On 7 August 2026, Oman Air announced five new routes operated by Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft, including a twice-weekly **Muscat–Tashkent** service. Cargo moves in bellyhold capacity on the passenger flights, targeting perishables, pharmaceuticals and other time-critical shipments.
The wider package also covers Singapore, Sochi, Abu Dhabi and a Salalah–Dubai link. Oman Air's head of cargo, Michael Duggan, said the new destinations strengthen connectivity across Asia and support the movement of time-sensitive, high-value freight.
The launch coincides with a genuine demand surge. According to Uzbekistan Airports, cargo and mail handled across the country's airports rose **33%** year-on-year in H1 2026 to 51,546 tonnes, with Tashkent accounting for 48,170 tonnes (+33%) — growth attributed to an expanding route network. In parallel, Tashkent has commissioned a new cargo terminal rated at **120,000 tonnes per year**, roughly four times the previous facility, with dedicated zones for perishables, live animals, pharmaceuticals and high-value goods.
For the logistics sector, this opens a new direct Gulf–Tashkent corridor via the Muscat hub — bypassing more congested gateways — with southbound capacity for Uzbek perishable exports and northbound lift for pharma and high-value imports.
