Uzbekistan’s airports set new record with 15.5 million passengers in 2025

:: Uzbekistan Airports

Uzbekistan’s airport sector achieved another milestone in 2025, reporting robust double-digit growth across all key operating performance metrics, led by a record-breaking passenger traffic.

According to data released by the state-owned managing company Uzbekistan Airports, the Central Asia’s nation’s airports handled 15.504 million passengers last year, representing a 14.8% increase over 2024 figures.

International traffic was a major driver, accounting for 12.707 million passengers (+15.3%), while 2.797 million were served domestically (+12.8%).

The growth was also reflected in flight activity, with total aircraft movements reaching 128,970, a 13.5% rise year-on-year. International operations saw 92,480 movements (+15.3%), and domestic flights numbered 36,490 (+9%).

The cargo segment maintained its positive trajectory, processing 98,140 tons of freight and mail—a 12.2% increase compared to the previous year.

Four new passenger carriers entered the Uzbek market in 2025: Chinese majors Air China and China Eastern, alongside low-cost operators T’Way Air of South Korea and Malaysia’s AirAsia X.

Overall, the country was served by 71 airlines (up by six) operating flights to 106 destinations (a net increase of ten routes).

The country’s primary gateway, Islam Karimov Tashkent International Airport (TAS), consolidated its leading position by handling 9.965 million passengers, thereby maintaining a 64.3% share of the national total.

Samarkand International Airport (SKD) retained its status as the second-busiest hub, serving 1.521 million passengers, a 10% year-on-year increase.

Looking ahead, the Republic’s Ministry of Transport forecasts continued strong growth. Passenger traffic across Uzbekistan’s airports is projected to rise by a further 10% in 2026, approaching 16.9 million passengers.

CentralAsia+ Aero earlier reported: Tashkent airport sees 14% growth in 2025.

CentralAsia+ Aero earlier reported: Samarkand Airport hits record 1.5M passengers as growth momentum eases.

CentralAsia+ Aero earlier reported: Uzbekistan’s airports serve over 15 million passengers in a year for the first time.