Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — On 15 April, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev arrived on a working visit to the Andijan region to review the socio-economic development of the area and the living conditions of its population.

Among the first objects, the head of state visited Andijan International Airport, where large-scale modernization is underway as part of the country's transport infrastructure development program.

The airport, built in 1978, previously did not meet modern requirements: the outdated runway, lack of necessary lighting and signaling systems, and other key infrastructure limited flight operations.

In the first stage of the reconstruction, a new runway (3,300 m x 60 m), taxiway, and aircraft parking spaces were constructed. Additionally, the drainage system was updated. Modern equipment meeting ICAO standards, including radar and meteorological systems, is being installed as part of the CAT-II category.

Upon completion of all works, the airport will be able to accommodate large airliners, including nighttime flights and those in adverse weather conditions.

The capacity will increase tenfold.

The second stage includes the construction of a new passenger terminal. Its capacity will rise from 300 to 1,000 passengers per hour, and the number of flights will increase from 584 to 3,700 per year.

The President instructed to establish effective management of the facility, expand the flight geography, and increase the availability of air services both domestically and internationally.

The modernization of Andijan Airport is part of a nationwide program: in recent years, airports in Samarkand, Termez, Urgench, Shahrisabz, Muynak, Kokand, and Zamin have been updated. Reconstruction is also underway in other regions of the country.