Tashkent International Airport Struggles to Keep Pace With Uzbekistan's Tourism Boom
Uzbekistan's main airport is experiencing capacity constraints as tourism to the country has more than tripled to 10 million visitors in 2024. The airport is undergoing renovations to expand from 45,000 to 65,000 square metres, with plans for a new facility by 2028 designed to handle 20 million passengers and rival major Central Asian hubs. The infrastructure gap highlights both the country's growing appeal as a travel destination and the challenges of rapid tourism development in developing regions.
Tashkent International Airport, Uzbekistan's primary aviation hub, is struggling to accommodate surging tourist arrivals as the country experiences rapid growth in international visitors. Tourism to Uzbekistan has more than tripled to approximately 10 million visitors in 2024, straining existing airport infrastructure. The current facility is undergoing renovations to expand its capacity from 45,000 to 65,000 square metres, but authorities have already approved plans for a new airport expected to begin construction by 2028 with capacity for 20 million passengers annually. The new facility is intended to position Uzbekistan as a major Central Asian aviation hub, rivaling established regional centers like Istanbul and Doha. Current operations at Tashkent International are characterized by slow security and immigration processes, limited retail and dining options, and basic facilities that prioritize function over design.
What different sources said
- Sydney Morning HeraldCenter
Tourism is booming in this developing country, but its airport hasn’t caught up
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