Kuala lumpur: AirAsia X Bhd is eyeing expansion into more Central Asian countries following the encouraging response to its newly launched route to Tashkent, Uzbekistan. The airline marked a new milestone on Oct 15, 2025, with the launch of its inaugural flight to Tashkent, its second destination in Central Asia after Almaty, Kazakhstan, which began operations on March 14, 2024, and has seen robust passenger demand, particularly from Malaysian travelers.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, chief executive officer Benyamin Ismail said the company remains optimistic about the region’s growth potential, noting that Central Asia still offers many untapped opportunities. He stated, “(Flying to) Uzbekistan, particularly Tashkent, the capital city, is part of our strategy to strengthen our presence in Central Asia. About a year and a half ago, we started operations in Almaty, Kazakhstan, and that route has performed very well.”
Benyamin highlighted the appeal of the Kazakhstan route, emphasizing its affordability and attractions such as snow, stunning natural scenery, and easy access to halal food. He shared these insights during a media familiarisation trip on the airline’s inaugural flight to Tashkent.
Currently, AirAsia X operates three weekly flights between Malaysia and Tashkent. However, Benyamin mentioned that if demand continues to grow, the airline aims to increase the frequency to four weekly flights by next year and will consider further expansion if the strong momentum persists. He noted that passenger loads on inbound flights to Tashkent have been quite strong so far, at around 70 percent or more, while loads on outbound flights are about 50 percent.
Benyamin also remarked that the positive sign of two tour groups flying into Tashkent on the day of the launch, with nearly 200 passengers already booked, indicates inbound travel is performing well. He expects the inaugural flight route to boost not only the tourism sector but also open up broader opportunities in trade, education, and cultural exchange between Malaysia and Uzbekistan.
In another development, AirAsia X is set to launch its inaugural flight to Istanbul on Nov 14, marking the airline’s first foray into Europe. Benyamin expressed optimism about being the only low-cost carrier serving this route, anticipating strong passenger loads.
AirAsia X officially entered the Central Asian market last year with the launch of its direct flight to Almaty, Kazakhstan, carrying 285 guests that formed a 100 percent load on its inaugural flight from Almaty to Kuala Lumpur. In conjunction with the launch, the airline has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Uzbekistan’s tourism authorities to collaborate on joint promotions and exchange programs aimed at expanding bilateral travel and strengthening people-to-people ties.
Capital A executive chairman Datuk Kamarudin Meranun, who is also AirAsia X executive director, commented that this historic launch represents a bridge that brings Malaysia and Uzbekistan closer together. He emphasized that as AirAsia X expands further into Central Asia, it is proud to support Malaysia’s tourism agenda ahead of Visit Malaysia 2026, underscoring Malaysia’s growing role in strengthening regional connectivity and promoting affordable travel, economic growth, and cultural exchange.