Malaysia's AirAsia X Expands Reach with New Thrice-Weekly Kuala Lumpur-Tashkent Flights, Strengthening Regional Travel Links
Monday, June 23, 2025
AirAsia X, the renowned long-haul low-cost airline based in Malaysia, is further expanding its international network by introducing thrice-weekly flights between Kuala Lumpur and Tashkent, Uzbekistan. This new service marks an important milestone in the airline’s growing presence in Central Asia and represents a strategic move to cater to the increasing demand for travel between Southeast Asia and the Central Asian region.
Scheduled to begin operations, AirAsia X will deploy its modern Airbus A330 aircraft to serve the Kuala Lumpur-Tashkent route. The decision to introduce this service is part of the airline’s broader plan to strengthen trade, tourism, and business exchanges between Southeast Asia and Central Asia. This route will also enhance connectivity to the wider AirAsia Group network, offering travelers an affordable and efficient way to explore this emerging travel market.
Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, is rapidly becoming a key destination for both business and leisure travelers, as the city plays an increasingly vital role in regional trade and tourism. AirAsia X’s new route provides an exciting opportunity for passengers to access Tashkent with more flexibility and convenience. With three flights per week, the airline is stepping up to meet the growing travel demand between the two regions, providing greater options for those seeking affordable travel options.
Currently, flights between Kuala Lumpur and Tashkent are operated by Uzbekistan Airways and Batik Air Malaysia, but their lower flight frequencies have created an opening in the market for more frequent and accessible services. Uzbekistan Airways operates twice-weekly flights, and Batik Air Malaysia offers two flights per week. AirAsia X’s introduction of a three-times-weekly schedule aims to cater to the rising travel demand while providing passengers with more choices.
The airline expressed confidence in the route’s potential, citing the growing demand for air travel to and from Central Asia. Despite the competition, AirAsia X sees this as an opportunity to serve a market that is still developing and has substantial growth potential.
“The Central Asia region is full of untapped potential, and with our frequent service, we are poised to cater to the growing demand for affordable travel between Southeast Asia and Central Asia. With over 130 destinations across the AirAsia Group network, we’re confident that this new route will connect passengers to a world of opportunities,” an AirAsia X representative commented.
AirAsia X’s extensive network across Asia, Australia, and the Middle East offers significant advantages to passengers looking to connect through Tashkent to other parts of the globe. The airline’s affordable pricing and high-quality service make it an attractive choice for business and leisure travelers alike, especially for those looking for an economical alternative to full-service carriers.
The airline anticipates a balanced passenger traffic mix on the new route, with equal numbers of point-to-point and transit passengers. This prediction mirrors the success seen on AirAsia X’s Almaty route, where the traffic distribution between direct passengers and those continuing their journeys via the airline’s network has proven highly successful.
AirAsia X’s decision to add Tashkent to its growing list of destinations reflects the airline’s focus on tapping into emerging markets and expanding its presence in underserved regions. As part of its ongoing efforts to make travel more affordable and accessible, the airline is bringing more travel opportunities to both Southeast Asia and Central Asia, contributing to the expansion of tourism and business activities in both regions.
By opening the Kuala Lumpur-Tashkent route, AirAsia X is solidifying its position as a key player in the low-cost, long-haul airline sector. The new service will not only improve access between Southeast Asia and Central Asia but also create new opportunities for travelers to explore both regions, boosting tourism, business, and trade.
As AirAsia X continues to focus on expanding into new and emerging markets, the airline is set to play a pivotal role in connecting Southeast Asia and Central Asia, providing passengers with affordable, reliable, and convenient travel options to an ever-expanding global network.