Bridge between the East and the Aegean Coast: SunExpress offers direct flights between Tashkent and Izmir
The air link between Uzbekistan and Türkiye is strengthening, marking a new milestone in their aviation history. Beginning August 1, 2026, SunExpress will operate regular flights on the Izmir – Tashkent – Izmir route for the first time. This significant move will connect two major cities and create the first direct flight between Uzbekistan’s capital and the scenic Aegean Coast.
Flights will operate four times a week using reliable and comfortable Boeing 737-800 aircraft, enabling passengers to plan their trips without unnecessary transfers. This high flight frequency aims to accommodate increasing demand and facilitate new opportunities for tourism, business, and cultural travel. Additionally, the arrival of this new leader is strategically significant for Uzbekistan Airports, as SunExpress is making its first entry into the Uzbekistan market and becomes the third Turkish airline offering regular flights to the country.
The entry of the new budget airline in Uzbekistan marks only the start of a wider expansion, as the airline is actively contemplating establishing regular flights to Fergana Valley airports starting early next year.
These ambitious plans will naturally enhance the current flight network, which is primarily served by Turkish Airlines and AJet, the leading airlines connecting Türkiye and Uzbekistan. The emergence of a third major airline in this sector underscores the strong international interest in Uzbekistan’s rapidly growing market.
This interest stems from the extensive experience of the carrier itself: SunExpress, founded in 1989 as a joint venture between Turkish Airlines and Lufthansa, has become one of Türkiye’s largest low-cost airlines. Headquartered in Antalya and Izmir, it operates regular flights to over 250 destinations across 37 countries, including Europe, the Middle East, North Africa, and Central Asia. Uzbekistan now joins this impressive global network.
Roman Bondarchuk, UzA
