understand the country’s religious traditions and historical development.

Outside the capital, Gorkhi-Terelj National Park is a popular destination for visitors seeking mountain scenery, rock formations, hiking and traditional ger accommodation.

The Gobi Desert offers a different travel experience through its vast landscapes, sand dunes, fossil sites and opportunities for guided wildlife excursions.

Travellers interested in Mongolia’s nomadic traditions can also explore rural communities, traditional horse culture and seasonal festivals.

The country’s tourism calendar includes the Naadam Festival, which features traditional wrestling, horse racing and archery. These experiences contribute to Mongolia’s appeal among visitors looking for outdoor and cultural holidays.

For Indian tourists, the direct Delhi connection reduces travel time and makes planning a shorter international holiday more practical.

Business and Trade Travel Gain Additional Connections

The two routes also serve markets beyond leisure tourism.

Hyderabad’s technology, pharmaceutical, healthcare and business sectors provide a potential passenger base for travel to Uzbekistan. Tashkent, meanwhile, offers connections to regional commercial centres and onward destinations across Central Asia.

The Delhi-Ulaanbaatar connection creates a direct option for passengers travelling between India and Mongolia for commercial cooperation, education, healthcare and government-related engagements.

The routes should not be interpreted as dedicated mining or technology corridors. Their immediate significance is the establishment of scheduled passenger connectivity between previously less directly connected markets.

India’s International Aviation Network Expands

The two launches reflect the growing importance of direct international connections from Indian metropolitan centres beyond the country’s traditional aviation markets. Hyderabad gains another Central Asian destination through Centrum Air, while Delhi receives a direct scheduled connection to Mongolia through Hunnu Air. For travellers, the new services offer access to Uzbekistan’s historic Silk Road cities and Mongolia’s natural landscapes without requiring an intermediate international stop. The routes also provide airlines, airports and travel companies with additional opportunities to develop tourism and commercial traffic between India and the two destinations.