Samarkand, 27 July 2026. Air Marakanda, the ground handling operator of Samarkand International Airport, has become the first private company in the history of the civil aviation industry of the Republic of Uzbekistan to successfully complete the IATA Safety Audit for Ground Operations (ISAGO) and receive accreditation from the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
The ISAGO audit programme is an internationally recognised system for the independent assessment of the quality and safety of aircraft ground handling operations. The audit covers the company’s key areas of activity, including the safety management system, personnel training, operational processes, quality assurance and the execution of ground handling operations.
Obtaining the accreditation confirms that the ground handling services provided at Samarkand International Airport comply with IATA’s globally recognised standards. For the airport, this strengthens its position as a trusted partner for international airlines and enhances its competitiveness in the global aviation market.
For airlines, the accreditation confirms the airport’s compliance with recognised industry requirements, a high standard of ground handling operations, a transparent quality management system and a reduced need to conduct their own audits. This creates additional opportunities for expanding cooperation and launching new air services.
At the same time, Air Marakanda has been awarded the IATA Enhanced GSE Recognition (AHM 900) certificate, confirming compliance with international requirements for the operation and management of ground support equipment. The certification recognises the implementation of modern fleet management standards, contributing to enhanced ramp safety and reduced operational risks.
For passengers, the certification confirms that every stage of their journey—from check-in and baggage handling to aircraft preparation for departure and ground handling services—is carried out in accordance with internationally recognised standards of safety, quality and operational efficiency. This ensures more reliable processes, a consistently high level of service and greater confidence when choosing Samarkand International Airport for their travels.
«Successfully completing the ISAGO audit, obtaining IATA accreditation and receiving the Enhanced GSE Recognition certificate is a landmark achievement not only for Air Marakanda, but also for the entire civil aviation industry of Uzbekistan. We have become the first private company in the history of the sector to undergo such a comprehensive international assessment and demonstrate compliance with global ground handling standards.
These certifications are the result of two years of systematic work focused on strengthening our safety culture, improving operational processes, implementing international standards and enhancing the professional competence of our employees. For our airline partners, they provide confidence in the quality and reliability of the services we deliver, while for passengers they offer additional assurance of safety and high service standards at every stage of their journey.
We see this achievement not as the finish line, but as the beginning of a new stage of development. Our goal is to continue strengthening Samarkand International Airport’s position as one of the most modern and competitive airports in Central Asia, operating in line with the world’s best aviation practices.»
Additional Information:
AIR MARAKANDA is the ground handling operator and management company of the new terminal at Samarkand International Airport under Uzbekistan’s first public-private partnership (PPP) project in the aviation sector. For three consecutive years, the new international terminal of Samarkand International Airport has been ranked among the Top 10 regional leaders in Central Asia in the prestigious World Airport Awards by SKYTRAX. According to the results of 2024, Samarkand International Airport ranked second in passenger traffic growth within its category, according to ACI EUROPE.
AIR MARAKANDA Press Office
Tel.: +998 97 907 8767
Email: pr@airmarakanda.com
Website: https://samarkandairport.com/
