Uzbekistan is building a new $300 million airport in the historic city of Bukhara, designed to handle up to 1,200 passengers and accommodate 20 aircraft simultaneously.

The project is expected to significantly expand the city's aviation capacity and improve transport connections for residents and visitors, according to Sputnik Uzbekistan.

The new airport will be connected to Bukhara's city centre by a 24-kilometre access road. A separate 5.5-kilometre lane will also be constructed specifically for buses to improve passenger transport.

Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has instructed officials to complete construction of the airport and its access road before the country's Independence Day celebrations next year, on September 1.

The project is expected to strengthen Bukhara's transport infrastructure and support the development of tourism in one of Uzbekistan's most important historical destinations.