Southeast Asia Information Port News (www.dnyxxg.com) – On October 31, 2025, Centrum Air's inaugural flight C6529 successfully landed at Phuket International Airport, marking the official launch of the Tashkent-Phuket route. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) held a special welcome ceremony at the airport, welcoming the first passengers with traditional cultural performances and commemorative gifts, showcasing Thailand's hospitality and unique tourism charm.
The inaugural flight was operated by a 186-seat Airbus A321, achieving a 95% load factor. The passengers were all from Uzbekistan, including five influential opinion leaders who will embark on a seven-day in-depth tour of Phuket and the Andaman Sea, experiencing Thailand's diverse tourism appeal firsthand.
As an extension of Centrum Air's Tashkent-Bangkok route, which will launch in July 2025, the new route will operate twice a week, on Wednesdays and Fridays. This arrangement provides a convenient travel option for travelers from Uzbekistan and Central Asia to Phuket, and further strengthens air connectivity between Thailand and Central Asia.
Mr. Santi Sawancharon, Director of the Americas, Middle East and Africa Region of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), stated that the launch of this route is another achievement of the TAT's "Airline Focus" strategy. The core of this strategy is to expand international air traffic, and Centrum Air, with its charter and scheduled flight services, plays a key role in connecting Central Asia with global destinations and deepening regional cooperation in Thailand.
To support the promotion of the route, the TAT specifically supported Centrum Air in inviting five opinion leaders from Uzbekistan to participate in a seven-day tour covering Phuket, Phang Nga, and Krabi provinces. The itinerary integrates beach and island activities, Muay Thai experiences, wellness programs, cultural exploration, and visits to nature reserves, showcasing Thailand's tourism offerings that combine natural beauty, cultural heritage, sporting activities, and diverse lifestyles.
Data shows that from January 1st to October 28th, 2025, Thailand received 41,173 tourists from Uzbekistan, a 37% increase year-on-year. Over 80% of these tourists were first-time visitors to Thailand, primarily families and couples, who preferred beaches, natural scenery, and wellness resorts. Most booked their trips through travel agencies, with travel concentrated around holidays such as New Year and Nowruz. Phuket, Bangkok, Chonburi, and Krabi were their top destinations. The Tourism Authority of Thailand predicts that the number of Uzbek tourists visiting Thailand will exceed 50,000 by the end of 2025.
