Samarkand International Airport is expanding its direct flight network with new routes to Baku and Krasnoyarsk, strengthening air connectivity between Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, and Russia.
These additions mark another step in the airport’s rapid growth, offering travelers more convenient options to explore new destinations.
Starting April 1, Azerbaijan Airlines will operate twice-weekly flights between Samarkand and Baku, departing on Wednesdays and Sundays at 2:55 AM, with a travel time of just 2 hours and 20 minutes. Baku’s Heydar Aliyev International Airport, which serves 75 destinations, will also offer seamless onward connections for passengers flying from Uzbekistan.
Meanwhile, Ural Airlines is introducing a once-weekly direct flight between Samarkand and Krasnoyarsk, one of Siberia’s most dynamic cities. Departing every Tuesday, the flight will leave Krasnoyarsk at 11:40 AM and land in Samarkand at 1:40 PM local time. The return journey will take off at 3:00 PM, arriving back in Krasnoyarsk at 8:35 PM local time, with a travel time of around four hours.
Ulugbek Shamsikulov, CEO of Air Marakanda, the airport’s management company, highlighted the significance of these routes:
“After record-breaking growth and passenger figures in 2024, we will begin the summer season with important new services to Baku and Krasnoyarsk. These flight connections will strengthen the cultural, tourist, and business ties between Uzbekistan and these two important countries, while providing passengers with convenient and affordable air transport links.”
The new connections will make it easier for travelers to experience Baku, a vibrant metropolis on the Caspian Sea, known for its mix of modern architecture and historic landmarks. Visitors can explore the Old City, stroll along the scenic Seaside Boulevard, or visit the Bibi-Heybat Mosque.
Krasnoyarsk, Siberia’s largest city, is famous for its stunning natural landscapes and panoramic views. Tourists can enjoy its vast green spaces, cultural landmarks, and the nearby Stolby Nature Reserve, a unique rock formation popular with hikers and nature lovers.
Samarkand International Airport, which was recently recognized as the fastest-growing airport in Europe and Central Asia, saw a 36.6% increase in passengers in 2024, reaching 1.38 million travelers. The airport’s ultra-modern terminal has helped it become a key hub in the region, and these new flights further cement its status as a rising center of international connectivity.
Tickets for the new routes are available on the respective airlines’ websites and at Samarkand International Airport’s 24-hour ticket office.
