Uzbekistan to construct new Airport to handle rising passenger demand

On August 1, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev was briefed on major transport projects, including the construction of a new international airport in the Tashkent region. Following a meeting with the President, officials shared detailed information about the location and capabilities of the proposed airport.

According to Transport Minister Ilhom Mahkamov, the new airport will be situated 17 kilometers from the existing Tashkent International Airport, near the current Tashkent–Samarkand highway and a toll highway that is planned for construction shortly.

“The land plot selected for the construction of the new international airport is located south of the capital, 17 kilometers from the current airport. This area is also convenient due to its location along the existing Tashkent–Samarkand highway and proximity to the planned toll highway,” said Ilhom Mahkamov.

Javlonbek Umarkhodjayev, Chairman of the Board of Uzbekistan Airports, stated that the current Tashkent International Airport has an annual capacity of 11 million passengers. It is capable of handling 17 takeoffs and landings per hour and can accommodate up to 70 aircraft on its apron simultaneously.

According to Umarkhodjayev, by 2030, amid the country's economic growth, the passenger flow through Tashkent Airport is projected to reach 15 million people. While there is an option to modernize the existing airport, its central location and limited expansion potential make it inadequate for future demands.

“Therefore, it became necessary to build a new airport, which is scheduled to be commissioned by 2030. The existing airport, due to its proximity to the city center, contributes to increased traffic congestion. Additionally, the condition of the runways and the dense urban construction limit aircraft maneuverability,” said Javlonbek Umarkhodjayev.

He added that the President has decided to begin construction of the new airport. In its initial phase, the facility will serve up to 20 million passengers per year, accommodate 169 aircraft simultaneously, and manage more than 40 takeoffs and landings per hour.