Kyrgyzstan’s state-owned Asman Airlines will launch a seasonal direct service between Tashkent and Lake Issyk-Kul on July 8, expanding transport links between Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan during the peak summer tourism season.
The route is being introduced in partnership with Uzbek tour operator Malva Tour and is intended to make travel to Kyrgyzstan’s largest resort area more convenient for visitors from Uzbekistan.
Flights will operate once a week, every Wednesday, arriving at Issyk-Kul International Airport in the village of Tamchy on the lake’s northern shore. The journey will take approximately one hour and 20 minutes.
Round-trip fares start at $160, according to Asman Airlines.
Lake Issyk-Kul, one of Central Asia’s most popular summer destinations, attracts visitors from across the region with its mountain scenery, beaches, and resort infrastructure. The new route is expected to strengthen tourism ties between the neighboring countries by reducing travel time and improving direct access to the lake.
Uzbekistan remains Kyrgyzstan’s largest source of international visitors, accounting for more than 40% of all inbound foreign tourists each year. Visa-free travel, close geographic proximity, and relatively affordable holiday costs have made Kyrgyzstan a popular destination for Uzbek travelers.
The launch of the new route reflects broader efforts by Central Asian countries to improve regional connectivity and capitalize on growing cross-border tourism as travel demand continues to recover.
