BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 4. Turkish carrier
SunExpress has launched its first scheduled direct service between
Izmir and Tashkent, establishing the first-ever regular air link
between the two cities and expanding air connectivity between
Uzbekistan and Türkiye.
This was reflected in the statement by the Uzbekistan
Airports.
The inaugural flight arrived at Tashkent International Airport
with 170 passengers on board, while the return flight to Izmir
departed with 169 passengers. The aircraft was welcomed with a
traditional water salute, and arriving passengers were greeted with
local refreshments and a ceremonial reception.
"The launch of the new route marks an important milestone in the
development of air connectivity between Uzbekistan and Türkiye,"
Uzbekistan Airports said in a statement.
The new service will operate four times a week — on Tuesdays,
Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays — using Boeing 737-800
aircraft.
According to Uzbekistan Airports, the route is expected to
facilitate tourism, business travel and cultural exchanges between
the two countries while providing passengers with more travel
options.
The launch also strengthens competition on the
Uzbekistan-Türkiye market. SunExpress becomes the third Turkish
airline to operate scheduled flights to Tashkent, joining Turkish
Airlines and AJet.
Founded in 1989 as a joint venture between Turkish Airlines and
Lufthansa, SunExpress is one of Türkiye's largest leisure carriers.
Based in Antalya and Izmir, the airline operates scheduled services
to more than 250 destinations in 37 countries across Europe, the
Middle East, North Africa and Central Asia.
The addition of the Izmir-Tashkent route reflects Uzbekistan's
broader efforts to expand international air connectivity, attract
more foreign visitors and support the continued growth of its
tourism and aviation sectors.
