Urgench Airport Capacity to Expand to 1,300 Passengers per Hour
Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — Urgench International Airport plans to increase its capacity from 300 to 1,300 passengers per hour as part of a US$264 million expansion and modernization project, UzDaily.uz reported.
The project is being implemented under a public-private partnership involving South Korea's Incheon International Airport Corporation, which operates Incheon Airport. Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev reviewed the transport and logistics infrastructure development projects in the Khorezm region as the first item on his regional trip schedule.
A terminal for official delegations has already been built at the airport, while the first stage of reconstructing the new airfield complex continues at an accelerated pace. Originally commissioned in 1960 and granted international status in 1992, the complex covers over 285 hectares and currently hosts regular flights operated by about ten leading airlines. In 2026, the airport provided services worth 126 billion soums, representing a 31 percent increase compared to the same period in 2025.
The US$264 million investment was secured to address growing tourism flows and expanding international cooperation. Following the reconstruction, the airport will be equipped to handle wide-body aircraft, including the Boeing 747 and Airbus A350, enabling direct long-haul flights to Khorezm from various continents.
The first stage of the project includes constructing parking space for 18 aircraft and a new taxiway. The airport is also establishing modern border and visa control checkpoints, a business lounge, commercial and catering facilities, a 24-hour medical point, and a duty-free zone featuring global brands.
Mirziyoyev noted that Khiva and Urgench are becoming venues for major international summits, high-level diplomatic meetings, and economic and cultural forums. He stated that ensuring comfort and safety for visiting foreign delegations is important for the country's international standing. Upon project completion, the airport's capacity is set to increase more than fourfold.
