Uzbekistan plans to nearly double domestic air passenger traffic by 2030
Uzbekistan plans to increase the number of passengers on domestic flights from 1.4 million to 2.5 million annually by 2030, according to a draft presidential resolution outlining a strategy for developing domestic passenger transport.
Uzbekistan is aiming to almost double domestic air passenger traffic by 2030.
The draft sets yearly domestic air travel targets of 1.5 million passengers in 2026, 1.7 million in 2027, 1.9 million in 2028 and 2.2 million in 2029, rising to 2.5 million by 2030.
It also outlines data showing how the country’s aviation industry has grown in recent years.
From 2023 to 2025, the number of air routes climbed from 167 to 206, while flights increased from 85,000 to 130,000. Over the same period, passenger traffic at the country’s airports rose from 10 million to 15.5 million.
In the first half of 2026, flights were operated on 220 routes, including 19 domestic and 201 international destinations.
Uzbekistan’s aircraft fleet has likewise expanded. It numbered 54 aircraft in 2022, then increased by 24 in 2023, eight in 2024 and 21 in 2025. Another seven aircraft were added in the first half of 2026, taking the total to 114.
The draft says 11 international and domestic airports have been rebuilt.
Samarkand International Airport was fully renovated through a public-private partnership and turned into a tourism hub.
New terminals have been constructed in Termez, Namangan and Andijan. Airports have also been built in Muynak and Zaamin, while an airstrip was created in Sokh district. Airfields in Kokand, Shakhrisabz and Sariasia have been reconstructed.
Work on a new international airport in Tashkent and a new airport in Bukhara began in the first half of 2026.
The draft strategy also urges coordination of domestic flight timetables to improve connections for passengers transferring through Tashkent International Airport.
The Ministry of Transport, Uzbekistan Airports and resident airlines are expected to cooperate on aligning schedules.
The proposals also call for a single electronic ticket for passengers continuing their journey through Tashkent, enabling them to check in to their final destination and have their baggage transferred without collecting it at the transit airport.
The document lists restrictions affecting air transport and geopolitical factors among the sector’s external risks.