SunExpress is expanding Turkey’s international aviation network with a new scheduled service connecting Izmir and Tashkent, creating a direct link between the Turkish Aegean region and Uzbekistan’s capital.
The route will operate four times weekly, giving tourists, business passengers and people visiting friends and relatives a more convenient option for travelling between western Turkey and Central Asia. It will also mark SunExpress’ entry into the Uzbekistan market, strengthening the airline’s presence beyond its established European, Mediterranean and Middle Eastern network.
By removing the need to connect through another airport, the service is expected to reduce journey complexity and support greater movement between the two countries. It will provide new opportunities for holidays, commercial visits, cultural exchanges and multi-destination itineraries.
The connection comes as Uzbekistan continues to attract international interest through its Silk Road heritage, historic cities and expanding tourism infrastructure. Turkey also remains an important international tourism market and transportation hub, creating strong potential for two-way passenger demand.
Four Weekly Flights Improve Travel Convenience
SunExpress plans to operate the Izmir–Tashkent route four times each week using Boeing 737-800 aircraft configured for up to 189 passengers.
The frequency will provide travellers with greater scheduling flexibility than a limited weekly operation, making the route suitable for short holidays, longer cultural tours and business trips.
Direct connectivity is particularly important for travellers from Izmir and surrounding Aegean communities who would otherwise need to transfer through Istanbul or another regional hub. The new service will provide a more straightforward journey from western Turkey to the Uzbek capital.
Passengers arriving in Izmir will also gain access to one of Turkey’s most important coastal tourism regions. The city serves as a gateway to Aegean resorts, beaches, culinary experiences and ancient sites, including destinations across İzmir Province and neighbouring coastal areas.
Tashkent Connects Travellers With Uzbekistan
Tashkent is Uzbekistan’s political, economic and transportation centre, as well as the principal international gateway for visitors entering the country.
The capital combines Soviet-era urban design, modern development, traditional markets, museums and religious landmarks. Its domestic transport links also allow travellers to continue towards Uzbekistan’s major cultural destinations.
Historic cities such as Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva form the foundation of the country’s Silk Road tourism appeal. These destinations attract visitors interested in architecture, Islamic heritage, traditional crafts, gastronomy and Central Asian history.
The new flight could encourage more Turkish travellers to combine Tashkent with other Uzbek cities, supporting hotels, guides, restaurants, rail services and local tourism businesses.
For visitors travelling from Uzbekistan, Izmir offers access to a contrasting coastal holiday experience shaped by beaches, ancient heritage and Mediterranean lifestyles.
SunExpress Enters Uzbekistan’s Aviation Market
The Izmir–Tashkent service represents SunExpress’ first scheduled operation in Uzbekistan and adds another Turkish airline to the country’s international aviation market.
The carrier was established in 1989 as a joint venture between Turkish Airlines and Lufthansa. It has since developed a broad network connecting Turkish destinations with major international markets, particularly across Europe.
Entering Uzbekistan supports the airline’s strategy of identifying destinations with rising tourism demand and growing economic links. Central Asia has become increasingly important for international aviation as governments invest in airport infrastructure, destination promotion and cross-border connectivity.
The new route also gives passengers additional choice between Turkey and Uzbekistan. Increased airline competition can improve scheduling options, broaden destination access and encourage more travellers to consider direct regional journeys.
Tourism and Business Sectors Could Benefit
Improved connectivity is expected to generate benefits beyond the two airports.
Visitors arriving in Izmir may spend on accommodation, restaurants, attractions, local transport and organised excursions. Travellers continuing through the Aegean region could also support coastal resorts and cultural destinations outside the city.
In Uzbekistan, additional arrivals may contribute to demand for hotels, tour operators, rail journeys, museums and heritage attractions. Tashkent’s position as the country’s main commercial centre also makes the service valuable for corporate travel and trade-related visits.
Turkey and Uzbekistan share cultural and historical connections that may support demand for educational exchanges, family visits and organised tourism. A regular nonstop service can make these journeys easier while encouraging stronger cooperation between tourism businesses.
Central Asia Expansion Creates Future Opportunities
SunExpress may also explore additional opportunities within Uzbekistan as passenger demand develops.
Potential services to destinations in the Fergana Valley could extend the airline’s reach beyond Tashkent and provide more direct access to one of Central Asia’s most populated regions.
The valley is known for traditional crafts, markets, agricultural landscapes and historic communities. Improved international connectivity could help bring more visitors to destinations outside Uzbekistan’s established tourism corridor.
For now, the four-times-weekly Izmir–Tashkent route represents a significant new connection between Turkey’s Aegean coast and Central Asia.
By linking two important regional cities, SunExpress is creating fresh opportunities for tourism, trade and cultural exchange while strengthening Uzbekistan’s international accessibility and Izmir’s position as a growing aviation gateway.
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