International consortium to build and operate Tashkent’s new mega-airport under 35-year concession

Image: Uzbekistan Airports

Uzbekistan has taken a major step toward launching Central Asia’s key aviation project. National airport operator Uzbekistan Airports and an international consortium led by Saudi Arabia’s Vision Invest—and including Japan’s Sojitz Corporation and South Korea’s Incheon International Airport Corporation—have signed a public-private partnership (PPP) agreement for the construction and operation of New Tashkent International airport. The signing ceremony took place on June 17 during the Tashkent International Investment Forum (TIIF-2026).

According to the Ministry of Transport of Uzbekistan, the greenfield airport will be managed by the consortium under a 35-year concession. Under the terms of the PPP framework, the private partners will be responsible for financing, constructing, and operating the passenger terminal and landside infrastructure. The state partner will retain responsibility for the construction and maintenance of the airside infrastructure. The Ministry of Transport disclosed that the initial phase of the project is expected to draw approximately US$3 billion in foreign direct investment. Construction is slated to begin as early as this month, with the new hub scheduled to become operational in late 2030.

The new aviation hub will span 1,310 hectares, located 17 kilometers southeast of the capital’s existing airport. The phase-one master plan features two independent 4,000-meter runways capable of handling simultaneous flight operations, a 208,000-square-meter passenger terminal, an apron with 98 aircraft parking stands, a modern fuel farm, and an air traffic control (ATC) tower. Upon commissioning, the airport’s annual capacity is projected to reach up to 20 million passengers and 300,000 tons of cargo.

“The new Tashkent International Airport will serve as a state-of-the-art, high-tech aviation hub designed to meet the growing demands of passenger and cargo traffic for decades to come. Through this partnership with global industry leaders, we are gaining not only vital investment but also unparalleled expertise in designing, building, and managing world-class airport complexes using cutting-edge technologies. I am confident that this project will mark a new era for Uzbekistan’s aviation sector and solidify our country’s position as the premier transit hub in Central Asia,” said Javlonbek Umarkhodjaev, Chairman of the Board of Uzbekistan Airports.

CentralAsia+ Aero earlier reported: Six companies shortlisted for Bukhara new airport build-operate tender.

CentralAsia+ Aero earlier reported: Uzbekistan Airways eyes international IPO by year-end.

CentralAsia+ Aero earlier reported: Uzbekistan Airways signs codeshare agreement with Etihad Airways.