Uzbekistan Airways Cuts Russia Flights Amid Jet Fuel Shortage

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Uzbekistan Airways Slashes Russia Routes as Jet Fuel Shortage Forces Schedule Overhaul

Uzbekistan's national carrier Uzbekistan Airways is cutting the frequency of regular flights between Uzbekistan and Russia, citing a market-wide jet fuel shortage and a sharp rise in aviation fuel costs that have made existing schedules commercially unsustainable.

The airline confirmed the schedule changes in an official statement from its press service, describing the reductions as compulsory rather than strategic. Management said the decision to optimize the Russia network was driven by the need to minimize operational costs under deteriorating fuel market conditions. The carrier did not specify which routes are affected or the precise number of frequencies being cut.

For passengers caught by the changes, Uzbekistan Airways has introduced penalty-free passenger protection measures. Travelers whose flights have been cancelled as a result of the schedule revision are entitled to free rebooking onto alternative dates, or a full cash refund with no penalties or service charges deducted.

The airline advised passengers to monitor its official website and mobile application for the most current schedule information and to use those platforms for rebooking.

The fuel supply squeeze affecting Uzbekistan Airways reflects broader pressures on carriers operating in the post-Soviet aviation market, where access to competitively priced jet fuel has become an increasingly acute operational constraint.