โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
International โ Domestic
90
minutes
International โ International
120
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Samarkand International Airport operates as a modern gateway to the ancient Silk Road city of Samarkand, located just 6 kilometers from the historic city center and the famous Registan square. The facility underwent a complete reconstruction completed in 2022, transforming it into one of Central Asia's most impressive regional airports with a striking architectural design.
Terminal facilities feature a stunning new terminal building spanning 40,700 square meters, designed to resemble an open book when viewed from above - symbolically representing the astronomical works of the 15th-century scholar Mirzo Ulugbek. The terminal accommodates up to 1,000 passengers per hour with a capacity of 2 million passengers annually, featuring 29 check-in desks, eight boarding gates, modern duty-free shops showcasing Uzbek wines and handicrafts, contemporary cafes, and free Wi-Fi throughout the facility.
Operational characteristics focus on international and domestic services connecting Samarkand with Central Asian destinations, the Middle East, and beyond. The airport is certified under ICAO Category 1 and can accommodate all aircraft types including wide-body jets such as Boeing 767, with enhanced infrastructure including 24 aircraft parking spaces and modern passenger processing facilities with E-gates and automated immigration systems.
Strategic importance lies in serving as the primary aviation gateway to Uzbekistan's second-largest city and UNESCO World Heritage site, supporting the country's growing tourism industry focused on Silk Road heritage. The US$83 million redevelopment positions the airport as a symbol of modern Uzbekistan while honoring Samarkand's rich scientific and cultural heritage, providing efficient connectivity for international tourists and regional business travelers.
๐ Connection Tips
Samarkand International Airport (SKD) has recently undergone a massive transformation, featuring a stunning new terminal designed to look like an open book, reflecting the city's rich Silk Road history and scholarly heritage. The airport is located just 6 kilometers from the historic Registan square, meaning the transfer usually takes less than 20 minutes outside of peak traffic hours. Travelers should have small denominations of Uzbek Som ready for these rides. Overall, Samarkand's airport offers one of the best arrival experiences in Central Asia. If you choose to negotiate with drivers outside the terminal building, aim for a rate of approximately 25,000 UZS for a standard sedan.
Bus No. 10, 18, M1, and 256 provide frequent links between the airport and the Samarkand city center or the railway station for a very small fare, typically around 1,500 to 3,000 UZS. Free Wi-Fi is available, though it often requires a local phone number for authentication. If you prefer to arrange a taxi at the terminal, look for the 'Taxi2Go' kiosk in the arrivals hall, which provides official fixed-price vouchers (usually around 40,000 to 50,000 UZS to most central hotels). For ground transportation, the most economical options are the local buses and marshrutkas (minibuses). The airport's layout is efficient, but international travelers should still arrive 2 to 3 hours before departure to account for security and passport control, which can be thorough.
It offers transparent, fixed pricing and allows users to pay via a linked credit card, which is often easier than negotiating with independent taxi drivers. Navigating connections here is now much more polished than at the city's older facilities. Inside the terminal, passengers will find a selection of duty-free shops featuring local Uzbek wines and handicrafts, along with modern cafes. For a more direct and comfortable transfer, the Yandex Go app is highly recommended.
โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
International โ Domestic
90
minutes
International โ International
120
minutes
Interline Connections
150
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Andijan International Airport (AZN) is currently undergoing a transformative reconstruction project aimed at making it a premier aviation hub in Uzbekistan's Fergana Valley. Initiated in April 2023, the project reached a major milestone in March 2025 with the completion of a new 3,300-meter Category 4E concrete runway. This state-of-the-art airfield is specifically designed to accommodate long-haul wide-body aircraft, such as the Boeing 787 Dreamliner and Airbus A330, without any operational restrictions. This modernization effort, financed by Uzbekistan Airports JSC, represents a significant investment of 850 billion soums in the region's transport infrastructure.
The second phase of the airport's redevelopment involves the construction of a massive new 22,000-square-meter terminal building, which replaces the previous outdated facility. This modern terminal is being equipped with advanced ICAO CAT-II radar and meteorological systems, along with high-efficiency lighting to support round-the-clock operations in all weather conditions. Once fully operational, the terminal will feature expanded check-in areas, modern security screening zones, and high-quality passenger lounges. The new apron is also being expanded to include seven dedicated aircraft stands, allowing the airport to service up to ten aircraft simultaneously.
As part of Uzbekistan's strategy to enhance regional connectivity, Andijan Airport is significantly expanding its international route network. Beyond the frequent domestic flights to Tashkent, the airport is becoming a key gateway for international travel to major cities such as Istanbul, Moscow, and St. Petersburg. This expansion provides the residents of the densely populated Fergana Valley with direct access to global business and tourism centers, reducing the need for long transit times to other regional airports. The airport's upgraded capabilities are expected to drive economic growth and tourism throughout eastern Uzbekistan.
For travelers arriving at the new Andijan International Airport, the experience is one of efficiency and comfort. Ground transportation is well-supported by a dedicated taxi fleet and private shuttle services that connect the terminal to the city center, located just a short distance away. Inside the terminal, passengers can enjoy a range of amenities including cafes serving traditional Uzbek cuisine, retail outlets featuring local Fergana Valley handicrafts, and comprehensive currency exchange services. As the final phases of construction conclude in late 2025, AZN is set to become a symbol of Uzbekistan's modern and globally integrated aviation sector.
๐ Connection Tips
Andijan International Airport (AZN) has recently undergone a massive reconstruction, reopening in March 2025 as a premier Category 4E aviation hub for Uzbekistanโs Fergana Valley. The facility now features a new 3,300-meter concrete runway capable of supporting long-haul wide-body aircraft like the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, significantly expanding its international reach. For domestic travelers, the primary connection is to the capital, Tashkent (TAS), with multiple weekly frequencies operated by Uzbekistan Airways and the regional carrier Silk Avia. If you are connecting from an international flightโsuch as those from Istanbul, Moscow, or St.
Petersburgโensure you have a minimum of three hours to clear customs and transfer between the temporary terminal currently in use and your onward domestic flight. The permanent 22,000-square-meter terminal is expected to be fully operational by the end of 2025, which will further streamline these processes.
Ground transportation from the airport to Andijan city center (approximately 9 km away) is most efficiently managed via Yandex Go, the widely used regional ride-hailing app. A ride to the center typically takes 20 to 30 minutes and costs between $1. Please ensure that all your onward travel arrangements, including ground transport to your final destination, are confirmed well in advance. Our research indicates that regional transit in this area is highly weather-dependent and requires travelers to remain flexible with their schedules. Always confirm your flight status 24 hours prior to departure, carry your essential medications and critical documents in your hand baggage, and maintain open lines of communication with your local hosts or transport providers. By treating this airport segment as the foundation of your regional travel plan rather than the conclusion of your flight, you will find that it is a highly reliable gateway, provided you account for the unique pace of local transport and the seasonal variability of the local environment, which can often be unpredictable due to sudden meteorological shifts or technical logistics.
50 and $2.50 USD (15,000โ30,000 UZS). Official airport taxis are also available 24/7 just outside the arrivals hall, though it is standard practice to agree on the fare before starting your journey. For those continuing their travels across Uzbekistan, the Andijan Railway Station in the city center offers high-speed and sleeper train services to Tashkent and Samarkand. While the airport has been modernized, carrying Uzbek Soum (UZS) in cash remains essential for small purchases at cafes or for local minibus (marshrutka) fares. Finally, because of the airport's proximity to the Kyrgyzstan border, always check the current status of the Dostlyk border crossing if you plan to continue your journey toward Osh.
โ Back to Samarkand Airport