Javlonbek Umarkhodjaev on Modernising an Airport Network for a New Era of Growth

Uzbekistan is moving from inherited airport infrastructure towards a new generation of modern terminals, private-sector partnerships and improved service standards. Javlonbek Umarkhodjaev reflects on the country’s phased modernisation programme and the lessons it may offer other rapidly developing aviation markets.

As Chairman of Uzbekistan Airports JSC, what are your main priorities for the country’s airport network?

I am responsible for the development and modernisation of Uzbekistan’s airport network at a time of significant change. Over the past several years, we have moved from largely inherited infrastructure towards a phased modernisation programme while preparing a new generation of facilities.

My role covers three principal areas: setting the strategy for terminal modernisation, structuring the partnerships through which much of the investment is delivered, and ensuring service standards keep pace with rising passenger numbers. Recent developments include introducing private operators at several airports, reconstructing the international terminal in Tashkent and beginning work on a new international airport for the capital. Our market is still developing, but I believe our experience is relevant to others at a similar stage and worth sharing.

Why did you choose to participate in the inaugural Asia edition of Passenger Terminal Expo?

Passenger Terminal Expo is an established global event, and its first dedicated Asian edition provides a useful new regional platform. Central Asia has not always featured prominently in international airport discussions, so this is a timely opportunity to contribute our perspective while our network is undergoing active investment and reform.

I also expect to learn from the programme. Considerable investment will flow into terminals across the region over the coming decade, and there is real value in comparing approaches with operators and authorities managing similar growth. With many leading airports represented, the event offers a practical setting to share our experience and learn from others.

What parts of Uzbekistan’s modernisation programme will you discuss?

I will focus on three areas. The first is the public-private partnership model, which has become central to expanding capacity. Private management at Samarkand has produced clear improvements in traffic, service and operations, and that experience has informed our wider strategy. I will explain how we structure concessions and what has made them workable for international operators.

The second area is new terminal development. The planned new Tashkent airport is being designed around digital systems, energy efficiency and integrated road and rail access from the outset rather than adapting ageing infrastructure later. I will share both our ambitions and the practical constraints involved.

The third topic is tourism. Cities such as Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva welcome a high proportion of international visitors, which directly influences how we plan terminal capacity and passenger handling.

Why will these lessons resonate with other Asian markets?

A large share of regional aviation growth is taking place in emerging and secondary markets that are building or rebuilding capacity, not only in established hubs. Questions around financing expansion, involving private operators while maintaining strategic oversight, and planning facilities for the long term are common across Asia.

Public-private partnerships are becoming an important investment mechanism, while digitalisation and sustainability are now expected features rather than optional additions. Connectivity patterns are also changing, with Central Asia increasingly linking East Asia, South Asia, the Middle East and Europe. These are practical, immediate issues, which is why a regional forum is so useful.

What opportunities do you hope the event will create?

I want to discuss shared challenges with peers who have already addressed them, particularly in passenger experience, sustainability and the operation of larger hubs. There is much we can learn from more established airports.

The event is also an opportunity to give a clearer picture of Uzbekistan to those less familiar with our market. We are open to partnership and investment, and our traffic continues to grow. Beyond my session, I look forward to meeting suppliers and operators to understand the latest developments in terminal technology and how they could be applied across our network.

Join Javlonbek Umarkhodjaev at Passenger Terminal Expo Asia to hear how Uzbekistan is using modernisation, private-sector participation and integrated planning to prepare its airport network for future growth.