SunExpress Launches First Direct Flights Connecting Izmir and Tashkent
Turkish carrier SunExpress has launched its first direct flights connecting Izmir and Tashkent, operating four times weekly on Boeing 737-800 aircraft.
SunExpress has inaugurated its first direct air service between Izmir and Tashkent, establishing a new route that links the two cities. The initial scheduled flight by the Turkish carrier landed at Tashkent International Airport carrying 170 passengers, while 169 passengers were on the return flight to Izmir.
Upon its arrival, the aircraft received a traditional water cannon salute to commemorate the new route. Inside the terminal, a celebratory event was arranged for the arriving passengers, complete with local delicacies and a themed photo area.
This new service marks the first direct scheduled air link between Tashkent and Izmir. Flights are scheduled to operate four times per week—on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays—utilizing Boeing 737-800 aircraft.
Uzbekistan Airports highlighted SunExpress's entry into the Uzbek market as a significant step in broadening the capital airport's network of routes.
The company further noted that the addition of another Turkish airline will intensify competition on flights between Uzbekistan and Türkiye, where Turkish Airlines and AJet currently operate. This is expected to provide passengers with a greater variety of flight options and pricing.
SunExpress, established in 1989, is a joint venture between Turkish Airlines and Lufthansa.
With its main hubs in Antalya and Izmir, the airline conducts scheduled flights to over 250 destinations across 37 countries in Europe, the Middle East, North Africa, and Central Asia.