Air Marakanda’s Samarkand International Airport achieves a record-breaking growth in 2024: What more to know?

Published on January 17, 2025

By: Paramita Sarkar

Air Marakanda, the ground handling company at Samarkand International Airport, has reported a historic achievement in 2024, serving over 1.38 million passengers.

This figure represents a 37% increase from the previous year’s record, underscoring the airport’s significant growth trajectory.

Surge in International Traffic

The most substantial growth was observed in the international air traffic segment, with more than 1.31 million passengers traveling through Samarkand International Airport.

This surge highlights the airport’s expanding global connectivity and its rising prominence as a key hub in the region.

Top Destinations

In 2024, the most frequented destinations from Samarkand included:

Moscow
Istanbul
St. Petersburg
Abu Dhabi
Jeddah

These routes reflect strong demand for both business and leisure travel, connecting Samarkand to major cities across Europe and the Middle East.

Increase in Flight Operations

The airport also experienced a notable rise in flight operations, with take-off and landing activities increasing by 23% to reach 11,000 operations in 2024.

This uptick signifies enhanced operational capacity and efficiency at Samarkand International Airport.

Expansion of Route Network

By the end of 2024, Samarkand International Airport had significantly broadened its route network, offering services on 3 domestic and 23 international routes.

This expansion aligns with the airport’s strategic vision to enhance connectivity and provide passengers with a diverse array of travel options.

Air Samarkand’s Role in Growth

Contributing to this growth, Air Samarkand, the city’s flagship airline, commenced scheduled flights on March 21, 2024.

Operating a fleet that includes Airbus A330, A321, and A321neo aircraft, the airline has been pivotal in connecting Samarkand to various international destinations.

Notably, Air Samarkand launched new routes to Phú Quốc, Vietnam, and Al Ain, UAE, further enhancing the city’s global reach.

Modernization Efforts

The airport’s growth is also attributed to significant modernization efforts. In March 2022, a new terminal was inaugurated, increasing the airport’s capacity from handling 300 to 1,000 passengers per hour.

The terminal’s design, inspired by the astronomer Ulugh Beg, resembles an open book, symbolizing Samarkand’s rich cultural heritage.

Looking Ahead

With the successful expansion of its route network and continuous infrastructure development, Samarkand International Airport is poised for sustained growth.

The airport’s achievements in 2024 reflect its commitment to enhancing connectivity and providing superior services to passengers worldwide.