MTCIT plans Muscat–Tashkent direct flights to boost Central Asia trade links

2026-02-22 - 16:46

Muscat – Oman is stepping up efforts to strengthen transport and logistics ties with Uzbekistan, as part of a broader strategy to enhance connectivity with Central Asia and reinforce its position as a regional transit hub. The Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology (MTCIT) announced plans to launch a direct flight between Muscat and Tashkent on Sunday, a move expected to boost passenger and cargo traffic and support trade and tourism flows between the two countries. The announcement was made during an official visit by an Omani delegation to Uzbekistan. The delegation was headed by H E Khamis bin Mohammed Al Shamkhi, Undersecretary for Transport. The visit aimed to expand joint cooperation and deepen integration in transport and logistics, supporting economic growth and strengthening Oman’s role as a gateway linking Central Asia to global markets. During the visit, the delegation held a series of meetings with Uzbek government officials and business leaders to address logistical challenges, facilitate trade flows and explore joint investment opportunities in transport infrastructure and logistics services. In aviation, meetings were held with the chairman of Uzbekistan’s Civil Aviation Authority to discuss enhancing air connectivity and operational frameworks for the planned Muscat–Tashkent route. The delegation also met the CEO of Centrum Air to explore the inclusion of Muscat in the carrier’s network and the operation of regular direct services, alongside the development of commercial air cargo links through Oman. H E Khamis bin Mohammed Al Shamkhi (R), Undersecretary for Transport, and other officials in Tashkent At a roundtable with business representatives, discussions focused on improving the efficiency of logistics corridors and designing more streamlined transit routes to ensure smoother movement of goods. The talks also highlighted the importance of supply chain integration and enhancing the competitiveness of logistics services between the two sides. The delegation reviewed prospects for developing logistics corridors connecting the two countries, including strengthening road and rail linkages and linking Central Asian markets to Omani ports. Joint investment in logistics infrastructure projects was also discussed as a means of expanding transit trade opportunities. In the customs sector, the delegation met an adviser to the head of Uzbekistan’s Customs Authority to discuss accelerating clearance procedures, reducing transit times and enhancing advance data exchange. Both sides stressed the importance of adopting best practices to improve supply chain efficiency and facilitate trade. As part of efforts to support digital transformation in the transport sector, the delegation met Uzbekistan’s Deputy Minister of Digital Technologies. Discussions focused on cooperation in digital transformation, communications infrastructure and the adoption of smart solutions to enhance the efficiency and sustainability of transport and logistics systems.