Uzbekistan Proposes Using Abandoned Airfields for Active Tourism

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — Uzbekistan proposes restoring abandoned airfields and runways for use in active tourism, according to a draft presidential decree on the development of active tourism.

Under the draft proposal, after landscaping and improvement, the facilities will be leased to private entrepreneurs. They are expected to be used for light aviation flights, skydiving, paragliding, and housing training centers for specialists.

The document also provides for the development of small aviation. The Civil Aviation Agency is proposed as the state regulator for this sector, granted additional powers for aircraft registration and certification.

In addition, the draft proposes exempting entrepreneurs from paying customs duties on the import of approximately 40 types of equipment designated for active tourism. The list includes quad bikes, buggies, campers, jet skis, parachutes, paragliders, and mountaineering gear.

The tax and customs incentives are expected to be effective from 1 January 2027 through 1 January 2030. Starting in 2027, infrastructure development projects at active tourism sites may also be integrated into state development programs.