China Southern Airlines starts service between Urumqi and Samarkand

Direct flights between Samarkand and Urumqi have been initiated between Air Marakanda, operator of Samarkand International Airport, and China Southern Airlines, China’s largest air carrier. 

An opening ceremony, attended by the management of Air Marakanda and China Southern Airlines, took place at the terminal of Samarkand International Airport, where passengers enjoyed a thematic photo zone, a tea ceremony with sweet treats and Samarkand mulberry paper adorned with Chinese calligraphic inscriptions. According to tradition, a water arch greeted the arrival of the flight at the airfield of Samarkand Airport, and the first passengers arriving from China enjoyed the sounds of karnaya and harsh played by local musicians.

 

At a press conference featuring Air Marakanda CEO of Anton Khodzhayan, Commercial Director Artem Pak, Head of the Samarkand regional branch of the Civil Service Development Agency Rustam Kobilov and General Director of China Southern Airlines’ office in Tashkent Shen Yi, the participants noted the great potential of flights between Samarkand and Urumqi.

 

Anton Khodjayan, Air Marakanda’s CEO, said:  “We are pleased to welcome China Southern Airlines, whose direct flights between the ancient city of Samarkand and Urumqi mark a major new step for Uzbekistan aviation and tourism. China Southern Airlines’ new Urumqi link will expand the opportunities for both direct flights between Uzbekistan and China, and for new international connections via the vast connection network of Western China’s largest city.”

 

Shen Yi, General Director of China Southern Airlines’ office in Tashkent, added:  “We see many more prospects for development in the field of tourism and trade between the two states and in the spirit of reviving the Great Silk Road, founded many centuries ago, China Southern has plans to open even more new routes between China and Samarkand in the near future.”

 

Air Marakanda to launch direct flights between Samarkand and Dubai

 Air Marakanda, the operator of Samarkand Airport, announces the launch of a new route from Samarkand – with flydubai, the Emirati government owned low-cost airline.

The twice-weekly service will connect the historic Silk Road city of Samarkand, and the UAE’s largest city, Dubai. The service will launch on September 20.

The service is the 12th and latest route to be announced from the newly expanded and redesigned Samarkand International Airport, with further, new route announcements scheduled for the following weeks and months.

Gairat Nematov, CEO of Air Marakanda, said:   “We are delighted to welcome flydubai to Samarkand, and connect the UAE to the history and heritage of our Silk Road city and region. The UAE is an important trade and cultural link for Uzbekistan, and we are proud to play our part in cementing and extending these links.

Today’s announcement is just the latest in Samarkand Airport’s expansion and redevelopment. We expect to announce many more routes very soon, regionally and internationally - to match the demand we are witnessing to visit Uzbekistan’s leading tourist area.”