Samarkand, January 12, 2026.
By the end of 2025, passenger traffic at Samarkand International Airport reached a historic high, exceeding 1.5 million passengers, which represents a 10% increase year-on-year. The total number of flights operated during the year surpassed 11,000. Based on key performance indicators, Samarkand International Airport continues to maintain its position as the second-largest airport in the Republic of Uzbekistan, reaffirming its strategic role within the national transport system.
In 2025, 24 airlines operated scheduled services from Samarkand International Airport to 30 destinations. During the reporting period, the airport’s route network was expanded with 11 new destinations. Flights to Astana, Baku, Krasnodar, Vladivostok, Krasnoyarsk, and Medina will continue in 2026, ensuring stable air connectivity between Samarkand and major business and tourism hubs. A substantial contribution to the development of the flight program was made through the partnership with Centrum Air, which operated services on ten domestic and international routes in 2025.
One of the most significant international events of 2025 was the hosting of the 43rd Session of the UNESCO General Assembly in Samarkand. Within the framework of the event, the airport successfully handled approximately 55 charter flights, demonstrating a high level of interagency coordination, operational readiness, and full compliance with protocol requirements for servicing official delegations.
In 2025, Air Marakanda, the operator of Samarkand International Airport, successfully passed a comprehensive audit and became the first company in Uzbekistan’s aviation industry to implement an integrated management system. By simultaneously obtaining ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 45001 certifications, the company confirmed its compliance with international standards in quality management, environmental protection, and occupational health and safety.
Continuous efforts were also made to enhance passenger services. Access to the airport’s CIP lounge was expanded through the integration of international loyalty programs Every Lounge, LoungeKey, and Priority Pass, enabling passengers to enjoy an extended range of comfort services prior to departure.
Particular attention was given to the development of the terminal’s commercial infrastructure. In 2025, new retail and food & beverage outlets were opened at the airport, including well-known brands such as Yess Coffee, Millat, and Datum Parfume, further enhancing the overall passenger experience.
Summarizing the results of 2025, Samarkand International Airport confirmed the successful implementation of its strategy of consistent and sustainable development, focused on expanding the route network, improving service quality, and introducing international standards into operational activities. In 2026, the airport will continue to prioritize the enhancement of passenger experience, with a key focus on expanding flight geography, improving service solutions and further developing airport infrastructure.
Additional Information
AIR MARAKANDA is the ground handling and terminal management operator of the new terminal at Samarkand International Airport, implemented as the first public-private partnership project in the aviation industry of the Republic of Uzbekistan. For three consecutive years, the new international terminal of Samarkand Airport has ranked among the top ten regional airports in Central Asia according to the World Airport Awards (SKYTRAX). Based on the results of 2024, Samarkand Airport ranked second in passenger traffic growth rate in its category, according to ACI EUROPE.
AIR MARAKANDA Press Service
Tel.: +998 97 907 8767
Email: pr@airmarakanda.com
Website: https://samarkandairport.com/
