AirAsia X Sets Sights On More Central Asian Destinations
From Nur Athirah Mohd Shaharuddin
TASHKENT, Oct 16 (Bernama) -- 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.
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.
“(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.
“I was surprised by how well (the flight service to) Kazakhstan has done. The main appeal lies in its affordability, as travelers can experience snow and stunning natural scenery, such as some of the world’s largest lakes, and enjoy easy access to halal food,” he told reporters during a media familiarisation trip on the airline’s inaugural flight to Tashkent.
Benyamin said that AirAsia X currently operates three weekly flights between Malaysia and Tashkent.
However, he said 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 added that passenger loads on inbound flights to Tashkent have been quite strong so far, at around 70 per cent or more, while loads on outbound flights are about 50 per cent.
Benyamin reckoned that it is a positive sign that two tour groups were flying into Tashkent on the day of the launch, with nearly 200 passengers already booked, as inbound travel continues to perform well.
He also opined that the inaugural flight route is expected to boost not only the tourism sector but also open up broader opportunities in trade, education, and cultural exchange between Malaysia and Uzbekistan as well.
On another development, he highlighted that AirAsia X will launch its inaugural flight to Istanbul on Nov 14, marking the airline’s first foray into Europe.
“So, for us to be the only low-cost carrier that is going there is very good. So the loads will be very good,” he said.
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 per cent load on its inaugural flight from Almaty to Kuala Lumpur.
Meanwhile, in a statement issued today, the airline said In conjunction with the launch, it has also signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Uzbekistan’s tourism authorities to collaborate on joint promotions and exchange programmes 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, said this historic launch represents a bridge that brings Malaysia and Uzbekistan closer together.
“As we expand further into Central Asia, AirAsia X is proud to support Malaysia’s tourism agenda ahead of Visit Malaysia 2026.
“This milestone underscores Malaysia’s growing role in strengthening regional connectivity and reflects our shared commitment to opening new corridors to promote affordable travel, economic growth, and cultural exchange," he added.
-- BERNAMA