Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — A new direct and regular air route has been launched between Samarkand International Airport and Dushanbe, the capital of the Republic of Tajikistan.

The new flight connection is the result of a partnership between airport management company Air Marakanda and airline carrier Centrum Air.

The inaugural flight from Dushanbe was greeted with an official welcome ceremony attended by Abdujabbor Aziz Rahmonzoda, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Tajikistan to Uzbekistan, R. Kobilov, Deputy Governor of Samarkand Region, Sh. Samadov, Head of the Tajik Cultural Center, along with other honored guests.

Flight C6246 was greeted with the traditional water salute upon landing. Passengers arriving on the first flight were welcomed with vibrant national flair — the sounds of karnay and surnay, traditional dances, and Samarkand’s famous somsa. The celebration concluded with the ceremonial cutting of a festive cake, symbolizing the launch of the new route and the strengthening of bilateral ties.

Direct flights on the Samarkand–Dushanbe route will operate twice a week — on Thursdays and Sundays — with departures from Samarkand International Airport scheduled for 07:30 AM.

The launch of this new air route is expected to enhance tourism, business, and cultural exchanges between Uzbekistan and Tajikistan, while also improving regional transport accessibility.