Kuala Lumpur: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof has called upon AirAsia X to consider adding Samarkand to its flight routes, amid an increased interest in visiting holy sites in the region. He stated that this initiative would align with Malaysia’s plan to enhance people-to-people ties through tourism and cultural exchange. This plan aims to leverage the rich cultural heritage and historical sites of both Malaysia and Uzbekistan, as well as foster joint initiatives in education and human capital development.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Fadillah mentioned a specific request from the Governor and Deputy Governor of Samarkand for at least one direct flight from Kuala Lumpur to Samarkand. This request was made during his visit to Samarkand, and he intends to convey it to AirAsia X. Fadillah expressed hope for a direct flight from Samarkand, particularly for those interested in undertaking Umrah, during his opening remarks at the Malaysia-Uzbekistan Business Forum 2025.

The forum, a one-day event, was jointly organised by the Malaysia-Uzbekistan Business Alliance (MUBA) and Uzbekistan’s Investment, Industry and Trade Ministry. Fadillah was on the last day of his official working visit to Uzbekistan before continuing his journey to Russia.

On June 23, AirAsia X announced the commencement of flights to Tashkent, Uzbekistan, thrice weekly from October 15, 2025. This new route follows AirAsia X’s entry into the region with the introduction of flights to Almaty, Kazakhstan, in early 2024.