Centrum Air to connect Uzbekistan and Sri Lanka with direct flights to Mattala

Royal Spence Aviation, a partner company of Aitken Spence Travels is all set to welcome a new gateway from Central Asia as Uzbekistan's Centrum Air launches direct scheduled flights between Tashkent and Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (MRIA), commencing 28th October 2026. Operating twice weekly, every Wednesday and Saturday, until the end of March 2027, this new service marks another significant step in strengthening Sri Lanka's air connectivity and tapping into the growing potential of emerging tourism markets.

The new route is facilitated by Royal Spence Aviation, a partner company of Aitken Spence Travels and one of Sri Lanka's leading airline representation companies, which has been appointed as the General Sales Agent (GSA) and Airport Supervision Agent for Centrum Air; a leading private airline based in Tashkent and a part of Centrum Holding LLC.

At a time when the global travel landscape continues to evolve amid geopolitical uncertainties and shifting travel patterns, the introduction of this service is a timely boost for Sri Lanka's tourism industry. It reflects the continued efforts of Aitken Spence Travels to diversify the country's source markets, unlock new visitor segments, and position Sri Lanka as an attractive holiday destination beyond its traditional markets.

Commenting on this development, Nalin Jayasundera, Managing Director of Aitken Spence Travels, stated: "The launch of Centrum Air's direct service between Tashkent and Mattala is an important milestone in our continued efforts to expand Sri Lanka's tourism footprint in emerging markets. Uzbekistan and the wider Central Asian region offer considerable untapped potential, and establishing direct air connectivity is a vital step towards converting this opportunity into tangible tourism growth. With the current geopolitical developments reshaping global travel patterns, we believe that strategically developing emerging markets is not simply an opportunity, but a necessity for the long-term resilience of Sri Lanka's tourism industry.”

Further commenting, Stasshani Jayawardena Chairman/ Chairperson and Interim Managing Director of Aitken Spence PLC, stated, “Strengthening international connectivity is fundamental to Sri Lanka’s tourism growth and competitiveness. This new route not only opens access to a promising emerging market but also creates wider economic opportunity across the tourism value chain. Building these connections is essential as we broaden Sri Lanka’s reach and strengthen our position as a much sought after destination.

For travellers from Uzbekistan, the new service brings the tropical charm of Sri Lanka within easier reach. From sun kissed beaches and thrilling wildlife encounters to mist-covered mountains, ancient heritage sites, and the warmth of Sri Lankan hospitality, the island offers a world of experiences for travellers seeking leisure, adventure, and cultural discovery.

Clive Sahamal Fernando, Head of Network Planning of Centrum Air stated, “The launch of our scheduled direct services between Uzbekistan and Sri Lanka marks an important milestone in Centrum Air’s network development and strengthens air connectivity between our two countries. We see strong potential to expand travel opportunities in tourism, business, and trade, while bringing the people and cultures of Uzbekistan and Sri Lanka closer together. We are grateful to the Sri Lankan authorities and all our partners for their cooperation and support in making this service possible. We look forward to building a strong, long-term partnership and creating new opportunities for connectivity, tourism, and economic cooperation between our two countries.”

The connection also opens exciting possibilities for Sri Lankan travellers to discover Uzbekistan, a fascinating destination at the crossroads of the ancient Silk Road. The historic cities of Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva, celebrated for their magnificent Islamic architecture, colourful bazaars and centuries-old cultural heritage, offer a unique travel experience.

Beyond facilitating travel between the two countries, the Tashkent–Mattala connection represents an opportunity to stimulate economic activity across Sri Lanka's tourism value chain, including hotels, transport providers, tour operators, guides, and local communities. The use of Mattala as the arrival gateway also creates opportunities to showcase the tourism attractions of Sri Lanka's Southern and Eastern regions.

The introduction of Centrum Air's scheduled operations further reinforces Royal Spence Aviation's commitment to developing international airline partnerships and supporting the growth of Sri Lanka's aviation and tourism sectors.

Working closely with Centrum Air and industry stakeholders, Royal Spence Aviation looks forward to building a successful and sustainable operation that strengthens tourism ties between Sri Lanka and Uzbekistan, while contributing to the country's ambition of attracting a broader and more diverse international visitor base.