On September 17th, SmartLynx Airlines Cargo made its first stop at Navoi International Airport (NVI) in Uzbekistan. This technical stop was a scheduled part of the cargo route from Dhaka (DAC), Bangladesh, to Lodz (LCJ), Poland, with an additional stop in Varna (VAR), Bulgaria. The service was operated using the A321F cargo aircraft. 

Upon arrival at NVI Airport, the SmartLynx A321F received a warm welcome, complete with a traditional water salute. The crew was greeted by the airport management and enjoyed live music performed by a local traditional band, adding a festive and cultural touch to their welcome. 

SmartLynx Airlines Captain Carlos Marcelo Cardenas Becerra shares, “It was an unexpected and warm reception by the airport authorities. The first flight through the mountainous area of the Hindu Kush was impressive. It was an honor and a privilege to have been in command of the first flight over such a rugged and challenging region. The day was partly cloudy, but among the clouds, you could perfectly appreciate the closeness of the mountains and the imposing landscape. There was tremendous planning and preparation behind the realization and opening of this route. I appreciate the great effort made by the SmartLynx team, as it allows the crews to fly with the tranquility and confidence required in these situations.” 

SmartLynx Cargo plans to make several more rotations in the route DAC-LCJ with a technical stop in Navoi for refueling and crew rotation purposes.