United Assesses Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan for Future Routes

United CEO Scott Kirby said the airline’s network planning chief, Patrick Quayle, and his team recently visited Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan to assess potential markets. Kirby said United cannot currently operate flights to the region because the airline cannot use Russian airspace, though he said the markets could work in the future.

Key details

• Kirby identified Patrick Quayle as United’s network planning chief.
• The team visited Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan.
• Kirby said Russian airspace restrictions currently prevent United from operating flights to the region.

Scott Kirby said United cannot fly to the region at present because it cannot use Russian airspace.

Why it matters

The visits show United has examined two Central Asian markets for possible future service. For US travelers, flights could offer another connection to the region if United can operate routes there.

What happens next

United has identified Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan for continued consideration as future markets. Which Central Asian city would you most like to see added to its network?