President Reviews Plans for Transformation of Navoi International Airport and Civil Aviation Sector

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — On 2 February, the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, reviewed a presentation on improving the operational efficiency of Navoi International Airport and transforming civil aviation enterprises.

The report highlighted that, despite growth in the airport’s key performance indicators in 2025 compared to 2024, its capacity for handling aircraft, passenger, and cargo traffic remains underutilized. Modernization of infrastructure, fleet renewal, upgrades to cargo and passenger terminals, and digitalization of operational processes are required.

Under the proposed development plan, the airport will transition to project-based management and operate independently from the centralized operational system of Uzbekistan Airports JSC. Navoi International Airport will gain the authority to negotiate and conclude contracts with domestic and foreign airlines for passenger and cargo transport, as well as transit and technical stops.

Special attention is being given to expanding exports of aviation services through reinvestment of revenues into infrastructure modernization, increased fuel storage capacity, and the development of aircraft maintenance and painting services. The business plan anticipates a 50% growth in commercial and non-aviation activities, establishment of regular flights with over 25 airlines, and an increase in cargo handling to more than 20,000 tons.

A “porto-franco” free customs zone will be created on airport grounds to provide technical and commercial services to aircraft, with equipment and spare parts exempt from customs duties until 1 January 2029. The airport will also take management of the on-site hotel.

The presentation also focused on transforming civil aviation enterprises. Comprehensive measures to enhance efficiency and financial sustainability were presented, including cost reduction, rational resource use, and outsourcing of non-core services. Energy-saving technologies and specialized electric transport will be introduced to reduce operating costs.

Starting in 2026, funding for non-core activities of Uzbekistan Airways and Uzbekistan Airports JSC will cease. Operations of Uzbekistan Airports will be guided by 18 priority tasks, and Uzbekistan Airways by 16, including improving competitiveness, optimizing service costs, digitalizing production processes, and developing a skilled workforce.

The transformation plan also includes revising organizational structures, optimizing staff numbers, improving international credit ratings, preparing for IPOs, and issuing corporate international bonds.

Workforce development is a key focus, with the establishment of a Civil Aviation University and affiliated aviation college in partnership with leading international centers such as Embry-Riddle (USA) and ENAC (France).

These institutions will train practical aviation professionals—flight attendants, technicians, and mechanics—as well as pilots, engineers, dispatchers, and managers, alongside implementation of scientific research programs.

The President approved the proposed initiatives and issued instructions to officials for the implementation of all measures.