Uzbekistan has outlined a clear roadmap to modernize its aviation sector under the updated Uzbekistan-2030 strategy, placing the Uzbekistan five airport PPP initiative at its core. The government plans to upgrade five major airports and gradually shift their management to private partners by 2030. Passenger traffic in Uzbekistan has grown steadily since market liberalization, with volumes exceeding pre-pandemic levels by 2023. This growth has exposed capacity gaps at several regional airports, especially in terminals, ground handling, and commercial services. Instead of relying only on public funding, the government now seeks private capital and operational expertise. PPP structures allow the state to retain ownership while improving efficiency and service quality. This shift also supports wider economic goals, including tourism growth, regional connectivity, and trade facilitation. By using PPPs, authorities aim to deliver faster upgrades and reduce long-term fiscal pressure.
The government plans to implement the reform in phases, transferring at least one airport to private management each year. Under the Uzbekistan five airport PPP framework, Uzbekistan Airports will co-finance projects alongside private partners. This shared approach helps balance financial and operational risks. The Ministry of Transport will oversee procurement, contract execution, and performance monitoring. The updated strategy builds on the 2023 reform plan, which focused on low-profit regional airports and trust management models. That earlier phase helped test PPP concepts and regulatory capacity. International experience shows that airport PPPs often improve passenger flow, maintenance standards, and commercial revenue. Uzbek authorities expect similar results as private operators introduce modern systems and stronger performance incentives. Clear institutional roles also improve investor confidence and project bankability.
Recent transactions show that the policy shift is already moving from planning to execution. In October 2025, Uzbekistan Airports signed a PPP agreement with South Korea’s Incheon International Airport Corporation for Urgench Airport. Incheon manages one of the world’s leading airports, serving over 70 million passengers annually. Its involvement brings proven expertise in airport operations and digital systems. At the same time, reconstruction continues at Namangan Airport, while a new airport is under construction in Bukhara to support tourism growth. Authorities expect both facilities to move to private management after completion. These projects form the backbone of the Uzbekistan five airport PPP pipeline and will help refine concession terms, tariffs, and service standards. Successful delivery will set benchmarks for future airport transactions.
Uzbekistan’s airport reforms reflect a wider regional trend toward PPP-led infrastructure development. Across emerging markets, airport PPPs have attracted billions of dollars and improved operational performance. For Uzbekistan, modern airports offer benefits beyond aviation. They strengthen tourism, support exports, and improve regional mobility. Better air connectivity also enhances the country’s role as a transport link between Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. While traffic risk and regulatory capacity remain key challenges, the phased rollout limits exposure and allows learning over time. If implemented consistently, this program could become a reference point for PPPs in other sectors, including rail, roads, and urban transport. The strategy signals a long-term commitment to private participation in national infrastructure.
