Centrum Air is Uzbekistan's budget airline that recently launched operations from Pakistan, and honestly, budget airlines get us excited. When you book an international flight from Lahore, smooth check-in is rare, but this time something felt different. Let me tell you what flying this route actually looked like.
Watch the full flight review on the Salman Travel Diaries YouTube channel.
The Journey
The flight from Lahore to Tashkent was scheduled for roughly two hours, and I had secured a first-row seat. Walking into the airport terminal felt like the usual chaos you'd expect in Pakistan, but the FIA staff there seemed normal enough once I realized what they deal with daily. The questions, the processes, the attitude, it all made sense.
Boarding went smoothly, and I settled into my first-row seat with exceptional legroom. I could literally walk around comfortably, which is not something you often get on budget airlines. The seats themselves were surprisingly comfortable, better than I expected for a low-cost carrier.
The crew was polite and courteous. They spoke English well and moved efficiently through the cabin. About 30 minutes into the flight, they served a vegetarian sandwich and water. It was early morning, the perfect time for aerial sightseeing, and my window seat on the sunny side of the aircraft gave me front-row seats to Pakistan's geography.
First came the green fields of Punjab and rivers snaking through the landscape. As we climbed higher, I caught sight of the lush green mountains around Islamabad and Rawalpindi. Then the terrain shifted to rocky mountains, and eventually, snow-capped peaks appeared below.
The aircraft avoided Afghan airspace by routing through Tajikistan into Uzbekistan. Below, I spotted a massive man-made lake called Aydar Lake. We were passing over the Samarkand region now, and the fields below were dotted with traditional structures that made the entire countryside look picturesque.
What shocked me most was realizing that Central Asia isn't barren like people assume back home. It's actually lush and green. There's farmland everywhere, and the landscape is far more developed than expected.
Landing in Tashkent was smooth. Immigration at Islam Karimov International Airport was surprisingly efficient. They processed me within 5 minutes. The only delay was getting from the aircraft to the terminal via bus, but that's standard procedure.
The Airline: Honest Review
Centrum Air is proving that budget airlines can deliver decent experiences if they get the basics right. The aircraft is well-maintained, the cabin is clean, and the seating arrangement offers genuine comfort for a short-haul flight. Legroom in regular economy is generous, and first-row seats are genuinely spacious.
Service levels exceed what you'd typically expect from a low-cost carrier. The crew speaks English, knows how to interact with passengers, and doesn't rush through the flight. The meal service, though simple, is timely and fresh. Punctuality appears to be a strong point, with this flight arriving on schedule despite the typical delays you see from Lahore.
Value for money is exceptional. For the price point, you're getting comfortable seats, polite service, and a reliable schedule. The route itself is well-planned, avoiding unnecessary detours, and the flight time is consistent. Centrum Air hasn't compromised on safety or basic amenities to cut costs. This is budget flying done right, without feeling cheap or uncomfortable. For Pakistani travelers heading to Central Asia, this airline offers genuine value.
Ratings
- First-row seats offer exceptional legroom, comfortable enough to move around freely.
- Polite and professional crew with good English communication skills.
- Punctual schedule, often arriving earlier than scheduled.
- Excellent value for money compared to other international carriers from Pakistan.
- Smooth and efficient immigration process at Tashkent airport.
- Well-maintained aircraft and clean cabin throughout the flight.
- Simple meal service, just a sandwich and water on a 2-hour flight.
- Transportation from aircraft to terminal via bus adds unnecessary time.
The Verdict
Centrum Air deserves serious consideration if you're flying from Pakistan to Central Asia. It delivers comfort and reliability at budget prices, proving that low-cost doesn't have to mean low-quality. Book this airline when you want smooth travel without the hassle or premium pricing.
