Samarkand Airport doubles traffic, welcomes one millionth passenger

Friday, December 29, 2023

Air Marakanda, the management entity overseeing the operations of Samarkand International Airport, has declared a noteworthy achievement today, as the annual passenger traffic has doubled compared to the 495,000 passengers recorded in 2022, reaching a milestone of welcoming its one millionth passenger. This landmark not only signifies the surging tourism allure of Uzbekistan’s second city but also underscores the triumphant growth strategy employed by the management company.

The individual marking the record-breaking millionth passenger is Mr. Dilshod Rakhimov, a resident of Tajikistan, who embarked on a journey to Abu Dhabi aboard Wizz Air flight 5W7164.

In celebration of this momentous occasion, Dmitry Martynenko, the Commercial Director of Air Marakanda, bestowed souvenirs upon the millionth passenger and presented a voucher for access to the airport’s VIP lounge. Wizz Air, in acknowledgment, extended congratulations and provided a voucher covering the expenses for a flight to Abu Dhabi.

Anton Khojayan, CEO of Air Marakanda, expressed, “Serving our first millionth passenger marks a pinnacle in the year for our company. Through collaborations with partner airlines, the introduction of new destinations, increased flight frequencies, and the enhancement of Samarkand’s airport infrastructure, we achieved the significant milestone of one million passengers. Today’s celebration of a record-breaking passenger marks the perfect conclusion to the year, and we are enthusiastic about elevating our growth trajectory further. I am confident that the upcoming year will yield even more remarkable results.”

Air Marakanda inaugurated the strikingly designed new terminal of the airport less than two years ago, becoming the initial private participant in a public/private partnership within the aviation sector in Uzbekistan.

Johan Eidhagen, Managing Director of Wizz Air Abu Dhabi, expressed delight in commemorating one year of operations in Samarkand and contributing to the airport’s attainment of the significant milestone of one million passengers. He emphasized Wizz Air’s role in introducing a new era of ultra-low-cost travel, providing affordable travel opportunities, and facilitating the transportation of over 100,000 passengers to and from Samarkand.

Eidhagen conveyed, “We anticipate doubling our numbers in 2024, carrying the banner of ultra-low-cost travel into the region and stimulating more demand by making travel affordable for both residents and visitors of Samarkand.”

The achievement of the millionth passenger coincides with Samarkand International Airport securing a position among the top 5 largest airports in Europe in terms of passenger traffic growth, as reported by the European branch of the International Airports Council (ACI Europe). According to the results compiled as of October, Samarkand airport secured the 4th place in the category of regional and small airports.

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