Published on
October 16, 2025
The announced suspension of direct flights to Tel Aviv and Istanbul has been made by an Uzbekistan-based airline named Air Samarkand and will last until spring of 2026. This suspension is a part of a restructuring newly adopted by the airline in order to better optimise its operations and facilitate growth in the future. It seems likely that this will inhibit, on some level, both tourism and business travel to and from Uzbekistan, Israel, and Turkey. The rapid expansion of this airline in the last two years, coupled with the growth in demand for international and regional travel, seem to be the reason behind the cancellations of these routes.
Passengers traveling from Samarkand to Tel Aviv will find the disruptions most difficult. Disturbances in Air Samarkand’s operations are the result of its concentration on new routes and better use of its fleet. Air Samarkand offered Israel and Turkey route flights for the first time in 2024. In order to increase the inflow of tourism to Uzbekistan, these routes were initially charter routes. In the face of these resolutions, those affected are being provided with options for a full refund. This refund is available through third-party travel agencies, as well as Air Samarkand directly.
Implications of Suspension During these Periods on the Use Of Air Travel Between Israel, Turkey, and Uzbekistan and Movement Relating To Them.
The slowing of the flights between Samarkand and Tel Aviv and Istanbul will have consequences for certain types of tourists as well as for business travelers as well. Turkey and Israel are two of the top countries that send international tourists to Uzbekistan and, along with some other proud to possess them, the stunning historical city of Samarkand, the Registan Square, and the Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum are hotspots for global travelers.
With the government and Uzbekistan’s tourism industry e-visa systems, marketing focused on tourism, and other such policies, the industry has made has grown quite rapidly. Uzbekistan being cut off from these regions is a concern, even if the concern is temporary. These borders are crucial to European and Middle Eastern countries.
Business as well as leisure travelers have to a large extent, have complained and still complain that accessibility to direct flights is seriously lacking. Many of the travelers in question, are trying to receive and follow instructions to connect through the capital city of Tashkent, as well as with several other cities, like Dubai or Doha where they will change planes. These people would include travelers who are hoping to visit the cities of Samarkand, Kiva, or Bukhara. These people might face stiff restrictions and a considerable slim chance of actually attaining the freedom that they would like with the borders being shut as they are.
Description of Future Variants of Air Samarkand Growth and Restructuring
Notwithstanding the temporary operational pauses, Air Samarkand has been preparing strategically positioned for expected expansion. Since its inception in 2022, the airline has been expanding service and modernizing the fleet, and optimizing and expanding the route network. The pause in flights to Tel Aviv and Istanbul helps Air Samarkand rationalize efforts for a redeployment to those markets for 2026.
Currently part of the Air Samarkand fleet are medium range capable Airbus A321 aircraft readable for Central Asia to the Middle East and Europe. The airline’s operational objectives relate to altered route networks for improved operational and customer service. Air Samarkand’s objectives for expanding network are in support of the increased global positioning of Uzbekistan.
Restructuring of the business Air Samarkand is focused both on offsetting operational deficits as well as on broadening the competitive position of the airline for the Central Asian region over a long operational horizon. Uzbekistan’s goals of elevating air access, modernizing aviation and provide tourism friendly regimes and services are fully supported.
Alternatives for Affected Travelers
“In light of recent developments regarding the suspension of particular flights, travelers are advised to undertake self-managed alternative arrangements for their travel. Uzbekistan Airways still provides valid options for flights to Israel and Turkey. Tashkent continues to be the major international gateway in which passengers can fly non-stop from Tel Aviv and Istanbul to Tashkent, and thereafter, take domestic flights to Samarkand.”
“In response to the suspension of flights, Air Samarkand has partnered with local travel agencies and online travel service providers to ensure passengers are able to get a refund, and to minimize the time spent on arrangements for the passengers. Air Samarkand has assured travelers that their interest will travel diameter be their primary focus, and personnel will be dedicated to helping manage the rebooking, refunding, and advisory aspects of travel.”
Future Prospects and Strategic Partnerships
As Air Samarkand continues the restructuring on the business side of the airline, the company is also looking for corporate partners who will support the launch of new routes in the subsequent years. This will involve collaboration with international frameworks, travel and tour promoters, and airline affiliates to enable effortless inter-country travel for travellers in the region of Central Asia and beyond.”
Besides, operational Uzbekistan travel companies continue the active promotion of the country’s heritage and adventure tourism products. Uzbekistan’s cultural and eco-tourism continue to be promising to the European, Middle Eastern, and Asian markets. These regions will continue to be the primary markets for sending visitors to Uzbekistan, and the recent and ongoing disruptions will not change the long-term promotion of tourism to the country.
Conclusion: Looking Forward, What Awaits Air Samarkand and Uzbekistan Tourism
The stagnation of Air Samarkand’s business and the suspension of the Tel Aviv and Istanbul flights is a “glitch” for now. In the long term, it is a promising strategy for growth and improved services. Air Samand’s reorganisation will ensure the country is well connected to the world and oblivious to the global tourism growth. While the airline is expected to greatly improve the breadth of its services, the routes and the frequency of service are expected to contribute to tourism growth and economic development in Uzbekistan.
At the same time, tourism in Uzbekistan is flourishing, and Samarkand, Bukhara, and Tashkent still stand out as important cultural and historical sites. The partnership between airline companies and the tourism industry will still concentrate on providing value for money and easily accessible travel to ensure Uzbekistan remains a leading travel destination in Central Asia.
