First direct flight from Uzbekistan to Phuket: New era for tourism!

First direct flight from Uzbekistan to Phuket: New era for tourism!

On October 31, 2025, Phuket fans can expect some good news. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has welcomed the first flight of Uzbekistan airline Centrum Air from Tashkent to Phuket. This newly launched scheduled airport not only brings vacationers from Central Asia to the picturesque beaches of Phuket, but also strengthens tourism connections between the two regions. Thansettakij reports that the fully loaded 186-seat Airbus A321neo landed in Phuket at 2:10 p.m., where passengers were warmly welcomed by TAT directors and Phuket International Airport representatives.

But that's not all: to showcase the beauty and cultural highlights of Phuket, influencers also travel during this time. From October 31 to November 7, they will explore the numerous tourist attractions and introduce a comprehensive travel experience that reflects the nature, culture and Thai way of life. Exciting activities such as fruit carving workshops, Thai cooking and local cocktail mixing events are also planned.

Growth of the Uzbek market

The new connection is part of a successful strategy by TAT aimed at increasing the number of direct flights to Thailand. Since January 2025, 41,173 Uzbek tourists have already visited Thailand, an impressive increase of 37% compared to the previous year. A target of 50,000 Uzbek tourists is expected by the end of 2025. Most of these travelers are first-time visitors who prefer the beach, natural attractions and health services in Phuket and surrounding areas.

Centrum Air has announced that the flights will operate twice a week, on Wednesdays and Fridays, complementing the ongoing service to Bangkok that has been in place since July 2025. Centrum Air founder and CEO Abdulaziz Abdurakhmanov highlights that flights are available not only from Tashkent, but also from numerous other cities such as Almaty, Moscow and Dubai at an affordable price. Centrum Air would like to significantly expand travel options for passengers from Central Asia.

Popularity of Thailand as a travel destination

Phuket, often referred to as the jewel of the Andaman Islands, is not only growing in popularity among new Uzbek tourists. According to CountryData, Thailand continues to be one of the top destinations in global tourism. Bangkok, for example, ranked 17th in the list of the most popular travel destinations worldwide in 2024. Phuket is known for its beautiful beaches, tours to surrounding islands such as Ko Phi Phi, and a variety of recreational activities that offer both a relaxing and adventurous vacation.

The latest developments in air traffic and increased tourist activity couldn't be better timed. A visit to Phuket, equipped with a mix of experiencing nature and cultural insights, promises to be even more attractive. Whether for foreign tourists or the locals, there is much to discover and enjoy!