Wizz Air Abu Dhabi has launched a new thrice-weekly direct route between UAE and Samarkand in Uzbekistan. The airline is the second prominent UAE carrier to launch direct flights to the recently modernised Samarkand International Airport.
Anton Khodzhajan, General Director of airport management company Air Marakanda, said: “We are pleased to welcome our new partner, Wizz Air Abu Dhabi, whose direct flights between the ancient city of Samarkand and the UAE began today, marking a significant event for Uzbekistan aviation and tourism. The Air Marakanda team has worked hard to bring this about, as it opens up new travel opportunities for residents of Samarkand and the area, and will attract tourists from the Middle East to our beautiful city."
Michael Berlouis, Managing Director of Wizz Air Abu Dhabi, said: “We welcome our seventh and eighth aircraft and are delighted to expand our ever-growing network in Central Asia, a key growth market for Wizz Air Abu Dhabi. Wizz Air Abu Dhabi is committed to supporting the long-term growth of the UAE’s travel and tourism sector, providing an eclectic mix of new marvelous destinations. We are continuing to deliver travel options that are more convenient and affordable for everyone and we look forward to seeing you onboard our young and sustainable aircraft soon.”
The new airport is expected to serve the region’s population of 3.9 million and act as a hub for international transit flights. Independent research by Lufthansa Consulting forecasts an increase in annual passenger traffic from 480,000 to two million.