Uzbekistan Airways Flight Review 2026: Tashkent Airport Guide
An honest 2026 review of flying Uzbekistan Airways to Tashkent. Learn what to expect onboard, baggage claim hacks, and how to navigate eSIMs and Yandex Go.
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An honest 2026 review of flying Uzbekistan Airways to Tashkent. Learn what to expect onboard, baggage claim hacks, and how to navigate eSIMs and Yandex Go.
When planning my trip to Uzbekistan, one of my biggest worries was the airline.
Specifically, Uzbekistan Airways.
It was a brand-new name to me, and I felt a bit nervous when booking the ticket.
There weren't many English reviews online, and finding reliable, up-to-date information was surprisingly tough.
But I took the plunge! Here is my complete, honest review of flying Uzbekistan Airways, arriving at Tashkent Airport, and getting set up in the country.
Uzbekistan Airways In-Flight Experience
Knowing they codeshare with major international airlines gave me some peace of mind before boarding.
Once onboard, I was pleasantly surprised by how clean and modern the aircraft felt.
The cabin didn't feel dated at all. For someone who is 5'5", the legroom was quite comfortable!
Since it was a long-haul flight, the onboard amenities and service were top-notch.
They hand out a sweet little amenity kit with slippers, an eye mask, a shoehorn, and headphones.
As someone who loves kicking off their shoes immediately after boarding, having slippers was an absolute game-changer.
There are seatback screens for entertainment, too.
Sometimes, non-major carriers don't have screens, so I usually download a ton of Netflix shows before flying. Fortunately, Uzbekistan Airways has them, giving you something to pass the time.
Though, to be fair, most of the movies were in Russian, so there wasn't much for me to watch! 🤣
Still, being able to track the flight progress and see exactly where we were on the map was more than enough to keep me happy.
In-Flight Meals and Snacks
Since it's a long flight, they serve full meals and snacks.
While it wasn't gourmet, the food was surprisingly decent and easy to eat.
The highlight? This blueberry cake was absolutely delicious... 😋
They also serve snacks and a sandwich mid-flight.
Expect one full hot meal and one sandwich service during the flight!
Catching breathtaking views of snow-capped mountain ranges out the window made the journey even better. Overall, it was a highly satisfying flight.
▼▼ Check Uzbekistan Flight Deals ▼▼
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Arriving at Tashkent International Airport
Tashkent Airport was incredibly clean and modern.
I had imagined a slightly dated, chaotic airport, but it felt very streamlined and organized.
It wasn't overly crowded, making for a very calm and stress-free arrival.
Immigration was a breeze—no questions asked, just a quick stamp and I was through.
After passing immigration, you head down to the baggage claim. Usually, you have to stand right by the carousel, anxiously waiting for your bags to drop.
But Tashkent Airport has a brilliant system: they show a real-time video feed of the baggage handling area on screens.
This means you can sit comfortably on the benches and relax. Once you spot your suitcase on the screen, you can stroll over to the carousel to pick it up.
Uzbekistan eSIM & Data Tips
I bought an eSIM online before leaving, hoping to have instant internet access the moment we touched down.
Unfortunately, it didn't work at all.
I wanted to call a taxi right outside the terminal, but the ride-hailing app wouldn't even load.
I ended up connecting to the airport's public Wi-Fi (which took some effort) to purchase a completely different eSIM. That's why it's crucial to choose a highly rated eSIM provider with proven reliability in Uzbekistan.
▼▼ Check Reliable Uzbekistan eSIMs ▼▼
Get Reliable Travel eSIMs | Usimsa
When it comes to getting a taxi in Uzbekistan, forget about Grab or Uber. You need Yandex Go.
The moment you step outside the airport, you will be swarmed by aggressive taxi hawkers. I highly recommend booking your ride on Yandex Go while still inside the airport terminal, and only heading out once your driver is confirmed!
▼▼ How to Use Yandex Go in Uzbekistan ▼▼
Essential Apps for Uzbekistan: Yandex Go Taxi & Maps.me Guide
For long-haul flights, slippers, an eye mask, a shoehorn, and earphones are provided. Additionally, there is a monitor on the seat in front of you to check the flight time and your current location.
One full meal and one sandwich snack are served during the flight. The blueberry cake that comes with the meal is quite pleasant to eat.
There is a system that allows you to check the real-time video feed of the baggage handling. Therefore, you don't need to stand and wait in front of the conveyor belt; you can sit and relax on a chair, and simply pick up your luggage when you see it.
Since there are many taxi touts outside the airport, it is recommended to request a Yandex Go from inside the airport in advance. You should only go outside to board after confirming on the app that a taxi has been secured, which will help you avoid the touts.
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