Flight Details
- Airline: Humo Air
- Class: Economy
- Route: Fergana (FEG) to Sokh Airport (UZS)
- Aircraft: Antonov An-2
The golden era of aviation adventures is slowly coming to an end. This year marked the end of a true legend of the skies: the world’s last scheduled passenger service operated by the Antonov An-2 was officially discontinued.
Before this historic biplane was retired for good, I knew I had to experience it for myself. To pull off this logistical mission, I traveled all the way to Uzbekistan, linked up with my good friend and fellow aviation enthusiast Rowan, and made my way to the Fergana Valley.
Here is what it was really like to fly on Asia’s most unique—and potentially most dangerous—scheduled flight.
The Logistics & Securing the “Priceless” Ticket
The journey to get to this flight was an adventure in itself: A 7-hour long-haul flight from Kuala Lumpur to Tashkent.
A domestic connecting flight out east to Fergana (FEG). A race against time to buy physical tickets at the local office.
You cannot buy tickets for this flight online. The service operated three times a week from Fergana to Sokh, an Uzbek exclave completely surrounded by Kyrgyzstan. Traveling between Fergana and Sokh by land involves complex border crossings, and the tiny airstrip in Sokh can only accommodate short-takeoff-and-landing aircraft like the An-2.
When we arrived in Fergana, we managed to secure our return tickets for just 1.1 million Uzbek som (~$100 USD) for two passengers. For a bucket-list aviation experience, that price tag is absolute steal!
Boarding the 1950s Legend
Stepping onto the Antonov An-2 is like stepping straight into a time capsule. First designed in the late 1940s, over 18,000 units of this single-engine biplane were produced, making it one of the most-produced aircraft in history.
Cabin Conditions & Features
Legroom: Surprisingly tight compared to larger classic Soviet airliners.
Seatbelts: Non-existent!
Window Shades: Patterned curtains that barely cover the glass.
Engine Start: As the radial engine coughed to life, thick clouds of oil smoke billowed past the windows accompanied by a distinct, raw aviation-fuel smell inside the cabin.
In-Flight Experience & Babushka Hospitality
Despite the lack of radar, jet engines, or modern avionics, the takeoff was shockingly smooth. The An-2 lifted off in what felt like just a few hundred feet of runway.
The flight time to Sokh was only 30 minutes, but the onboard atmosphere was unforgettable:
In-Flight Service: A local passenger handed out traditional snacks—which turned out to be extremely dry, salty Kurut (dried cheese balls). Rowan thought it was hilarious watching me struggle to politely choke down what felt like a 50-year-old piece of rock-hard cheese!
Flight Quality: Exceptionally low-altitude and scenic views over the Fergana region.
After a bumpy tin-can landing on the short strip in Sokh, we were greeted by local border security. I even got the chance to open the main cabin door from the inside myself—a first for me in my entire aviation career!
Exploring the Sokh Exclave
We had a brief layover in Sokh before the return flight. The local hospitality was out of this world. Within minutes of walking down the main road:
A friendly local driver pulled over and offered us a free tour of the town.
We were shown the surrounding border areas, local developments, and major hotel projects aimed at boosting regional travel.
We sat down with locals, broke fresh Uzbek bread, and shared stories despite the language barrier.
The Return Flight: Air Marshals and Cargo
The return leg back to Fergana was even more surreal. Rowan and I were essentially the only regular passengers on board, giving us the whole cabin to ourselves.
Joining us on the return leg was an armed local air marshal keeping an eye on the flight, as well as a dead body being transported back in a coffin right next to our seats. Talk about a raw, authentic glimpse into how vital this air bridge was for the remote community!
Final Thoughts
Shortly after returning from this trip, this historic Antonov An-2 service was officially discontinued, marking the end of the world’s last scheduled An-2 passenger route. I consider myself incredibly lucky to have caught this piece of aviation history before it vanished forever.
Moral of the story: Never delay your travel plans, you never know when an aviation legend will take its final flight!
Planning a trip? Check out my flight deals section for actual bargains, or support the channel by booking through my Skyscanner link
This is it guys, wherever you’re off to, have a safe trip!
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About the Author
Josh Cahill is an award-winning Aviation YouTuber who is reportedly one of the most-watched flight reviewers on the internet. He organised Afghanistan’s first all-female flight together with Kam Air in February 2021 on a flight from Herat to Kabul for which he received the Aviation Achievement Award. His favourite hobby? Flying exotic airlines nobody has ever heard of.
