Uzbekistan launches airport network-wide carbon management framework with ACI accreditation

Image: Uzbekistan Airports

Uzbekistan Airports has initiated a coordinated environmental transition across its asset portfolio by enrolling nine of the country’s international gateways into the Airports Council International (ACI) Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA) program. The move establishes the foundation for a unified carbon management framework spanning the country’s airport network.

Under the initial certification sweep, the international gateways of Samarkand, Urgench, Namangan, Fergana, Nukus, Termez, Karshi, and Navoi have each been accredited at Level 1, having completed the mapping and measurement required to inventory their carbon footprints.

Tashkent International Airport —the country’s primary hub— has joined directly at Level 2, having established a carbon management system and begun implementing measures to reduce its emissions. It is now the highest-accredited airport in Central Asia under ACA.

Within the wider Central Asia/Caspian/South Caucasus region, Azerbaijan’s Baku Heydar Aliyev International Airport was an early adopter, achieving Level 2 certification in 2024.

Uzbekistan Airports will now work to progress the whole network to higher accreditation levels by strengthening carbon management, improving energy efficiency, expanding emissions monitoring, engaging stakeholders, and implementing long‑term decarbonization initiatives. These efforts are intended to enhance the environmental performance and international competitiveness of Uzbekistan’s airports while contributing to global climate objectives.

“Achieving Airport Carbon Accreditation marks an important milestone in the sustainable transformation of Uzbekistan’s airport network. While we are proud of this recognition, we see it as the beginning of a long-term journey towards greater carbon efficiency, enhanced environmental performance, and sustainable infrastructure development. We remain committed to continuously improving our carbon management practices in line with international best practices,” said Javlonbek Umarkhojaev, Chairman of Uzbekistan Airports.

The global ACA program, which remains the sole institutionally endorsed carbon management certification standard for the airport industry, is independently managed by ACI.

CentralAsia+ Aero earlier reported: US government donates aviation security equipment to Uzbekistan airports.

CentralAsia+ Aero earlier reported: International consortium to build and operate Tashkent’s new mega-airport under 35-year concession.

CentralAsia+ Aero earlier reported: Uzbekistan moves to localize pilot training with South Korean partnership.