I just experienced what might be the cheapest flight of my entire life. For just 2 Pakistani rupees or about $6,300 PKR, I flew from Samarkand to Tashkent on Centrum Air, a local Uzbek budget carrier. What surprised me most wasn't just the price, but how this flight actually beat the fastest train on the same route in both speed and cost.
Watch the full flight review on the Salman Travel Diaries YouTube channel.
The Journey
When I booked this Centrum Air flight, I honestly couldn't believe the price tag. To put it in perspective, you cannot get a fast train ticket between these two cities for this amount. The flight departs Samarkand at the absolute last hour of night, which meant something magical happened as we took off.
I managed to grab a front row seat, which on budget airlines is actually a significant advantage. The legroom in the front row is noticeably better than standard economy, and you get to exit the aircraft first after landing. My seat felt reasonably comfortable for such a short hop, and I appreciated having an electric socket and USB port between the seats.
The timing of this flight was spectacular. As our aircraft lifted off into the dark sky, the sun was just beginning to rise on the horizon. Watching this transition from night to dawn at 10,000 feet was genuinely breathtaking. The cabin filled with golden light, and for a moment, you forget you are on a budget airline at all.
The flight was scheduled for approximately one hour, but we actually touched down about 15 minutes early. The distance between Samarkand and Tashkent is roughly 150 kilometers. For comparison, the fastest train on this route, called the Afrosiyob, takes between 2 to 2.5 hours and costs significantly more than this flight.
The in-flight service was minimal but adequate. The crew served water to all passengers, and by the time I finished drinking it, we were already beginning our descent. Most passengers on this flight were foreign tourists, which speaks to how Centrum Air has positioned itself in the regional market. The aircraft was clean, the staff was professional, and everything ran smoothly from start to finish.
The Airline: Honest Review
Centrum Air is a local Uzbek budget carrier that deserves recognition for delivering genuine value on regional routes. The aircraft appears to be well-maintained and efficiently operated. The cabin is basic but clean, with functional amenities like USB ports and power sockets that many legacy carriers don't even offer in economy class.
Service quality is straightforward and no-frills, which is exactly what you expect from a budget airline. The staff are professional and efficient, prioritizing punctuality over hospitality. The airline's real strength lies in its pricing strategy and route coverage within Uzbekistan and Central Asia.
Punctuality was excellent on this flight, actually arriving 15 minutes ahead of schedule. For such a short route, this efficiency matters. The airline operates smaller, fuel-efficient aircraft that suit the regional market perfectly. While you won't get hot meals or extensive amenities, you will get a safe, comfortable, and incredibly affordable journey. For budget-conscious travelers exploring Uzbekistan, this airline offers genuinely outstanding value that is hard to beat anywhere in the world.
Ratings
- Incredibly cheap pricing that beats the fastest train on the same route
- Front row seat provides excellent legroom and comfort for a budget carrier
- USB ports and power sockets between seats, rare on regional budget flights
- Excellent punctuality, arrived 15 minutes early
- Professional and efficient crew
- Perfect timing for sunrise views during flight
- Minimal in-flight service with only water offered
- No hot meals or snacks provided
- Seats are basic and not padded for longer routes
The Verdict
Centrum Air is an absolute gem for budget travelers moving between Central Asian cities. If you are traveling the Samarkand to Tashkent route or other regional connections, this airline offers unbeatable value that you simply will not find elsewhere. Book a front row seat if you can, expect minimal frills, and enjoy one of the world's cheapest and most efficient short-haul flights.
