The crew of the maiden flight from Tashkent, Uzbekistan, to Shenzhen pose for a photo after landing yesterday. Photos courtesy of Shenzhen Airport

Shenzhen Airport yesterday officially launched its first new international route this year, offering passengers nonstop service to Tashkent, Uzbekistan. As the airport's first passenger connection to Central Asia, the weekly Monday flight establishes an efficient and convenient link between Shenzhen and a key city in the region, helping the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area to further integrate into the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

The newly launched Shenzhen–Tashkent route is operated by Uzbekistan Airways, a flag carrier from Central Asia that was newly introduced to Shenzhen Airport. The inbound flight departs Tashkent at 01:20 local time and arrives in Shenzhen at 07:40 Beijing time, while the outbound flight departs Shenzhen at 09:10 Beijing time and arrives in Tashkent at 16:20 local time.

Passengers departing for Tashkent line up to check in at Shenzhen Airport.

Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, is a vibrant metropolis where ancient history meets modern development. As the largest city in Central Asia, it serves as the region's political, economic, and cultural heart. 

Featuring a distinctive blend of Soviet-era architecture, wide boulevards, and impressive metro stations adorned with intricate designs, the city is also home to beautiful Islamic landmarks. It is a green city of fountains and parks, serving as the primary gateway for travelers exploring the rich heritage of Uzbekistan.

The flight is operated by Uzbekistan Airways.

With the launch of the Tashkent route, Shenzhen Airport now connects to 42 cities across 23 BRI partner countries.

Shenzhen Airport also expects to introduce foreign flag carriers such as Malaysia Airlines and Thai Airways, with the goal of bringing the number of foreign airlines operating at the airport to nearly 20.