Air India signs codeshare with Uzbekistan Airways

Air India announced that it has entered into a new codeshare partnership with Uzbekistan Airways, strengthening its growing international network and enhancing connectivity between India and Central Asia. Effective 20 March 2026, Air India has begun placing its ‘AI’ designator code on Uzbekistan Airways’ flights operating on key India–Uzbekistan routes, including Delhi-Tashkent, Mumbai-Tashkent, Goa-Tashkent (seasonal route). The new codeshare partnership provides Air India guests access to Tashkent from major Indian gateways, with onward domestic and international connections on Air India’s route network on a single ticket and baggage checked through to their final destination. Air India and Uzbekistan Airways also maintain an interline partnership which further provides onward connections from Tashkent to Bukhara, Qarshi, Nukus, Urgench, Termez, Samarkand, Fergana, and Namangan. Nipun Aggarwal, Chief Commercial Officer, Air India, said: “We are delighted to partner with Uzbekistan Airways as we continue to expand Air India’s global footprint. Tashkent is an increasingly important destination for leisure, business, and cultural travel, and this partnership allows us to offer our guests more choice and convenience while strengthening India’s air links with Central Asia.” Shukhrat Khudaykulov, Chairman of the Board of Uzbekistan Airways, JSC, noted: “The signing of the codeshare agreement between Uzbekistan Airways JSC and Air India opens a new chapter in the development of aviation cooperation between our countries. For us, this is a significant step in expanding our international route network and creating additional opportunities for our passengers. On behalf of Uzbekistan Airways JSC, I would like to express my gratitude to our partners at Air India for their trust and constructive cooperation. We anticipate that this agreement will serve as a solid foundation for the further development of our partnership and the implementation of new joint initiatives in the aviation industry.” Akasa Air closes FY25-26 with 37 aircraft Akasa Air in India received delivery of its 36th and 37th aircraft, marking six deliveries in the first quarter of calendar year 2026, a 35% YoY fleet growth. The first leg of the 36th aircraft’s delivery flight commenced from Seattle, USA to Keflavik, Iceland, and concluded with the final leg from Cairo, Egypt, to Bengaluru, India. Bearing registration number VT-YBJ, the Boeing 737 MAX 8-200 aircraft arrived at Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru on 30th March 2026. The 37th aircraft (Boeing 737 MAX 8-200) bearing registration VT-YBI completed its ceremonial handover in Seattle is expected to arrive in India by the first week of April 2026. Both aircraft are purpose-built to Akasa’s specifications and equipped with Safran Z200 seats, a next-generation seating solution designed to elevate the in-flight experience. The seats feature a generous four-inch recline, an ergonomically contoured backrest, and enhanced cushioning for superior sitting comfort, alongside thoughtfully positioned additional conveniences such as USB-C and USB-A ports to support the needs of today’s hyper-connected travellers. Akasa Air has placed a firm order for 226 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, with a robust pipeline of 189 additional aircraft scheduled for delivery over the next six years. For Editorial Inquiries Contact: Editor Matt Driskill at [email protected] For Advertising Inquiries Contact: Head of Sales Sally Passey at [email protected]