MATTALA, October 30. /Dunyo IA/. “Centrum Air” airline has launched the first direct air service between Tashkent and the city of Mattala in Sri Lanka, expanding Uzbekistan's transport connectivity with South Asia, reports Dunyo IA correspondent.

Inaugural flight arrived at Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport on October 28^th at 17:30 local time, carrying 160 passengers. In honour of the route's opening, the aircraft was welcomed with a traditional water salute, followed by an official ceremony.

Launch of the air service was the result of negotiations conducted by the Embassy of Uzbekistan in Islamabad and “Centrum Air” with relevant agencies of Sri Lanka.

Representatives of the host party expressed their gratitude for the opening of the direct Tashkent – Mattala – Tashkent route.

The new air route is designed to strengthen transport connectivity between the two countries and expand opportunities for trade, investment, and tourism. Furthermore, it will provide more convenient air links between Sri Lanka and Central Asian nations via Uzbekistan.

Flights on the Tashkent – Mattala – Tashkent route will be operated twice a week, on Wednesdays and Saturdays. The flights are scheduled to run until the end of March 2027.