Uzbekistan’s Samarkand International Airport (SKD) has celebrated the first anniversary of its terminal opening.
Operated by Air Marakanda in partnership with Uzbekistan Airports, the first public-private partnership in the history of Uzbekistan aviation is now looking ahead to welcoming more airlines and expanding its international route connections.
The new terminal was outfitted with the latest technology and services for customer comfort and security, including e-Gates and self-check-in services.
The airport has been recognised by SkyTrax as one of the top ten airports in Central Asia and has joined the Airports Council International (ACI Europe).
Welcoming Jazeera Airways and Podeba Airlines
Samarkand has also recently welcomed Kuwait’s Jazeera Airways for the first time. The Kuwaiti carrier is connecting Uzbekistan with Kuwait City and the wider Gulf region.
Samarkand will also soon welcome first flights from Russia’s low-cost Pobeda Airlines. Jazeera Airways and Podeba Airlines will join international airlines already flying to the airport include Turkish Airlines, Air Dubai, Azerbaijan Airways, and Wizz Air (Hungary).
Additionally, the airport has seen the restart of twice weekly flights to Almaty, Kazakhstan, by Kazakhstani carrier FlyArystan.
Further development in 2023
Looking ahead to 2023, Samarkand International Airport will undertake further development, including aiming to secure international safety and security standard certificates and systems, alongside implementing an automated car parking system.
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It further aims to increase passenger traffic by almost 65%, working towards its long-term route and passenger development plans that aim to increase its destinations to 30 with annual passenger traffic increasing from 480,000 to two million.
Dmitry Martynenko, Commercial Director of Air Marakanda, operators of Samarkand International Airport, said: “As we celebrate our first anniversary we look back over the past year with pride and forward with ambition and commitment.”
“Ambition to improve every facet of our offering, from customer service to operational efficiency, security to international connectivity; and commitment to the ‘new Uzbekistan.’”
“We connect our people to the world and the world to our nation, growing opportunities, creating jobs, and contributing to the national economy.”
About Air Marakanda
Air Marakanda was established in 2020 to manage airports, provide support services to passengers and airlines, including handling baggage, cargo, mail and facilitate the technical maintenance of aircraft.
Air Marakanda follows international standards ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and OHSAS 18001, and international best practice in its operations generally.
About Samarkand International Airport
Samarkand International Airport (SKD) is an international airport located in the city of Samarkand, which is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Central Asia and is situated in Uzbekistan.
The airport is located about 6 kilometres (3.7 miles) west of the city centre and serves both domestic and international flights.
The airport offers flights to several domestic and international destinations, including Moscow, Istanbul, Dubai, and several other cities in Uzbekistan.
Uzbekistan Airways is the main airline that operates flights to and from Samarkand International Airport, but other airlines such as Turkish Airlines, S7 Airlines, and Ural Airlines also offer flights to the airport.
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