Uzbek media reports say that as of January 20, Uzbekistan Airways has begun operating flights to European countries while avoiding the airspace of Russia and Belarus.  This was announced on January 28 during a press conference marking the airline's 33rd anniversary.

Daryo.uz reports that Uzbek airline flights to Europe will now pass through Azerbaijan and Turkiye.

When asked by Repost.uz whether the route change was related to the crash of an AZAL aircraft on December 29—allegedly shot down over Russian territory—Uzbekistan Airways' press service responded that it was “merely a precautionary measure and, to some extent, an optimization of flight routes.”

However, as it was noted at the press conference marking Uzbekistan Airways’ 33rd anniversary, Uzbekistan Airways has rerouted all flights to Europe through the south, via Azerbaijan and Turkiye, instead of Russia and Belarus for safety reasons.

Reports indicate that the airline’s new flight route has been in effect since January 20.

Additionally, the press conference revealed that five new aircraft will be delivered this spring. The airline also announced the launch of four new routes: Tashkent – Madrid; Tashkent – Shenzhen; Fergana – Urumqi; and Fergana – Delhi