Uzbekistan, Tajikistan Strengthen Ties with New Samarkand–Dushanbe Route

A new chapter in regional air connectivity began as direct regular flights between Uzbekistan's Samarkand International Airport and Dushanbe, the capital of Tajikistan, officially commenced service.

The route is operated by Centrum Air in cooperation with airport operator Air Marakanda, The Caspian Post reports via Uzbek media.

The inaugural flight from Dushanbe was celebrated with a festive ceremony at Samarkand Airport, reflecting the cultural and diplomatic significance of the occasion.

Distinguished guests in attendance included Tajikistan’s Ambassador to Uzbekistan, Abdujabbor Aziz Rahmonzoda, Deputy Governor of the Samarkand Region Rustam Kobilov, and Chairman of the Tajik Cultural Center Sh. Samadov, among others.

Upon arrival, Flight C6246 was welcomed with a traditional water cannon salute, a customary honor in aviation, followed by a vibrant cultural performance featuring Uzbek musical instruments-karnay and surnay-traditional dances, and the serving of Samarkand’s signature samsa to passengers and guests.

A ceremonial cake-cutting marked the official opening of the route, symbolizing the growing friendship and cooperation between Uzbekistan and Tajikistan.

The new route will operate twice weekly, on Thursdays and Sundays, with departures from Samarkand at 07:30 a.m. (GMT+5).

Officials note that the launch of this direct flight is poised to boost tourism, facilitate business travel, and deepen cultural ties between the two neighboring nations. It also forms part of a broader effort to enhance the region’s transportation network and improve accessibility to major cities in Central Asia.