Uzbekistan Breaks Ground on New Tashkent International Airport, a $2.5 Billion Project to Boost Regional Connectivity

Historic Groundbreaking Ceremony

On October 15, 2025, Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev officially inaugurated the construction of the 'New Tashkent International Airport' in the Tashkent region. The President participated in the foundation-laying ceremony for this ambitious project, which is set to significantly enhance Uzbekistan's air transport infrastructure. The new airport, located on a 1,300-hectare site across the Urtachirchiq and Kuyichirchiq districts, approximately 17 kilometers south of the existing airport, marks a pivotal step in the nation's development strategy.

International Collaboration and Investment

The project's initial phase is valued at $2.5 billion and is being executed through a public-private partnership involving an international consortium. Key partners include Vision Invest from Saudi Arabia, Sojitz Corporation from Japan, and Incheon International Airport Corporation from South Korea. This collaborative effort underscores the global interest and strategic importance of Uzbekistan's burgeoning aviation sector. The entire project is planned to unfold in four phases, with the first phase focusing on the construction of the air terminal complex and airfield.

Future Capacity and Modern Features

Upon the completion of its first phase, the 'New Tashkent International Airport' is projected to handle up to 20 million passengers and 129,000 tons of cargo annually. It will be equipped to manage up to 30 takeoffs and landings per hour, feature 14 jet bridges, and accommodate 62 aircraft simultaneously. The new facility is designed to meet the highest international standards, including those set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), ensuring superior service quality, flight safety, and technical regulation.

Beyond its operational capacity, the airport will incorporate advanced environmental standards, aiming to be the first 'green' airport in the region, fully powered by renewable energy sources. It will also feature a substantial 46,000-square-meter duty-free zone.

Strategic Multimodal Hub and Economic Impact

The 'New Tashkent International Airport' is envisioned as a comprehensive multimodal transport hub. It will offer direct connections to major highways, including the Tashkent-Samarkand, Tashkent-Andijan, and Tashkent-Bustonliq routes. Plans also include a modern railway station for high-speed trains and dedicated shuttle services linking the airport to the centers of Tashkent and New Tashkent.

President Mirziyoyev emphasized that the airport's construction is crucial for transforming Uzbekistan into a 'major aviation hub connecting East and West, North and South.' The project is expected to generate over $27 billion in revenue for the country, significantly contributing to the development of the service sector, industry, and tourism, while creating thousands of new jobs. The necessity for a new airport stems from the existing facility's inability to expand and its projected inability to handle the anticipated passenger traffic, which is expected to exceed 24 million by 2040, up from 9 million currently.