SunExpress expands Central Asian footprint

Image: SunExpress

Turkish-registered carrier SunExpress (IATA: XQ) is expanding its Central Asian footprint with the launch of its first direct scheduled services connecting Izmir (ADB) to major regional hubs in Tashkent, Uzbekistan (TAS), and Almaty, Kazakhstan (ALA).

Beginning July 31, the leisure airline—a 50/50 joint venture between Lufthansa and Turkish Airlines—will operate 2x-weekly service between Izmir and Almaty. Flights on the Izmir–Tashkent sector will commence August 1 with a 4x-weekly frequency. SunExpress will deploy 189-seat Boeing 737-800 narrowbodies on both routes.

The move marks SunExpress’ entrance into the Kazakh market. In Uzbekistan, the carrier has been present since late 2023, currently operating four weekly frequencies between Izmir and Samarkand (SKD). Additionally, the airline is considering introducing regular flights to airports in the Fergana Valley — Uzbekistan’s most densely populated area — from early next year. The LCC first initiated its broader network expansion across the South Caucasus and Central Asia in May 2023 with the launch of services to Georgia.

Izmir is Turkey’s third-largest metropolis, serving as a critical commercial, industrial, and logistics center, as well as the primary gateway to Aegean resort destinations.

Established in 1989, SunExpress is home-based out of dual hubs in Antalya (AYT) and Izmir (ADB), serving more than 250 routes across 37 countries. The carrier currently operates a fleet of approximately 90 narrowbody aircraft, primarily Boeing 737-800s, which are being progressively replaced as part of a fleet modernization program incorporating Boeing 737MAX family aircraft. SunExpress reported a total passenger volume of approximately 16 million in 2025.

CentralAsia+ Aero earlier reported: Uzbekistan airports post 15.5% passenger growth in H1 2026.

CentralAsia+ Aero earlier reported: Tokayev proposes direct air links between Astana and Russian border hubs.

CentralAsia+ Aero earlier reported: Uzbekistan Airways and China Southern code-share deal takes off.