Air Samarkand, a privately-run airline in Uzbekistan, has announced the temporary cancellation of one of its two weekly flights on the Samarkand-Tashkent route. The decision, attributed to an aircraft shortage, comes after the airline reassigned the involved aircraft to other routes. This domestic route, launched just a month ago, is Air Samarkand’s only internal flight.

The cancellation coincides with the airline’s expansion into international markets. In early November, Air Samarkand commenced weekly charter flights to Phu Quoc, Vietnam. From December, these flights will increase to three times a week, operated by an Airbus A330-300. The carrier is also increasing its presence in Istanbul, with three weekly flights scheduled for the popular destination, up from the previous number.

Air Samarkand’s fleet consists of three aircraft: an A330 widebody, an A321, and an A321neo. The airline focuses on deploying its planes on the most profitable routes, reflecting its capacity constraints.

Additionally, the airline recently shifted its weekly flight to the UAE from the lesser-used El Ain Airport (AAN) to Zayed International Airport (AUH) in Abu Dhabi. The carrier has also expanded its Middle Eastern network, launching seven weekly flights to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, to support the Hajj pilgrimage, with services from Samarkand, Termez, Fergana, Bukhara, and Namangan.

Air Samarkand is also continuing its operations to Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, further expanding its regional offerings.