Navoi International Airport to be separated from Uzbekistan Airports

Navoi International Airport will be separated from the centralized operational management system of Uzbekistan Airports JSC and granted the right to independently conduct negotiations and conclude contracts with local and foreign airlines for passenger and cargo transportation, as well as transit and technical landings. This was discussed at a presentation on improving the efficiency of Navoi International Airport and transforming aviation enterprises, which President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev reviewed today, February 2.

It was noted that despite growth in Navoi International Airport’s key indicators in 2025 compared to 2024, its maximum capacity for aircraft servicing, passenger traffic, and cargo handling is not being fully utilized.

The need to modernize airport infrastructure, upgrade technical equipment, cargo and passenger terminals, and digitalize operational processes was also emphasized.

The presentation proposed developing Navoi International Airport based on project management principles. As part of this approach, the airport will be separated from the centralized operational management of Uzbekistan Airports JSC and granted the authority to independently negotiate and sign agreements with domestic and foreign airlines for passenger and cargo transportation, as well as for transit and technical landings.

Tasks were outlined to increase exports of aviation services by directing airport revenues toward infrastructure modernization, expansion of fuel storage facilities, and the introduction of aircraft maintenance and painting services.

Information was also presented on the business plan developed for the development of Navoi International Airport. According to the plan, commercial and non-aviation activity indicators are expected to increase by 50 percent, regular flights by more than 25 airlines will be launched, and the volume of processed cargo will exceed 20,000 tons.

It was proposed to establish a “porto-franco” free customs zone on the airport’s territory, specializing in technical and commercial services for aircraft.

Until January 1, 2029, special equipment and spare parts imported for aircraft servicing will be exempt from customs duties. In addition, the hotel located on the airport’s territory will be transferred to the airport’s management.

The presentation also paid special attention to the transformation of civil aviation enterprises.

To improve operational efficiency and ensure financial stability, comprehensive measures were presented to reduce costs, use resources more rationally, and outsource services not directly related to core activities.

The need to reduce operating costs through the introduction of energy-saving technologies and the use of special electric vehicles was highlighted.

Starting from 2026, Uzbekistan Airways and Uzbekistan Airports JSC will discontinue financing non-core activities. Uzbekistan Airports will operate based on 18 priority tasks, while Uzbekistan Airways will focus on 16 priority areas.

These include strengthening competitiveness by improving service quality, introducing optimal methodologies for calculating service and product costs, digitalizing all stages of production processes, and prioritizing personnel training and professional development.

As part of the transformation, measures will be implemented to review organizational structures, optimize staffing levels, improve international credit ratings, prepare for an initial public offering, and issue corporate international bonds.

The meeting also reviewed progress in fundamentally improving the aviation personnel training system, including the establishment of a Civil Aviation University and an aviation technical college under its framework.

The educational institutions will be created in cooperation with leading international aviation education centers such as Embry-Riddle in the United States and ENAC in France. In addition to practical professions such as cabin crew, aviation technicians, and mechanics, the university will offer training and research programs in piloting, engineering, air traffic control, and aviation management.

The President approved the proposed initiatives and issued relevant instructions to responsible officials.