Uzbekistan Proposes Using Abandoned Airfields for Active Tourism
A draft presidential decree proposes restoring abandoned airfields in Uzbekistan for active tourism, small aviation flights, and extreme sports.
Uzbekistan is considering a plan to repurpose disused airfields and their runways for active tourism pursuits, as outlined in a proposed presidential decree focused on expanding this sector.
The draft suggests that once these sites are renovated and enhanced, they would be offered for lease to private businesses. The envisioned uses include operations for light aircraft, skydiving activities, paragliding, and establishing training facilities for relevant professionals.
Furthermore, the document addresses the growth of small aviation, recommending that the Civil Aviation Agency serve as its governmental oversight body. This agency would receive expanded authority for registering and certifying aircraft within this segment.
The proposal also includes a provision to waive customs duties for entrepreneurs importing around 40 different types of active tourism equipment. This list encompasses items such as quad bikes, buggies, camper vans, jet skis, parachutes, paragliders, and mountaineering equipment.
These tax and customs benefits are slated to be in effect from January 1, 2027, until January 1, 2030. Beginning in 2027, projects aimed at developing infrastructure at active tourism locations could also be incorporated into existing state development initiatives.