Air Samarkand Expands Flight Network to Georgia, Turkey, and Israel

Key Takeaways

• Air Samarkand launched direct flights in May 2025 connecting Samarkand and Tashkent to Tbilisi, Batumi, Istanbul, Baku, and Tel Aviv.
• Flights to Georgia require no visa for Uzbek citizens; Turkey, Israel, and Azerbaijan travelers must check visa rules.
• Air Samarkand uses modern Airbus aircraft offering full meals and entertainment, expanding regional connectivity and boosting tourism.

Air Samarkand’s Expansion: New Flights to Georgia, Turkey, and Israel Bring Regional Travel Closer

In May and June 2025, Air Samarkand, Uzbekistan’s ambitious new airline, launched a major expansion of its international routes. The airline now connects Samarkand and Tashkent directly with key cities in Georgia 🇬🇪, Turkey 🇹🇷, Azerbaijan 🇦🇿, and Israel 🇮🇱. This move is already changing how people in Central Asia travel for tourism, business, and family visits. Here’s what travelers, businesses, and officials need to know about these new routes, the reasons behind them, and what they mean for the region.

Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How

Who: Air Samarkand, Uzbekistan’s growing airline, supported by the Ministry of Transport and Samarkand International Airport.

What: Launch of new direct flights and increased frequencies to Georgia 🇬🇪 (Tbilisi, Batumi), Turkey 🇹🇷 (Istanbul), Azerbaijan 🇦🇿 (Baku), and Israel 🇮🇱 (Tel Aviv).

When: New and expanded routes began rolling out in May and June 2025, with further increases planned for July.

Where: Flights depart from Samarkand and Tashkent, connecting to Tbilisi, Batumi, Baku, Istanbul, and Tel Aviv.

Why: To meet growing demand for travel, support tourism, business, and religious visits, and strengthen regional ties.

How: Using a modern fleet of Airbus aircraft, with support from government policy and partnerships with travel companies like EasyBooking.

New Routes and Flight Details

Air Samarkand’s expansion is both broad and detailed. Here’s a breakdown of the new and improved connections:

Georgia 🇬🇪
– Tbilisi: Charter flights from Tashkent started May 18, 2025. From June, scheduled flights run twice a week (Thursdays and Sundays).
– Batumi: Flights from Tashkent began May 24, 2025. From June 9, Batumi is served three times a week (Mondays, Wednesdays, Saturdays).

Turkey 🇹🇷
– Istanbul: Flights from Samarkand increased from three to five per week starting May 26, 2025 (Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays).

Azerbaijan 🇦🇿
– Baku: Scheduled flights from Samarkand (once a week, Fridays) and Tashkent (twice a week, Tuesdays and Thursdays) start June 6, 2025.

Israel 🇮🇱
– Tel Aviv: Direct flights from Samarkand launched May 4, 2025. A second weekly flight will be added from July 3, 2025 (Sundays and Thursdays).

Fleet and Comfort
– Airbus A330: 313 seats
– Airbus A321: 194 seats
– Airbus A321neo: 221 seats

All flights offer full hot meals and in-flight entertainment, making the journey comfortable for all passengers.

Why This Expansion Matters

For Travelers
– More Choices: Direct flights mean less time in transit and no need for long layovers in other countries.
– Lower Costs: Direct routes often mean cheaper tickets, especially for families and groups.
– Tourism: Georgia’s visa-free policy for Uzbek citizens makes it easy for tourists to visit popular spots like Batumi on the Black Sea.
– Business and Pilgrimage: New routes to Istanbul and Tel Aviv help business travelers and those visiting religious sites.

For Air Samarkand
– Growth: The airline is quickly becoming a key player in Central Asia, moving from charter-only flights to regular scheduled services.
– Modern Fleet: Using new Airbus planes means better fuel efficiency and passenger comfort.
– Partnerships: Working with EasyBooking allows travelers to book full packages, including flights, hotels, and transfers.

For Governments and the Region
– Stronger Ties: Better air links help countries work together on trade, tourism, and culture.
– Tourism Growth: More visitors mean more business for hotels, restaurants, and tour operators in Uzbekistan and its neighbors.
– Economic Impact: Increased travel brings more money into local economies, especially in Samarkand and Tashkent.

Official Status and Policy Support

All new routes and increased flight frequencies are now active or scheduled to begin as announced. There are no visa requirements for Uzbek citizens traveling to Georgia, making travel easier and faster. For Turkey, Israel, and Azerbaijan, travelers should check the latest visa rules before booking, as requirements can change.

Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Transport is fully backing Air Samarkand’s expansion. This fits into the country’s bigger plan to make Uzbekistan a travel and business hub in Central Asia. The government wants to see more international flights, more tourists, and stronger connections with neighboring countries.

What Stakeholders Are Saying

Air Samarkand Leadership
– CEO Zafar Butayev: “These latest route developments will support growing customer demand for new and enhanced services on our Air Samarkand route network. All provide connections where we have seen rising demand or identified clear opportunities to establish new routes for tourist, pilgrim and business travellers. We are meeting increased demand for convenient and competitive direct services to link our historic city of Samarkand and Tashkent with important neighbouring markets and destinations further afield.”
– Anton Khojayan (former CEO): “We have an ambitious plan for the rapid growth of Air Samarkand, to provide direct, safe and high-quality services to a growing number of cities in Europe and Asia.”

Government and Industry
– The Ministry of Transport supports the expansion as part of its aviation policy to boost regional travel and tourism.
– Samarkand International Airport has been modernized to handle more passengers and international flights.

How to Book and Travel

Traveling on Air Samarkand’s new routes is simple:

1. Choose Your Route: Pick from direct flights to Tbilisi, Batumi, Baku, Istanbul, or Tel Aviv.
2. Book Your Ticket: Use Air Samarkand’s website or partner EasyBooking for package deals that include flights, hotels, and transfers.
3. Check-In: You can check in online or at the airport in Samarkand or Tashkent.
4. Fly: Enjoy your journey on a modern Airbus plane with meals and entertainment.
5. Arrive: At your destination, go through immigration and customs. For Georgia, Uzbek citizens don’t need a visa, making arrival quick and easy.

Expert Analysis: What Does This Mean for the Region?

Aviation Experts
– Air Samarkand’s rapid growth is seen as a smart move to meet rising demand for travel in Central Asia.
– The airline’s use of modern Airbus planes means it can offer both comfort and efficiency.
– Partnerships with travel companies like EasyBooking make it easier for tourists to plan their trips.

Policy Analysts
– The expansion matches Uzbekistan’s goal to build stronger ties with its neighbors and attract more visitors.
– More flights mean more business for local economies, especially in cities like Samarkand and Tashkent.

Travel Industry
– Tour operators welcome the new routes, as they can now offer more package tours and group trips.
– Passengers appreciate the convenience and competitive prices.

Background: Air Samarkand’s Journey

Air Samarkand’s Story
– The airline began scheduled flights in March 2024, using Samarkand International Airport as its main hub.
– Its fleet includes the Airbus A330, A321, and A321neo, all known for comfort and reliability.
– At first, Air Samarkand focused on charter flights to Turkey, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, and China. Now, it’s moving quickly into scheduled international services.

Historical Note
– There was a previous airline called Samarkand Airways (2005–2017), but it is not connected to the current Air Samarkand.
– The new Air Samarkand is part of a bigger plan to make Samarkand a center for travel and tourism in the region.

Future Plans and What’s Next

Air Samarkand isn’t stopping here. The airline plans to add more routes to Europe and the Middle East. As demand grows, it may also increase the number of flights on existing routes. Samarkand International Airport will keep modernizing to handle more international travelers. The Uzbek government is expected to continue supporting these efforts, seeing them as key to the country’s future.

Practical Information for Travelers

Visa Requirements
– Georgia: No visa needed for Uzbek citizens.
– Turkey, Israel, Azerbaijan: Check the latest visa rules before booking, as they can change. For official visa information, visit the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan.

Booking
– Use Air Samarkand’s website or EasyBooking for the best deals, especially if you want a package that includes flights, hotels, and transfers.

Flight Schedules
– Flight frequencies are increasing throughout 2025. Always check the latest schedule before booking.

Safety and Comfort
– Air Samarkand uses modern Airbus planes, offers full meals, and provides in-flight entertainment.

Summary Table: Air Samarkand’s New and Expanded Routes (May–July 2025)

Official Resources and Where to Get Help

• Samarkand International Airport: samarkand-airport.com
• Ministry of Transport, Republic of Uzbekistan: transport.gov.uz/en
• Visa Information: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan

If you have questions about booking, visas, or travel requirements, these official websites are the best places to start.

Common Questions

Do I need a visa to travel to Georgia, Turkey, or Israel on Air Samarkand?
– For Georgia, Uzbek citizens do not need a visa. For Turkey and Israel, check the latest requirements before you travel.

How do I book a flight or package?
– Book directly with Air Samarkand or use EasyBooking for packages that include flights, hotels, and transfers.

Are the planes new and comfortable?
– Yes. Air Samarkand uses modern Airbus aircraft with full service and in-flight entertainment.

Will there be more routes in the future?
– Yes. Air Samarkand plans to add more destinations in Europe and the Middle East as demand grows.

The Big Picture: What This Means for Central Asia

Air Samarkand’s expansion is more than just new flights. It’s about making travel easier, faster, and more affordable for people in Uzbekistan and the wider region. By connecting Samarkand and Tashkent directly with Georgia, Turkey, Azerbaijan, and Israel, the airline is opening up new opportunities for tourism, business, and family visits.

As reported by VisaVerge.com, these changes are expected to boost tourism, help local economies, and make Uzbekistan a more important player in regional travel. The airline’s modern fleet, government support, and smart partnerships put it in a strong position for future growth.

For travelers, the message is clear: it’s now easier than ever to visit Georgia, Turkey, and beyond from Uzbekistan. For businesses and officials, the new routes mean more visitors, more trade, and stronger ties with neighbors.

Action Steps for Travelers:
– Check visa requirements before booking.
– Visit official airline and government websites for the latest information.
– Consider package deals for better value and convenience.
– Watch for new routes and increased flight frequencies in the coming months.

With Air Samarkand’s expansion, the skies between Uzbekistan, Georgia, Turkey, and Israel have never been more open. Whether you’re traveling for fun, business, or family, these new flights make your journey simpler and more enjoyable.

Learn Today

Air Samarkand → A new Uzbek airline expanding international routes with modern Airbus aircraft and strategic regional focus.
Charter flights → Non-regular flights arranged specifically for group travel or special occasions before scheduled services start.
Visa-free → Permission to enter a country without needing to apply for a visa in advance, easing travel.
Airbus A330 → A wide-body, long-haul aircraft with 313 seats, used for comfortable international flights.
Flight frequency → The number of scheduled flights operating on a route during a given time period.

This Article in a Nutshell

Air Samarkand’s 2025 expansion adds direct flights between Uzbekistan and Georgia, Turkey, Israel, and Azerbaijan, improving travel convenience. Supported by government policy, the airline uses modern aircraft and partners with EasyBooking, fostering stronger regional ties, boosting tourism, and reducing travel times for business and leisure.
— By VisaVerge.com