Shavkat Mirziyoyev Starts Mega Airport Project
Uzbekistan has launched construction of Central Asia’s largest airport in Tashkent, a $2.5 billion project led by Saudi, Japanese, and Korean partners. Scheduled for completion in 2028, it will serve 20 million passengers annually, handle 129,000 tons of cargo, and operate entirely on renewable energy. The airport will boost the economy, create thousands of jobs, and solidify Uzbekistan’s role as a regional aviation and innovation hub.
A New Gateway for Central Asia
Uzbekistan has taken a monumental step toward transforming itself into a regional aviation powerhouse with the official launch of construction for Central Asia’s largest international airport. The groundbreaking ceremony, held on October 15 in the Tashkent region and attended by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, symbolizes the country’s ambition to position Tashkent as a global air transport hub.
According to the Uzbekistan National News Agency, the project represents a new phase in the nation’s infrastructure modernization program, aligning with President Mirziyoyev’s vision of “New Uzbekistan” — a strategy emphasizing connectivity, innovation, and sustainability.
A Global Partnership for the Future
The airport will be constructed under a public-private partnership (PPP) framework, uniting international expertise and investment. The consortium is led by Vision Invest (Saudi Arabia), in collaboration with Sojitz Corporation (Japan)and Incheon International Airport Corporation (South Korea) — three major players with proven track records in world-class infrastructure development.
Scale and Capacity
Once completed in 2028, the airport will be capable of handling up to 20 million passengers annually and managing over 40 flights per hour. The first phase, valued at $2.5 billion, will include the construction of a main terminal complex and airfield infrastructure capable of accommodating 62 aircraft simultaneously and processing 129,000 tons of cargo per year.
The facility’s multimodal transport hub will seamlessly connect the airport with major national highways, and will feature both a high-speed railway station and shuttle links to Tashkent and New Tashkent, ensuring swift connectivity between the capital and surrounding regions.
Economic Impact
According to government estimates, the airport’s economic contribution will exceed $27 billion, stimulating growth across construction, logistics, tourism, and manufacturing sectors. Thousands of jobs will be created during both the construction and operational phases, making it one of Uzbekistan’s largest employment-generating projects in recent decades.
Technological and Environmental Innovation
The new airport is envisioned as Central Asia’s first fully green airport, powered entirely by renewable energy and constructed with eco-friendly materials. Equipped with smart digital systems, automated flight management, and all-weather operational capability, the project embodies Uzbekistan’s commitment to sustainable and future-ready infrastructure.
Strategic Significance: The Rise of a Regional Aviation Hub
The Tashkent International Airport project carries profound implications not only for Uzbekistan but for Central Asia’s regional integration and global positioning. By enhancing direct connectivity with Europe, the Middle East, and East Asia, the airport will reinforce Uzbekistan’s role as a bridge between continents — reviving the spirit of the ancient Silk Road through modern transport infrastructure.
Aviation Diplomacy and Regional Competitiveness
In recent years, neighboring countries such as Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan have invested heavily in expanding their aviation networks. However, the scale of Tashkent’s new facility positions Uzbekistan to outpace regional competitors. Experts suggest that the project will attract new airline partnerships, boost tourism flows, and make Tashkent a preferred transit point for long-haul flights connecting Europe and Asia.
Economic Diversification and Global Connectivity
The airport also aligns with Uzbekistan’s broader policy of economic diversification — reducing reliance on traditional exports and promoting services, logistics, and digital trade. As global air travel demand continues to rebound, the new airport will enable Uzbekistan to capture a greater share of the Eurasian aviation market, integrating the country into international logistics chains and trade corridors.
The Symbol of a New Uzbekistan
The construction of Central Asia’s largest airport is more than an infrastructure milestone — it is a symbol of Uzbekistan’s transformation. By blending technological innovation, sustainability, and international collaboration, the project encapsulates the country’s forward-looking agenda.
President Mirziyoyev described the project as “a gateway to the future — where Uzbekistan connects not only planes, but people, cultures, and opportunities.”
Indeed, the airport stands as a testament to New Uzbekistan’s confidence, regional leadership, and commitment to progress — marking the dawn of a new era in Central Asian connectivity and global engagement.
Zhansaya Nurlanovna
Contributing writer at EUReflect.