United Airlines Scouts Tashkent and Almaty, but Russian Airspace Keeps Direct US Flights on Hold
United Airlines has assessed potential routes to Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, but its chief executive says direct US–Central Asia service depends on access to Russian airspace.
United Airlines has examined potential passenger routes to Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, according to a November 1 report by Uzbekistan Observer. Speaking on the Cheeky Pint podcast published on October 27, United CEO Scott Kirby said that Patrick Quayle, the executive responsible for the carrier's network planning, visited both countries in 2025 as part of the airline's search for markets beyond conventional destinations.
Kirby was clear about the constraint: "We can't fly there today because we can't fly over Russia," he said, adding that "this could work down the road." Without Russian overflight rights, routings between the United States and Central Asia are longer and less economical for long-haul service.
Regional carriers are moving ahead regardless. Air Astana chief executive Ibrahim Canliel told AeroTime that the Kazakh flag carrier plans to launch flights to New York in the second half of 2027, initially twice weekly, operating with a reduced payload to manage the longer routing. Uzbekistan Airways already connects Tashkent and New York and plans to add frequencies from April 2027, while private carrier Qanot Sharq launched a New York service earlier this year. Since January 1, 2026, US citizens may also visit Uzbekistan visa-free for up to 30 days.
For US companies, direct air links remain a practical indicator of commercial depth. United's interest signals demand, but scheduled service will depend on geopolitical factors outside the industry's control.
Source: Uzbekistan Observer