Over the last five years, Samarkand International Airport (SKD) has risen to prominence, showing one of the most significant growth rates among airports in Europe and Central Asia. The airport has celebrated its 22nd consecutive month of increased passenger traffic, underscoring its vital role in the region’s transportation network.
Recent data from the European airport industry association, ACI Europe, indicate that SKD has seen an extraordinary 191.6% surge in passenger numbers compared to pre-pandemic levels in 2019. This places SKD among the highest growth airports in ACI Europe’s network, which includes over 500 airports spanning 55 countries. In contrast, the average growth for European and Central Asian airports during the same period was only 9%, making SKD’s achievements even more noteworthy.
Continued Growth and Record-Breaking Passenger Traffic
July marked another milestone for SKD, as the airport saw passenger numbers climb to 121,157, a substantial increase from 80,539 in July 2023. The first half of the year was particularly strong, with 647,085 passengers using the airport—a 47% rise from 2023 figures. This growth is further amplified by the addition of 207,421 passengers who utilized the newly constructed airport facilities, which serve as a vital gateway to the historic city of Samarkand, nestled along the Silk Road.
ACI Europe noted that while the broader European region experienced just a 5.8% average growth in the first half of 2024, SKD’s performance far exceeded these figures.
Air Marakanda’s Influence on SKD’s Success
Dmitry Martynenko, the Commercial Director of Air Marakanda, highlighted the airport’s sustained growth: “Our consistent monthly increases in passenger numbers reflect the strong demand for both domestic and international travel originating from Samarkand and its surrounding regions. The growing interest from international airlines bringing more visitors to our ancient city is also a key factor. Air Marakanda is committed to further expanding the route network and boosting passenger traffic at Samarkand International Airport throughout the summer and beyond into 2024.”
Air Marakanda, which manages Samarkand International Airport, has played a crucial role in doubling passenger numbers each year for the past two years. In 2023, the airport welcomed over one million passengers for the first time through its cutting-edge terminal, representing a 104.9% increase compared to the 2022 record of 517,521 passengers. This trend of rapid growth shows no signs of abating.
SKD’s Growing Reputation and Future Prospects
According to ACI Europe, Samarkand International Airport has become one of the top performers among medium-sized airports since 2019. The airport’s rapid growth has outpaced many others, further establishing its reputation as a leading hub in Central Asia.
SKD is classified as a ‘Medium’ airport, handling between one to ten million passengers annually, and has earned recognition as one of the top 10 regional airports in Central Asia by the World Airport Awards, managed by SKYTRAX.
Looking ahead, SKD is expected to continue its growth trajectory, particularly with the recent launch of Air Samarkand, the first airline to be based at the airport. This carrier has not only introduced an extensive charter flight program but has also started scheduled services to key destinations like Istanbul and Jeddah. These services, aimed at facilitating religious pilgrims traveling to Mecca and Medina, are part of a broader expansion strategy that includes new routes to destinations such as Sharm El Sheikh in Egypt and Nha Trang in Vietnam, using modern aircraft like the Airbus A321neo and A330-300.
Since the beginning of 2024, Samarkand International Airport’s route network has grown to include 24 domestic and international destinations. New routes to cities like Turkistan, Tyumen, Irkutsk, Nizhny Novgorod, and Xi’an further enhance the airport’s connectivity, positioning SKD as a crucial hub in the region.