Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — On 4 May 2025, Air Samarkand successfully operated its inaugural direct flight on a new international route connecting Samarkand and Tel Aviv. The flight was carried out using a modern wide-body Airbus A330, marking a significant milestone in the airline’s expanding international route network.

To celebrate the launch, festive ceremonies were held at the international airports of Samarkand and Tel Aviv. Passengers were greeted with commemorative souvenirs, festive refreshments, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

This direct connection between two important cultural and economic hubs is expected to boost tourism, business travel, and religious pilgrimages. The flight time is approximately 5.5 hours. Depending on demand, flights will be operated with either the Airbus A330 (313 seats) or the Airbus A321 (194 seats).

Flights are currently scheduled on Sundays. Starting from July 2025, a second weekly flight will be added on Thursdays. The official representative of Air Samarkand in Israel is Asia Travel Israel, a tour operator active in the market since 1999.

“The launch of this route to Tel Aviv is a major achievement for our airline. We are witnessing consistent interest from tourists, pilgrims, and business travelers from both Uzbekistan and Israel. I am confident that this route will become a popular and vital air link between our two countries,” said Air Samarkand CEO Zafar Butayev.

The new flight strengthens humanitarian and business ties between Uzbekistan and Israel. In recent years, bilateral cooperation has been growing across the fields of economy, culture, and labor migration, making this direct connection particularly relevant.

Tel Aviv, a dynamic metropolis on the Mediterranean coast, is renowned for its unique architecture, rich cultural heritage, well-developed tourism infrastructure, and scenic beaches. It also serves as a key transport hub for visiting Israel’s holy sites, including Jerusalem, Bethlehem, and Nazareth. The city appeals to travelers with an interest in gastronomy, the arts, and shopping.

Samarkand, one of the oldest cities along the Great Silk Road and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is now being discovered by Israeli citizens as an accessible and attractive travel destination.

The new route also holds potential for Israeli businesses, which are showing growing interest in Uzbekistan’s economy.

The launch of flights to Tel Aviv is part of Air Samarkand’s broader strategy to expand its international network. The airline is actively developing charter programs in partnership with leading tour operators and increasing the number of scheduled flights.

In the coming years, the company plans to expand its fleet to 10 aircraft and further broaden its flight geography.