Tashkent to build new international airport to meet growing demand

Uzbekistan is moving forward with plans to construct a new international airport in the Tashkent region, as part of broader transportation development initiatives reviewed by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev on August 1.

According to the presidential press service, the new airport will be developed under a public-private partnership model, and proposals from foreign companies are currently being evaluated.

Transport Minister Ilkhom Makhkamov announced that the proposed site for the airport is located 17 kilometres south of Tashkent’s existing international airport. He noted that this area already benefits from existing transport and logistics infrastructure, which makes it a suitable location for the large-scale project.

Javlonbek Umarhodzhaev, Chairman of the Board of Uzbekistan Airports, provided a detailed overview of the current capacity of the capital's airport. At present, Tashkent International Airport can serve up to 11 million passengers annually, support 17 takeoffs and landings per hour, and accommodate up to 70 aircraft on its apron.

However, he warned that as Uzbekistan's economy continues to grow, passenger traffic through the capital is projected to rise to 15 million by 2030. Even with potential upgrades, the existing airport—limited by its location within city boundaries—cannot be expanded to meet future demand.

As a result, President Mirziyoyev has approved the start of construction for a new international airport. In its first phase, the facility will have the capacity to handle 20 million passengers a year, manage over 40 takeoffs and landings per hour, and simultaneously accommodate up to 169 aircraft.

Deputy Minister of Economy and Finance Ilkhom Umrzakov added that, following the president’s directive, the financial aspects of the project will undergo further review to ensure its viability.

By Tamilla Hasanova