Uzbekistan’s Qanot Sharq airline will begin twice-weekly, non-stop flights between Tashkent (TAS) and New York (JFK) starting May 3, 2026. This marks a significant expansion for the relatively young carrier and introduces another option for travelers between Central Asia and the United States.
Route Details and Schedule
The new service, designated as flight HH101 (Tashkent to New York) and HH102 (New York to Tashkent), will operate on Wednesdays and Sundays.
- HH101: Departs Tashkent at 11:20 AM, arrives in New York at 3:40 PM local time. Flight duration is approximately 13 hours and 20 minutes.
- HH102: Departs New York at 5:10 PM, arrives in Tashkent at 2:40 PM the following day. Flight duration is approximately 12 hours and 30 minutes.
The airline will operate the route using Airbus A330-200 aircraft configured with 266 seats: 18 in business class (flat beds in a 2-2-2 layout) and 248 in economy.
Qanot Sharq: A Rising Carrier
Established in 2021, Qanot Sharq has quickly grown its fleet to include seven aircraft: two A320s, two A321neos, one A321XLR, and two A330-200s. The airline’s expansion into long-haul routes is notable, particularly given its relatively small scale.
Qanot Sharq currently focuses on leisure-oriented destinations, often offering competitive pricing compared to Uzbekistan Airways. The airline’s two A330s are former Air China planes, delivered in 2024-2025 and averaging 15 years of service.
Competition and Market Context
Qanot Sharq will compete directly with Uzbekistan Airways, which already operates up to five weekly flights on the same route using the same flight numbers (HY101/102). Uzbekistan Airways has a more established presence and a wider network for connecting passengers.
To succeed, Qanot Sharq will need to aggressively price its tickets, as it currently lacks the passenger experience amenities offered by its competitor. Notably, the airline does not offer Wi-Fi or alcoholic beverages onboard.
Why This Matters
The launch of this service reflects growing demand for travel to and from Uzbekistan, as well as the airline’s ambitions to expand its long-haul capabilities. The market has shown demand for direct flights between the two locations, and Qanot Sharq will attempt to carve out a niche through competitive pricing. This route represents the airline’s longest to date, previously operating A330s to destinations in China, South Korea, and Thailand.
The addition of Qanot Sharq’s service provides more options for passengers traveling between Central Asia and the United States, but the airline will face challenges in competing with the established presence of Uzbekistan Airways.
