Dedicated Uzbek airport hosted its first foreign leader flight and got new name

Image: Press Service of the President of Uzbekistan

Tashkent-Vostochny Airport (ICAO code: UZTP), converted from aircraft factory aerodrome into a government airport in the capital of Uzbekistan, hosted its first foreign leader flight.

An Airbus A330-200 (UP-A3001) carrying Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, arrived at the airport on November 14.

It was also announced that Tashkent-Vostochny Airport has been officially renamed Tashkent-Khumo.

Khumo, in the Arabized Central Asian mythology, is a magical bird that heralds happiness. Khumo is depicted in the center of the state emblem of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

Although the new airport is intended to be used exclusively for government flights and business aviation, it is designed to relieve some of the congestion at the country’s main gateway, Tashkent Islam Karimov International Airport (IATA code: TAS).

Tashkent-Vostochny/Khumo Airport was formally completed in August of this year, with its first technical flight taking place in September.

Initially belonging to the Tashkent Aircraft Plant (TAPOiCh, now defunct), the airfield was sold to the national aviation enterprise, O’zbekiston Havo Yo’llari (now Uzbekistan Airways) in 2007, which still operates it.

The airport covers 561 hectares. The 4,000-meter runway and three taxiways have been completely reconstructed.

An apron for 20 aircraft has been added, and hangars for aircraft maintenance and storage have been erected. The airport features VIP (for official government delegations) and CIP (business aviation) terminals.

CentralAsia+ Aero earlier reported: Jetex partners with Uzbek government to launch full-service business aviation hub at Tashkent-Vostochny.