Samarkand International Airport reports record-breaking start to 2023, with more than 439,000 passengers served in first six months.

Samarkand International Airport reports a record-breaking start to 2023, with more than 439,000 passengers served in the first six months. 

Air Marakanda, the operator for Samarkand International Airport (SKD) reports record numbers of passengers used Samarkand International Airport during the first six months of 2023. 

From January to June, the airport served 439,664 passengers, which represents a 121% increase on last year’s total of 241,080 passengers. 

The most popular destinations in the first half of 2023 were Moscow, St. Petersburg, Istanbul, Dubai and Abu Dhabi. A total of 393,689 passengers were served on these flights (a 117% increase on the same period last year).

In addition, 45,975 passengers travelled on domestic airlines (a 170% increase on last year), with Tashkent the most popular destination. 

Uzbekistan Airways, the national carrier of Uzbekistan, retained its leading position in passenger traffic at the airport with a share of 27% (120,492 passengers).

Since the beginning of the year, Samarkand International Airport has expanded its route network, and now serves six domestic and 18 international routes. This year’s new international destinations are Tel Aviv, Kuwait, Mineralnye Vody, Ufa and Samara. 

In 2023, two foreign airlines, Jazeera Airways and Pobeda, have launched new routes from Samarkand International Airport, together with Uzbek carrier Silk Avia which provides flights to Tashkent (five times a week) and Bukhara (once a week). 

Anton Khojayan, Air Marakanda’s CEO, said: "Thanks to support from the President and the Government, Samarkand International Airport is now the tourism gateway to the New Uzbekistan. 

“With the modernization of the airport, we are working to expand our route network and increase passenger traffic by attracting new partner airlines, opening new destinations and increasing the number of flights provided by existing carriers.

“Our region needed a new airport and now, with modern infrastructure and the application of international best practices, we are ready to contribute towards realizing our economic potential.”