AirAsia X, Asia’s top-rated low-cost long-haul carrier, is set to launch direct flights between Tashkent International Airport (TAS) and Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) starting 15 October 2025. The service will operate three times weekly—on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays—opening Uzbekistan-wide access to Malaysia and beyond with connection to over 130 destinations via its Fly-Thru hub.
✈️ New Route: Tashkent–Kuala Lumpur Schedule & Fare Details
- Outbound (D7123): Depart Tashkent 19:30, arrive Kuala Lumpur 06:10 (+1)
- Return (D7122): Depart Kuala Lumpur 13:25, arrive Tashkent 18:15
- Days: Mon / Wed / Fri
- Introductory fares: From UZS 2,719,000 (≈ USD 199) one-way, all-in—valid for bookings until August 3, 2025, for travel between 15 Oct–15 Dec 2025.
🌏 Why This Route Matters
- Gateway to New Markets: Tashkent becomes a new hub for Uzbek travelers, offering seamless access to Asia-Pacific, Australia, and beyond via KUL.
- Tourism Boom: Uzbekistan reported a striking 48% surge in international arrivals—over 4.2 million visitors in the first five months of 2025—highlighting robust interest in Central Asia.
- Targeted Growth: Uzbekistan plans to welcome 15.8 million visitors in 2025, underscoring the economic and tourism strategy behind developing Western links.
💼 Economic, Cultural & Tourism Benefits
- Trade & Business: Strengthened ties between Uzbekistan and Malaysia across trade, education and investment channels. The route supports Malaysia’s Visit Malaysia Year 2026 and aligns with Uzbekistan’s broader economic initiatives.
- Mixed Passenger Appeal: The route caters to tourists, expats, students, and businesses traveling between both capitals.
- Regional Draw: Tourists from Southeast Asia—including Singapore, Indonesia, and China—now have easier access to Uzbekistan’s rich heritage.
🕌 Uzbekistan: A Central Asian Tourism Renaissance
Uzbekistan’s tourism industry is rapidly climbing. In 2024, the country welcomed an estimated 10 million foreign visitors, with substantial domestic growth—around 22.7 million local trips recorded.
Tashkent, Uzbekistan’s capital, combines vibrant bazaars like Chorsu, Ottoman-era landmarks, and a growing modern skyline. Nearby attractions include:
- Samarkand, Bukhara, and other Silk Road UNESCO World Heritage sites.
- Amirsoy ski resort, just 90 minutes from Tashkent, offering winter sports and alpine scenery year-round.
With outbound travel also surging—many Uzbeks exploring international destinations—the connection to Malaysia caters to mutual tourism growth.
🚀 AirAsia X’s Growth in Central Asia
The Tashkent route complements AirAsia X’s earlier launch to Almaty, Kazakhstan (2024). These ventures confirm a deliberate strategy to connect Central Asia to AirAsia’s Fly-Thru network via KUL, bringing affordability and convenience to emerging markets.
With its Airbus widebody fleet, AirAsia X offers:
- Competitive fares, often under USD 200 one-way
- Seamless interlining to 130+ destinations
- Expanding presence in Central Asia alongside major cities across Asia-Pacific.
🧭 Traveler Tips & Planning Guidance
- Promotional fares valid through August 3, 2025, travel by mid-Dec 2025
- Visa Policies: Uzbekistan offers visa-free access or electronic visa options for many countries. Malaysia also provides visa-on-arrival/e-visa access for many nationalities.
- Best seasons to travel: Spring (Apr–Jun) and autumn (Sep–Nov) offer mild temperatures (20–30°C), ideal for sightseeing in Uzbekistan and Kuala Lumpur.
🌟 A New Era in Connectivity and Cultural Exchange
This new route unlocks greater access to Central Asia’s cultural jewels like Samarkand’s Registan and Bukhara’s ancient bazaars, while offering Uzbek travelers affordable passage into Southeast Asia and beyond.
AirAsia X’s Tashkent–Kuala Lumpur flights mark a strategic milestone in aviation: linking a rapidly growing Nation’s capital to a major Southeast Asian hub. As Uzbekistan’s outbound travelers rise and Southeast Asian tourists explore new horizons, this connection promises economic, cultural, and tourism growth that extends well beyond its initial run.
With AirAsia X’s Fly-Thru network in play, Central Asia is no longer remote—it is part of a seamless journey spanning Asia and the world.
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