Sri Lanka has gained a new direct air link with Central Asia as Uzbekistan-based Centrum Air starts flights between Tashkent and Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport. The new route gives Sri Lanka’s tourism industry direct access to the Uzbekistan market. It also creates a new chance to attract visitors from Central Asia.
The service will run twice a week, on Wednesdays and Saturdays, during the 2026–2027 tourism season, according to the Ministry of Ports and Civil Aviation.
New Access to the Uzbekistan Tourism Market
The direct Tashkent–Mattala service gives travelers from Uzbekistan an easier way to reach Sri Lanka. For hotels, travel agencies and tour operators, the route opens another market to target.
Tourism businesses can use the new air link to create travel packages and services for visitors from Uzbekistan.
The route also gives visitors easier access to Sri Lanka’s tourism destinations. At the same time, it can support travel between the two countries.
What the New Route Could Bring
The new service will improve air links between Sri Lanka and Uzbekistan. It could also help build closer ties between the two countries through tourism and travel.
For Sri Lanka’s tourism industry, the key opportunity is access to a new Central Asian market. Centrum Air will operate the service twice a week throughout the 2026–2027 tourism season.
The Ministry said the new connection will support tourism growth and improve travel links between Sri Lanka and Uzbekistan.
For tourism businesses, the next step is to build awareness of Sri Lanka in the Uzbekistan market and turn the new air link into visitor demand.
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Last modified: October 30, 2026
