Air Samarkand is adding a third weekly scheduled return service from Samarkand to the Turkish capital of Istanbul, starting 14 September. The new weekly Saturday service will regularly use an Airbus 321 aircraft, adding to existing scheduled return services operating every Monday and Thursday from Samarkand International Airport (SKD) to Istanbul International Airport (IST). These are operated with the airline’s Airbus A321neo aircraft on the scheduled five-hour flight. Air Samarkand’s Airbus A321 provides 12 Business Class and 182 Economy Class seats.
Zafar Butaev, CEO of Air Samarkand, says: “This third weekly rotation on the Samarkand-Istanbul service will deliver increased flexibility to our customers and help to satisfy the growing demand from business and leisure travellers on this route, with further increases likely very soon.”
The expanded service to Istanbul marks the continued and steady expansion of Air Samarkand’s route network. In late July the carrier began flying to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, to support religious pilgrims, increasing the frequency to five per week by September – with two services departing from Samarkand and one each week from the Uzbek cities of Termez, Fergana and Namangan. Air Samarkand also serves Sharm El Sheikh in Egypt and Nha Trang in Vietnam, using Airbus A321neo and A330-300 aircraft.
Hong Kong Airlines adds to Thailand service
Hong Kong Airlines continues to expand its regional route network and announced the launch of new direct flights to Chiang Mai, Thailand starting 27 October 2024. The new daily service marks the airline’s third destination in Thailand, alongside Bangkok and Phuket, providing travellers with even more options for exploring this vibrant country. Nestled in northern Thailand, Chiang Mai is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, captivating ancient temples, and relaxed atmosphere, making it a popular destination for solo travellers and those seeking a tranquil retreat. As a celebrated cultural hub, Chiang Mai hosts many of Thailand’s most vibrant festivals and boasts numerous UNESCO World Heritage sites. It’s no surprise that Chiang Mai has been recognised among TripAdvisor’s Top 25 Destinations in the World.
For Editorial Inquiries Contact:
Editor Matt Driskill at matt.driskill@asianaviation.com
For Advertising Inquiries Contact:
Head of Sales Kay Rolland at kay.rolland@asianaviation.com
