Air Samarkand has successfully launched its first passenger flights from Samarkand to Jeddah, marking a significant milestone in its expansion.
The inaugural flight, operated by an Airbus A321neo, departed Samarkand at 00:05 AM and arrived in Jeddah at 03:10 AM local time, carrying 188 passengers. Another flight is scheduled for later today, with the airline set to operate two return flights to Jeddah every Tuesday.
Air Samarkand's CEO, Zafar Butaev, expressed pride in offering passengers new opportunities for travel and spiritual growth, emphasizing the importance of strengthening ties between Uzbekistan and Saudi Arabia. The airline’s entry into Jeddah is expected to enhance connectivity and promote tourism between the two countries.
The new service represents a significant step in bolstering aviation links between Uzbekistan and Saudi Arabia, providing a convenient option for Uzbek Muslims to visit revered Islamic sites. Passengers on the first flight praised the airline’s service, noting the attentive care of the flight attendants and the quality of the halal meals.
In addition to the new route to Jeddah, Air Samarkand will begin flights to Medina next month using Airbus A330 aircraft. The airline continues to expand its route network, with existing direct flights to Istanbul, Sharm El Sheikh, and Nha Trang.
Air Samarkand, based at Samarkand International Airport, aims to provide residents of Samarkand and neighboring regions with direct access to popular destinations, while also attracting international visitors to the historic city. The airline's fleet consists of modern, fuel-efficient Airbus aircraft, including the A330, A321, and A321neo models, serving a local catchment area of 12.6 million people.