Uzbekistan wants to restore unused airfields and hand them over to businesses
Uzbekistan plans to create a separate regulatory system for small and recreational aviation. The proposals include simplifying aircraft registration and certification, exempting aircraft weighing up to 115 kg from mandatory registration, restoring unused airfields, and transferring them to private businesses.
Uzbekistan is considering an initiative to restore unused airfields and then transfer them to businesses.
This initiative plans to create a specialized regulatory system for small and recreational aviation, which is expected to facilitate the development of active tourism. These measures are included in a draft presidential resolution developed by the Tourism Committee in conjunction with relevant agencies.
It is proposed to designate the Civil Aviation Agency under the Ministry of Transport as the state regulator in this area. It will be granted additional powers, including aircraft registration and certification, maintenance regulation, specialist training, and flight safety oversight.
Separate aviation regulations are proposed for small aircraft. These regulations will apply to aircraft with a maximum takeoff weight of up to 5,700 kg and helicopters up to 2,250 kg, certified in accordance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards.
The Ministry of Transport has been instructed to develop a simplified procedure for the registration, certification, and technical inspection of small aircraft within three months.
Furthermore, a draft law on mandatory civil liability insurance for damage caused to third parties is planned to be prepared within six months. The draft proposes to incorporate the principles of the ICAO Rome Convention.
The draft's roadmap includes changes to airspace regulations, introducing U-space, G-space, and W-space categories.
It is also proposed to exempt aircraft weighing up to 115 kg from mandatory registration, based on international ICAO practice.
A separate category, "Recreational Aviation," is planned for light aircraft.
Furthermore, it is proposed to create a unified integrated electronic platform, "Small Aviation," and launch a Cadet Program for pilot training.
A separate project focus is on the restoration of decommissioned runways and airfields in the regions.
After improvement, they are planned to be used for the development of active tourism and leased to entrepreneurs and project initiators.
Non-profit organizations and entrepreneurs may also be granted the lease of buildings and facilities to organize training courses in active tourism.
The development of small aviation is expected to expand the range of tourism services, create new tourism products, and develop infrastructure for recreational and tourist flights.
The draft resolution is currently undergoing public discussion and has not yet been adopted.
Currently, 18 airports operate in Uzbekistan. In recent years, airports have been built or restored in Muynak, Kokand, Zaamin, Shakhrisabz, Saryasi, and Sokh. However, the small aviation development plan does not specify which decommissioned airfields and runways are planned to be restored and transferred to businesses.