President Mirziyoyev Reviews Bukhara International Airport Construction Plans

Bukhara, The Gulf Observer: On October 9, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev reviewed a presentation on the construction of the new Bukhara International Airport, a key initiative within the country’s ongoing efforts to modernize its aviation infrastructure. This year alone, the airports in Shakhrisabz, Kokand, and Zaamin have commenced operations, while modernization efforts are underway at airports in Namangan and Andijan.

The inclusion of the private sector in airport management has shown promising results. Following the transfer of the Samarkand International Airport to private management, passenger traffic and flight frequency surged fivefold. President Mirziyoyev noted that similar potential exists in Bukhara. However, the existing airport currently only accommodates 400 passengers per hour, translating to a maximum capacity of 1 million passengers annually—far below the needs of the region’s growing population and tourism sector.

Significant challenges remain, including outdated flight control and passenger service systems, which hinder the expansion of flight operations. As a result, many travelers opt to reach Bukhara via Tashkent, Samarkand, or Urgench. Notably, 95% of the over 1 million foreign tourists who visited Bukhara in the first nine months of the year arrived by train or car.

In response to the increasing demand for tourism, particularly pilgrimage tourism, efforts are being made to develop the hotel network in the region. Plans are in place to boost the number of tourists visiting Bukhara to 8 million over the next three years. To facilitate this growth, the construction of a new international airport commenced on May 31, with a commitment to creating infrastructure that meets international standards through a public-private partnership. The new airport aims to accommodate 1,200 passengers per hour and attract additional international airlines, thereby enhancing service quality for both passengers and aircraft.

During the presentation, technical and economic aspects of the project were discussed, prompting President Mirziyoyev to emphasize the importance of doubling the airport’s capacity. He provided recommendations on improving the terminal’s conditions, focusing on its interior and exterior aesthetics.

This initiative marks a significant step in enhancing Uzbekistan’s aviation capabilities and boosting the region’s tourism potential.