Airport management company Air Marakanda, which manages the Samarkand International Airport, has announced the opening of a new flight operated by China Southern Airlines between Urumqi and Samarkand. The airline will be the first carrier operating flights to Samarkand from China.
Starting 16 October, it will become possible to fly to the capital of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region in northwestern China from Samarkand. All flights will be operated on modern Boeing 737-800 aircraft in a two–class layout of business class and economy.
Dmitry Martynenko, Commercial Director for Air Marakanda, said: "This announcement marks a new step in the growing relationship between the People's Republic of China and the Republic of Uzbekistan. This new gateway will further promote strong interconnectivity and collaboration between our two nations and provide a new economic pathway for capital to flow for both business and tourism respectively."