Uzbekistan and Indonesia are exploring the possibility of resuming direct flights between the two countries, according to Uzbekistan's Tourism Committee.
Committee chairman Abdulaziz Akkulov held talks with Indonesia's Minister for Hajj and Umrah Affairs, Muhammad Irfan Yusuf. The two sides discussed expanding tourism exchange, developing pilgrimage tourism, and cooperation between tour operators.
To boost tourist flows, plans call for resuming air service on the Tashkent–Jakarta route, as well as launching direct flights from Indonesia to Uzbekistan's historic cities. The talks touched on possible subsidies for airlines operating new routes, as well as payments of $100 to local tour operators for each Indonesian tourist.
The Indonesian minister also visited pilgrimage sites in Samarkand and Bukhara. The two sides agreed to promote both cities as pilgrimage tourism destinations, develop dedicated tourist routes, and organize B2B meetings with hajj and umrah operators.
According to the Tourism Committee, more than 2 million Indonesian citizens undertake the hajj or umrah pilgrimage each year. Uzbekistan has more than 1,200 pilgrimage sites with potential appeal for the Indonesian market — including those tied to the legacies of Imam al-Bukhari, Imam Maturidi, at-Termizi, and Bahauddin Naqshband.
Specific timing for resuming flights, the operating carrier, and subsidy amounts have not yet been determined.