Samarkand has been added to the flight network of Turkish Airlines and becomes the 302nd destination offered by the carrier.
The city was recently designated as a UNESCO cultural heritage site.
Samarkand, founded on the Silk Road and one of the most important transportation lines of world trade for centuries, is the second destination of Turkish Airlines to be operated in Uzbekistan after the capital city of Tashkent.
In a speech at the launch ceremony of the new route at the Samarkand International Airport, Turkish Airlines CEO Bilal Ekşi said: “We have launched flights to Samarkand, one of the most important cities of our civilization, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Guests will be able to fly to Samarkand from 121 countries through direct flights.”
He added: “I believe that this pearl city, which hosts numerous madrasas (schools), mosques, museums, tombs, observatories and architectural masterpieces, will progress in tourism in a short time. Also, we are glad to serve this city that is the eternal resting place of several historical figures and scholars.”
Ekşi underlined the strong ties between the two countries since the beginning of operations of the Turkish Airlines flights to Uzbekistan in 1992.
The carrier is operating flights to Tashkent seven times a week and will operate Samarkand flights twice weekly.
Round trip fares from Istanbul to Samarkand start from $364, including taxes and fees.
Turkish Airlines adds Samarkand to flight network
Turkish Airlines adds Samarkand to flight network
Jeeny launches First–Last Mile Access in partnership with Medina Bus
Jeeny has announced the introduction of its First-Last Mile Access Program in collaboration with Medina Bus, marking a significant step forward in Saudi Arabia's transportation reform.
Passengers who buy a Medina Bus ticket can now get discounted Jeeny rides to and from key bus stops, making public transportation more accessible for both residents and pilgrims.
While the initiative appears modest, it represents a far wider vision: the first operational phase of Jeeny's goal to develop Saudi Arabia's next-generation Integrated Mobility Platform, an integrated framework that will eventually connect numerous modes of transportation under one seamless consumer experience.
Medina was chosen as the launch location because of its national importance and growing demand for efficient transportation.
In 2024, the city's bus network handled 1.72 million people, and demand is predicted to increase further in 2025.
Medina, being one of the Kingdom's most popular destinations, provides a real-world setting for evaluating concepts that can then be scaled across the country.
“This marks the beginning of a mobility shift in Saudi Arabia, where public transport and private operators can work together to offer a seamless journey,” said Hammad Ehtesham, CEO of Jeeny. “Making it easier for people to reach public transport is the foundation of a future where every mode of mobility in the Kingdom connects effortlessly.”
With millions of rides every year in Saudi Arabia and Jordan, Jeeny has developed into one of the top mobility platforms in the area.
The company, which employs over 400 people and has one of the biggest active driver networks in the Kingdom, is currently getting ready for its next stage: a nationwide mobility ecosystem that will support buses, ride-hailing, micro-mobility, pilgrim mobility services, and end-to-end travel solutions, including direct flight booking through Jeeny.
Despite the fact that Medina's First-Last Mile initiative is relatively new, early feedback shows that users are really interested in more accessible transportation options.
Similar First-Last Mile initiatives can increase public transportation usage by 15 to 25 percent, according to international research, underscoring the wider potential impact as Jeeny considers expanding to more Saudi cities.
“What begins in Medina will become a blueprint for the Kingdom’s connected mobility future,” Ehtesham added. “This is the first step toward a nationwide ecosystem that will make movement simpler, smarter, and more accessible for everyone.”
Passengers on Medina Bus are now able to make use of the Jeeny First-Last Mile Access Program, which supports Saudi Arabia's vision for contemporary, sustainable, and inclusive mobility while providing a new, more convenient means of accessing public transportation.
