New Route Strengthens Ties Between Uzbekistan and Israel
Air Samarkand, the national carrier of Uzbekistan, is expanding its international network with the introduction of direct flights from Samarkand to Tel Aviv. This new service will begin on May 4, 2025, offering a convenient connection between the historic city of Samarkand and the vibrant Israeli capital. The airline’s modern Airbus A321 will operate the once-weekly flight every Sunday.
The flight, which takes just 5.5 hours, will depart from Samarkand at 06:00 AM, landing in Tel Aviv at 09:25 AM local time. The return leg from Tel Aviv will take off at 11:20 AM, arriving back in Samarkand at 18:40 PM. This schedule is designed to cater to both business and leisure travelers, offering a smooth and efficient connection between Central Asia and the Middle East.
A Strategic Move for Air Samarkand
This new route is part of Air Samarkand’s broader strategy to expand its international reach and enhance connectivity for travelers. The airline has been growing rapidly, adding several international destinations since its inaugural flights in 2024. Starting with Istanbul, the airline quickly expanded to other key destinations such as Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Jeddah, Medina, Nha Trang, Phú Quốc, and Sharm el-Sheikh. The Tel Aviv service is the latest step in Air Samarkand’s plan to solidify its position as a key player in Central Asia’s aviation market.
In addition to expanding its route network, Air Samarkand has been investing in modernizing its fleet, ensuring passengers enjoy a comfortable and efficient flying experience. The airline’s focus on improving customer service and its fleet composition aims to make it a go-to choice for international travelers flying from Uzbekistan to destinations around the globe.
Strengthening Diplomatic and Economic Ties
The launch of the Samarkand-Tel Aviv flight comes at a time when Uzbekistan and Israel are strengthening their diplomatic and economic relations. In 2024, Israel supported Uzbekistan’s application to join the World Trade Organization, marking a significant milestone in the countries’ economic cooperation. Earlier this year, representatives from both nations met to discuss issues related to labor migration, highlighting the growing partnership between the two countries.
These developments show a growing commitment to enhancing bilateral ties, with direct flights serving as a vital link for both business and tourism. As the two nations look to expand their cooperation, the air connection will play a crucial role in fostering people-to-people exchanges, boosting tourism, and facilitating business opportunities.
Looking Ahead: Future Expansion Plans
Air Samarkand’s growth is not slowing down anytime soon. The airline has ambitious plans for 2025, including the addition of more international routes and increased frequency on existing destinations. By boosting its network, the carrier aims to cater to the rising demand for international travel and strengthen its presence in the competitive Central Asian market.
In addition to Tel Aviv, Air Samarkand has already set its sights on expanding its fleet further, with plans to introduce more modern aircraft to meet growing demand. This investment will ensure that the airline can provide its passengers with an exceptional flying experience, with top-notch amenities and comfortable seating on every flight.
A New Era for Central Asia-Israel Connectivity
The Samarkand-Tel Aviv route is more than just a new flight; it marks a turning point in Central Asia-Israel connectivity. With increasing cooperation between the two nations and more people looking for efficient travel options, this direct flight is expected to be a significant boost for both tourism and trade. Whether it’s business professionals heading to Tel Aviv or tourists visiting the holy city of Samarkand, Air Samarkand is set to become the airline of choice for many travelers.
The future looks bright for Air Samarkand, and this new route is only the beginning of what could be an exciting period of growth and expansion for the airline and the region it serves. As the airline continues to connect Central Asia with the rest of the world, it promises to play a key role in shaping the future of global travel.
