01 June, 2023

Qanot Sharq Airlines starts flights between Samarkand and Istanbul


Uzbekistan-based air carrier Qanot Sharq Airlines has started direct flights between Samarkand and Istanbul, with the inaugural flight taking off today, 1st of June.

The launch ceremony was attended by the Republic of Turkey’s Consul General in Samarkand Salih Caner, First Deputy Head of the Main Department of Culture and Tourism of the Samarkand Region Dilshod Narzikulov, together with management representatives of both Air Marakanda - the airport operators and Qanot Sharq.

Maria Sharavina, Deputy General Director of Communications, for Air Marakanda, said: "We are pleased to welcome Qanot Sharq Airlines, whose direct flights between the ancient city of Samarkand and Istanbul mark a major new step for Uzbekistan aviation and tourism. Qanot Sharq Airlines already services a number of destinations, including Tel Aviv. But the new Istanbul link will expand the opportunities for both direct flights between Uzbekistan and Turkey and for new international connections via Istanbul."

Flights from Samarkand to Istanbul will operate three times a week, departing at 7:00 am on Tuesdays, and at 8:00 am on Thursdays and Saturdays. The return service from Istanbul to Samarkand will depart at 12:40 pm on Tuesdays, and at 11:40 am local time on Thursdays and Saturdays.


Qanot Sharq Airlines will operate using Airbus 321 aircraft for the flights, and while Turkish Airlines and Uzbekistan Airways already operate flights along this route, the addition of Qanot Sharq Airlines’ flights will provide passengers with more opportunities for travel daily between Samarkand and Istanbul.

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