Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Air Marakanda has ceremoniously welcomed the first resumed flight from Turkistan, marking the revival of regular air service between Samarkand and cities of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

As part of the arrival ceremony, the aircraft was greeted with a traditional water salute. Passengers arriving in the ancient city of Samarkand were welcomed to the sounds of national Uzbek instruments — karnay and surnay — evoking the region's hospitality and rich cultural heritage.

An official event was held to mark the launch of the new flights, attended by the Consul General of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Samarkand and representatives of the Samarkand regional tourism department.

During the ceremony, the importance of strengthening transport connectivity and enhancing tourism potential between Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan was emphasized.

Flights between Samarkand and Turkistan, as well as Samarkand and Astana, are operated by Qazaq Air twice a week — on Thursdays and Sundays.