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.
