President Mirziyoyev Unveils Ambitious Plan to Revolutionize Uzbekistan’s Aviation

Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has announced a major expansion of the country’s aviation infrastructure, centered around the construction of a new international airport in Tashkent.

As part of this ambitious project, the fleet of domestic airlines is set to grow by 75 aircraft, increasing from the current 105 to 180 planes by 2030, The Caspian Post informs via Uzbek media.

The number of flight routes will also rise to 230, supporting an estimated 200,000 domestic and international flights annually.

Currently, 51 foreign airlines operate regular flights to Uzbekistan, including carriers from Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, South Korea, China, India, Malaysia, Türkiye, Russia, Poland, and other nations.

President Mirziyoyev underscored the strategic importance of the new airport, describing it as a vital cornerstone of Uzbekistan’s transport infrastructure. Upon full completion, the airport is expected to generate more than $700 million in annual government revenues.

Spanning 1,310 hectares, the airport complex will cover an area comparable to 16 developments like Tashkent City, 1,580 football fields, or half of the Uchtepa district. The site was carefully selected to prioritize safety and operational efficiency, located just 24 kilometers from the city center-allowing a 25-minute commute-with plans for shuttle services and a future metro line to enhance connectivity.

The airport’s design was crafted by Dutch aviation experts Naco Consulting, known globally for their work on large-scale airport projects.

President Mirziyoyev highlighted that the new airport will be a key component of the broader “New Tashkent” urban development project, which spans 20,000 hectares. This initiative aims to establish Uzbekistan as a regional aviation hub that "connects East and West, North and South."

Construction officially began on October 15, 2025, marking a significant milestone in Uzbekistan’s drive toward modernization and regional integration.