By Eva Richardson | The Logistic News
April 11, 2025
Uzbekistan’s fast-growing airline Air Samarkand is continuing its international expansion with the launch of a new scheduled service to Tel Aviv, set to begin operations on May 4, 2025. The once-weekly Sunday service will connect the historical city of Samarkand to Israel’s vibrant coastal capital, marking another milestone in the airline’s ambitious regional growth strategy.
Operating with a modern Airbus A321, the 5.5-hour route will depart Samarkand at 06:00 am local time, arriving in Tel Aviv at 09:25 am, with return flights leaving Tel Aviv at 11:20 am and arriving back in Samarkand at 18:40 pm.
A Bridge Between Cultures and Economies
Air Samarkand CEO Zafar Butayev described the launch as “an important step in the further development of ties between Uzbekistan and Israel,” emphasizing demand from both business and tourism sectors.
“We see significant interest from business leaders, tourists, and pilgrims alike,” Butayev stated. “This new service strengthens our commitment to building bridges between culturally rich destinations while expanding our international network.”
The route links two cities steeped in heritage—Samarkand, a former Silk Road nexus and UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Tel Aviv, a dynamic entry point to Israel’s holy cities and bustling economic zones.
A Broader Bilateral Context
The launch comes amid increasing diplomatic and economic cooperation between Uzbekistan and Israel. In 2024, Israel supported Uzbekistan’s bid to join the World Trade Organization, and earlier this year, bilateral discussions were held on labor migration and economic collaboration.
This strengthened relationship is expected to generate greater passenger volumes and trade activity between the two nations—both of which are keen to explore new channels for tourism, investment, and skilled labor exchange.
Growing Footprint Across Asia and the Middle East
Tel Aviv becomes the latest addition to a route network that has rapidly expanded since Air Samarkand launched its first scheduled service in March 2024. The airline now operates flights from Samarkand and Tashkent to:
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Istanbul, Abu Dhabi, Al Ain
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Jeddah and Medina
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Sharm el-Sheikh, Nha Trang, and Phú Quốc
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A growing list of charter destinations including Delhi, Dhaka, Tbilisi, Dubai, and Batumi
Domestically, the carrier also runs a shuttle service between Samarkand and Tashkent, helping to facilitate intra-country mobility for workers and tourists.
Air Samarkand’s most popular routes to date have included Jeddah, serving the needs of religious travelers with flights originating from five cities across Uzbekistan.
Positioning Samarkand as a New Regional Hub
Samarkand itself is undergoing significant transformation. Long known as a center of history and culture, the city is investing in modern infrastructure and tourism development, positioning itself as a key hub for international connectivity in Central Asia.
Air Samarkand’s role in this transformation is strategic: by expanding air links to religious, touristic, and economic centers, the airline is helping redefine Samarkand’s relevance in modern aviation and global trade.
Why It Matters:
Air Samarkand’s entry into the Tel Aviv market exemplifies how regional carriers can drive bilateral engagement through route development. With the Middle East and Central Asia drawing closer, this is more than a new route—it’s a statement of intent for regional integration.
Eva Richardson is a senior correspondent at The Logistic News, specializing in air network expansion, international aviation strategy, and regional connectivity.
