Uzbekistan Airports reports five in-flight deaths in first half of 2025

In 2024, a total of 46 passengers were barred from flying at airports across Uzbekistan for medical reasons. In the first six months of 2025 alone, that number has already reached 61, according to the press service of Uzbekistan Airports.

Sevara Salikhova, head of the medical services development department at Uzbekistan Airports, noted that most critical incidents occur during flights. For this reason, passengers are urged to be aware of the risks beforehand and to take medical restrictions on flying seriously.

In 2024, 14 deaths related to air travel were recorded: 11 occurred onboard aircraft, while 3 took place in the arrivals hall of Tashkent International Airport. So far in 2025, five deaths have been reported – all of them happened onboard aircraft before reaching their destinations.

Uzbekistan Airports notes that air travel is prohibited in the following cases:

–       recent surgical operations

–       acute cardiovascular conditions (such as heart attacks or unstable angina)

–       strokes and other acute neurological events

–       pneumothorax, severe bronchial asthma, or pneumonia

–       thromboembolism, active bleeding, or severe anemia

–       barotrauma of the ears, sinuses, or eyes

–       late-stage pregnancy, especially when complications are present

The full list of conditions that may prohibit flying can be found [here].