United Airlines is exploring the possibility of launching scheduled passenger service to Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, two Central Asian nations that have never been served by a US carrier. Scott Kirby, the airline’s chief executive, revealed during an interview on the Cheeky Pint podcast that the company is actively assessing these markets for future expansion.
Kirby confirmed that Patrick Quayle, United’s senior vice president of global network planning and alliances, traveled to both countries earlier this year. The visit was intended to evaluate the viability of adding these destinations to the airline’s network. Kirby described the potential routes as something that could work “down the road,” acknowledging that immediate implementation is not feasible.
United Airlines Central Asia Route Challenges
The primary obstacle preventing United from launching these flights is the closure of Russian airspace to US airlines. Since March 2022, American carriers have been barred from flying over Russia following sanctions imposed after the invasion of Ukraine. This restriction forces US airlines to take significantly longer routing paths to reach Central Asia, which increases fuel costs and reduces the economic viability of the routes.
Kirby noted that while the demand exists, the current geopolitical situation makes it impossible to operate these flights efficiently. “We can’t fly there today because we can’t fly over Russia,” Kirby stated. He added that Quayle’s assessment focused on long-term possibilities rather than immediate operational plans.
The lack of direct access to Russian airspace also raises safety and operational concerns. In the event of an emergency or the need for a diversion, United would face limited options for suitable alternate airports along the extended flight paths. These factors contribute to the airline’s cautious approach to the region.
Market Demand and Existing Connections
Despite the logistical hurdles, United sees significant potential in the Central Asian market. Kirby highlighted that a substantial number of United passengers are already traveling to Kazakhstan using partner airlines. Approximately 60% of passengers on United’s flights to Frankfurt and Munich connect onward to Kazakhstan, indicating strong existing demand.
Uzbekistan Airways currently operates nonstop flights between Tashkent and New York JFK Airport using Boeing 787 Dreamliners. These flights run up to five times a week during the summer season. Kazakhstan’s flag carrier, Air Astana, is also seeking to launch nonstop service to New York next year. However, Air Astana must first obtain a Category 1 safety rating from the Federal Aviation Administration and navigate the same airspace restrictions as US carriers.
United’s potential entry into this market would follow its recent expansion into Mongolia. In May 2025, the airline launched seasonal service between Tokyo Narita and Ulaanbaatar, becoming the first US carrier to serve the country. This decision was driven by data showing that 12% of passengers on United’s Tokyo flights were connecting to Ulaanbaatar.
If United proceeds with flights to Central Asia, it would likely launch from Newark Liberty International Airport on the US East Coast. This hub offers a shorter distance to Central Asia compared to West Coast gateways. The proximity of Almaty in Kazakhstan and Tashkent in Uzbekistan, which are about 420 miles apart, could allow United to serve both cities from a single route, similar to Lufthansa’s combined service from Frankfurt.
While no US airline has ever operated scheduled passenger flights to Uzbekistan or Kazakhstan, cargo carriers like Atlas Air have established freight routes into Almaty from European hubs. United’s potential passenger service would represent a significant shift in air connectivity between the United States and Central Asia, pending the resolution of airspace restrictions.
Source: Simple Flying
