Air Samarkand Expands its Route Network with New Flights to Georgia, Azerbaijan, Istanbul and Tel Aviv

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Air Samarkand, the Uzbekistan-based airline headquartered at Samarkand International Airport, has announced a significant expansion of its route network, aiming to strengthen connectivity between Central Asia and key international markets. This latest development builds on the airline’s growing fleet of modern Airbus aircraft, including the Airbus A330, A321, and A321neo, and is set to improve travel options for tourists, pilgrims, and business travelers alike.

The expansion introduces direct flights from Samarkand to major Georgian cities such as Tbilisi and Batumi, while also increasing service frequencies to Istanbul and launching new routes to Tel Aviv and Azerbaijan from both Samarkand and the capital, Tashkent.

Air Samarkand will operate flights connecting Samarkand to the two largest cities in Georgia. These routes are part of a charter program developed in partnership with travel provider EasyBooking, which will offer attractive package deals to customers seeking convenient travel options between Uzbekistan and Georgia.

The airline will serve flights from Samarkand once weekly, departing every Friday, and from Tashkent twice weekly, linking Uzbekistan to Azerbaijan and providing valuable new connections to this neighboring country.

Building on the success of existing routes, Air Samarkand plans to increase the number of flights from Samarkand to Istanbul. This will enhance passenger convenience and allow for greater flexibility, serving the growing demand for travel between Uzbekistan and Turkey.

Earlier in May 2025, Air Samarkand launched nonstop flights between Samarkand and Tel Aviv, opening new avenues for both tourism and business travelers, particularly those engaged in pilgrimages and cultural exchanges.

Air Samarkand’s Chief Executive Officer, Zafar Butayev, spoke positively about the strategic importance of these new routes:

His comments highlight the airline’s commitment to regional integration and expanding Uzbekistan’s air connectivity as part of a broader national transportation strategy.

Air Samarkand operates a fleet comprising:

The airline leverages these aircraft to balance network expansion with operational efficiency, meeting the diverse needs of its passenger base.

Samarkand International Airport, Air Samarkand’s main hub, has recently undergone significant modernization, blending the ancient heritage of the city with state-of-the-art infrastructure to support increasing passenger volumes and international service. According to the State Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan on Statistics, the airport has become a crucial transport hub not only for Uzbekistan but also for broader Central Asia.

The airport plays a strategic role in connecting the historic Silk Road city of Samarkand with key global destinations, facilitating economic development and tourism growth in the region. The government’s ongoing investments, detailed in the Uzbekistan National Transport Strategy, have helped position Samarkand as a rising international aviation center.

Air Samarkand’s network expansion aligns with Uzbekistan’s broader aviation development goals under the Ministry of Transport of the Republic of Uzbekistan. These goals emphasize improving international connectivity, boosting tourism, and supporting trade and cultural exchange with neighboring countries and beyond.

The new routes to Georgia and Azerbaijan, two fellow members of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO), strengthen regional economic integration. Enhanced air links to Istanbul and Tel Aviv further connect Uzbekistan with prominent business and tourism hubs.

The launch of these services is expected to facilitate increased tourism flows, provide convenient options for business travelers, and promote cultural and religious tourism, especially pilgrimages. This will have positive spillover effects on local economies, including hospitality, retail, and transport sectors in both Uzbekistan and the connected countries.

Air Samarkand’s partnership with EasyBooking underpins some of its new chartered flight services, offering tailored package deals that combine airfare, accommodation, and local experiences. This cooperation is part of a growing trend where airlines collaborate with travel agencies to attract leisure travelers by providing convenient, cost-effective options.

Such partnerships enhance the airline’s competitiveness and appeal, especially among travelers who seek integrated travel solutions. This also supports Uzbekistan’s tourism promotion efforts, as guided by the State Committee for Tourism Development of Uzbekistan.

According to data from the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and Civil Aviation Authority of Uzbekistan, Uzbekistan’s civil aviation sector has seen steady growth over the past decade, supported by government policies focused on liberalization and infrastructure investment.

The expansion of Air Samarkand’s network reflects this dynamic environment, wherein Uzbek carriers are capitalizing on increasing passenger demand and strategic geographic positioning between Europe and Asia.

Air Samarkand’s announcement of its network expansion is a pivotal moment for the airline and Uzbekistan’s aviation sector. By adding routes to Georgia’s Tbilisi and Batumi, Azerbaijan, Istanbul, and Tel Aviv, and increasing frequencies on existing services, the airline is responding to rising demand and fulfilling Uzbekistan’s national transportation vision.

The expansion not only enhances connectivity for the historic city of Samarkand and the capital Tashkent but also reinforces Uzbekistan’s role as a regional hub in Central Asia. With continued government support and partnerships, Air Samarkand is well-positioned to capitalize on growing tourism and business travel in the years ahead.

Source: travelradar