Fast developing Uzbek carrier Air Samarkand has operated its latest international scheduled service, to the Israeli capital of Tel Aviv, and already announced a doubling of weekly capacity from July to meet surging customer demand.
The new weekly service operated for a first time yesterday (Sunday) with a modern Air Samarkand Airbus A330 aircraft and will continue every Sunday.
The first flight departed from Samarkand in Uzbekistan on schedule at 06:00 am and arrived in Tel Aviv five and a half hours later, at 09:25 am local time.
The return service departed from Tel Aviv at 11:20 am, arriving back in the historic city of Samarkand at 18:40 pm local time.
Passengers on these inaugural services were treated to a traditional welcome at both airports and were also presented with special gifts and treats.
Given high levels of passenger demand, Air Samarkand used the inaugural service to announce a doubling of route capacity starting from July, with a second return to be operated on every Thursday. Services will be operated by Airbus 330 (with 313 seats) or Airbus A321 (194 seats) aircraft according to load factors.
Zafar Butayev, CEO of Air Samarkand said: “The opening of regular flights to Tel Aviv represents an important step in the development of ties between Uzbekistan and Israel.
“We are seeing steady interest in this route from tourist, pilgrim and business travellers, and are delighted to confirm a second service starting from July.
“This will meet growing demand for a convenient and competitive direct service that links our two culturally rich cities and represents another important step forward in the expansion of the Air Samarkand route network,” he said.
These latest developments coincide with recent initiatives to strengthen the cooperation between Uzbekistan and Israel across trade, migration, and other social and economic spheres.
Located on the Mediterranean Sea coast, Tel Aviv is known for its picturesque beaches, modern architecture and rich cultural life. Tel Aviv serves as a gateway to Israel’s holy sites, including Jerusalem, Bethlehem, and Nazareth, making it an attractive destination for believers of various faiths. In addition, the city offers a variety of opportunities for shopping, gastronomic discoveries and participation in cultural events.
For travellers from Israel, the new flight provides convenient access to Samarkand, the historical centre of the Great Silk Road and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The growing economy of Uzbekistan is also of significant interest to Israeli investors and businesses, with the launch of services delivering a huge boost to direct business travel.
Tel Aviv is the latest part of Air Samarkand’s strategy to expand its international route network. In 2025, the airline plans to increase the frequency of services to key destinations and add new international city destinations.
