The phase I of the tender for the public-private partnership (PPP) project for the modernization and management of Urgench International Airport has been announced. It is being managed by the Government of Uzbekistan jointly with Uzbekistan Airports, the Ministry of Transport and the Ministry of Economy and Finance.
According to the Uzbekistan Airports, the project is planned to be implemented using the Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) model. Companies with experience in implementing similar projects are invited to bid.
To date, 8 airlines operate regular flights to Urgench Airport, and about 40 airlines operate charter flights. In 2023, the airport served 590 thousand passengers, and in 2024, passenger traffic is expected to increase by 17%. According to preliminary forecasts, during the PPP period, passenger traffic will grow by an average of 7.5% annually.
The modernization project includes:
- Construction of a new 3,500 m long runway (the current one is 3,000 m);
- Construction of the main taxiway;
- Construction of 2 high-speed taxiways;
- Construction of 2 connecting taxiways;
- Reconstruction of the existing apron;
- Construction of a new administrative terminal;
- Construction of a new cargo terminal;
- Construction of a special equipment building;
- Construction of a new catering complex;
- Construction of a new passenger terminal 1,000 passengers per hour throughput capacity for international flights (both departures and arrivals) and 300 passengers per hour throughput capacity for domestic flights (both departures and arrivals) on 39,000 square meters.
From July 20 to August 5, the airport was closed for a major reconstruction of the runway. On the evening of August 5, it will receive the first flight after the repairs.
The decision on modernization and transfer of Tashkent International Airport and other low-performance airports, as well as Bukhara and Urgench international airports to PPP management was due before the end of 2023 by the April 2022 presidential decree.
