Air Samarkand
A privately backed Uzbek scheduled airline based in Samarkand, operating regional and medium-haul services with an all-Airbus fleet.
About Air Samarkand
Air Samarkand is a privately backed Uzbek carrier established in 2022 and operated by Sam Air LLC. The airline completed its first commercial passenger charter in December 2023 and launched scheduled services in March 2024. It was created to improve direct international access to Samarkand, one of Uzbekistan’s principal tourism and cultural centres, while also serving travellers from other Uzbek cities.
Samarkand International Airport is the airline’s primary hub and the centre of its scheduled network. Air Samarkand has also operated services from Tashkent. Its published destinations span Türkiye, the Middle East, Egypt and Southeast Asia, including Istanbul, Abu Dhabi, Jeddah, Sharm El Sheikh and Phu Quoc. Routes may operate seasonally or as charter programmes rather than throughout the year.
The carrier uses an all-Airbus fleet built around the A321, A321neo and wide-body A330-300 families. Configuration varies by aircraft: some A321 and A330 services offer business and economy cabins, while the higher-density A321neo is arranged for economy travel. The A330 provides additional capacity and range for longer leisure routes, while the narrow-body aircraft are suited to regional and medium-haul flying.
Air Samarkand is not a member of Star Alliance, SkyTeam or Oneworld. It does not currently advertise a proprietary frequent-flyer programme, so travellers should not assume they can earn or redeem alliance miles on its flights. Tickets, baggage options and other services are generally managed directly through the airline or the travel agency that issued the booking.
Air Samarkand’s principal strength is its ability to offer nonstop links from Samarkand that can avoid a connection through Tashkent or another regional hub. Its relatively small fleet and developing network are also practical limitations: schedules can be seasonal, frequencies may be limited, and operational changes can have a greater effect than at a large airline. Travellers should reconfirm schedules and entry requirements before departure.
Good to know
Flying with Air Samarkand — what to expect
Check Seasonal Schedules
Several Air Samarkand routes operate seasonally or as limited-frequency leisure services. Confirm that your flight is operating on the intended date before arranging separate connections or accommodation.
Cabins Vary
Business class is available on selected A321 and A330 aircraft, while the A321neo may operate in an all-economy layout. Check the aircraft and fare details shown during booking.
Review Baggage Terms
Baggage allowances can differ by route and fare. Use the allowance stated on your ticket or booking confirmation rather than assuming that every Air Samarkand fare includes the same checked baggage.
Allow Connection Time
Air Samarkand has a small network and limited frequencies on many routes. Leave a generous buffer for self-connections, particularly when the onward flight is on a separate ticket.
Verify Operating Airport
The airline operates primarily from Samarkand but also offers selected flights from Tashkent. Check the departure city and airport carefully when comparing similarly timed services.
Route network
Popular routes operated by Air Samarkand
Notable destinations on Air Samarkand's network.
9SSamarkanddirect9STashkentdirect9SIstanbuldirect9SAbu Dhabidirect9SJeddahdirect9SSharm El Sheikhdirect9SPhu Quocdirect9STel AvivdirectDestination list is indicative of Air Samarkand's network; see the airline's official route map for its complete, current schedule.
More from Uzbekistan
Other airlines based in Uzbekistan
FAQ
Air Samarkand — frequently asked questions
Quick answers to the details travellers usually check first, from codes and locations to the practical basics that help with planning.
8 common questions
- Air Samarkand’s primary hub is Samarkand International Airport in Uzbekistan. It also operates selected services from Tashkent.
- Services between Uzbekistan and Phu Quoc in Vietnam are among the longest routes in Air Samarkand’s published network. The exact longest operating sector can change as seasonal and charter programmes are adjusted.
- Carry-on limits depend on the fare and route, and passengers should follow the dimensions and weight shown in their booking conditions. Check directly with Air Samarkand before departure because cabin baggage rules can change.
- Air Samarkand’s published destination list currently names about eight cities, but the number served at any one time can vary with seasonal schedules and charter programmes. Consult its booking system for the network available on your travel dates.
- Its published network includes destinations such as Istanbul, Abu Dhabi, Jeddah, Sharm El Sheikh, Phu Quoc and Tel Aviv, alongside Samarkand and Tashkent. Availability varies because some routes are seasonal or charter-based.
- Prices are often lower when booked early and outside holiday periods or peak leisure seasons. Compare several dates, as limited weekly frequencies can produce substantial fare differences between departures.
- Originfacts compares live fares from hundreds of airlines and travel agencies via its partner Travelpayouts. Originfacts never adds a fee.
- Samarkand International Airport is the airline’s principal departure point. Tashkent International Airport is another important origin for selected Air Samarkand services.