Air Samarkand, a rapidly growing Uzbek airline, has launched a new international scheduled service to Tel Aviv, Israel.
The carrier has already announced plans to double its weekly flights on this route starting in July to meet strong passenger demand.
This development marks a significant milestone in the airline’s expansion and strengthens ties between Uzbekistan and Israel.
Inaugural Service Samarkand-Tel Aviv
The inaugural flight took off on Sunday, operated by a modern Airbus A330. Departing Samarkand at 6:00 AM, the flight landed in Tel Aviv at 9:25 AM local time after a five-and-a-half-hour transit.
The return leg left Tel Aviv at 11:20 AM, arriving back in Samarkand by 6:40 PM. Passengers on these first flights enjoyed a warm traditional welcome at both airports, complete with special gifts and treats.
Due to high demand, Air Samarkand will add a second weekly flight on Thursdays starting in July. The airline will deploy either an Airbus A330 (313 seats) or an Airbus A321 (194 seats), depending on passenger numbers. This increased capacity ensures travelers have more options for convenient, direct travel between the two vibrant cities.
Deeper Uzbekistan-Israel Cooperation
Zafar Butayev, CEO of Air Samarkand, explained the route’s importance. “Launching regular flights to Tel Aviv is a key step in fostering stronger connections between Uzbekistan and Israel,” he said.
“We’re seeing growing interest from tourists, pilgrims, and business travelers. The additional Thursday service will meet this demand, offering a competitive and direct link between two culturally rich destinations. This move also supports the ongoing expansion of our international network.”
The new route aligns with recent efforts to deepen cooperation between Uzbekistan and Israel in areas like trade, migration, and economic development. For travelers, the service opens exciting opportunities to explore both destinations.
Discovering Tel Aviv
Tel Aviv, nestled along the Mediterranean coast, is famous for its stunning beaches, modern architecture, and vibrant cultural scene. It serves as a gateway to Israel’s sacred sites, including Jerusalem, Bethlehem, and Nazareth, attracting pilgrims of various faiths.
The city also offers excellent shopping, diverse cuisine, and a lively calendar of cultural events, making it a dynamic destination for visitors.
For Israeli travelers, the flight provides easy access to Samarkand, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a historic hub of the Great Silk Road. Samarkand’s rich history, stunning architecture, and growing economy make it appealing to tourists and investors alike.
The new service is expected to boost business travel, supporting Uzbekistan’s emergence as a key economic player in Central Asia.
This route is part of Air Samarkand’s broader strategy to expand its global footprint. In 2025, the airline plans to increase flight frequencies to major destinations and introduce new international routes. By investing in modern aircraft and enhancing customer service, Air Samarkand aims to solidify its position as a leading carrier in Central Asia.
Network Growth
Since launching scheduled services in March 2024, Air Samarkand has rapidly grown its network. Initial routes included Istanbul, followed by Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Jeddah, Medina, Nha Trang, Phú Quốc, and Sharm el-Sheikh, operating from both Samarkand and Tashkent.
The airline has also run charter flights to cities like Batumi, Delhi, Dubai, and Tbilisi. Jeddah has been the most popular destination, with flights departing from five Uzbek cities: Samarkand, Bukhara, Fergana, Namangan, and Termez. Routes to Egypt, Vietnam, and Turkey have also seen strong demand.
Samarkand itself is a cultural treasure and a vital link on the historic Silk Road. The city is modernizing rapidly, blending its ancient heritage with contemporary infrastructure.
As tourism surges, Air Samarkand is committed to promoting Samarkand and Uzbekistan as must-visit destinations, offering travelers a unique mix of history, culture, and modern comforts.
With its Tel Aviv service and ambitious growth plans, Air Samarkand is poised to connect Central Asia with the world, fostering cultural exchange and economic opportunities along the way.
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