South Korea’s Incheon International Airport Corporation has secured the contract to manage and modernize Urgench Airport in Uzbekistan’s Khorezm region, following a competitive international tender.
The open tender, announced in August 2024, attracted bids from eight companies across France, South Korea, Turkey, Qatar, and other countries. The selection of the Korean corporation underscores growing economic cooperation between Uzbekistan and South Korea.
On May 1, during a visit to Khorezm, Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev met with representatives from Incheon International Airport Corporation to discuss the details of the modernization project.
Valued at $223 million, the project includes the construction of a new runway, state-of-the-art passenger and cargo terminals, and the installation of modern lighting and signaling systems in line with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards.
Construction and renovation are scheduled for completion by 2027. Once modernized, Urgench Airport will be capable of handling large aircraft such as the Boeing 747 and Airbus A350. The redesigned passenger terminal will accommodate 1,300 passengers per hour, more than triple its current capacity of 400.
The initiative aims to transform Urgench Airport into a regional aviation hub, enhancing access to Khorezm, a region celebrated for its rich cultural and historical heritage. Officials hope the improved infrastructure will further boost tourism.
“Khorezm is seeing a construction boom, with new hotels, recreation zones, and shopping centers,” said Mirziyoyev. “Our goal is to increase tourist arrivals to five million people. If the airport infrastructure rises to meet this scale, it will generate mutual benefit and revenue growth.”
During his visit, the president reviewed design concepts for the future terminal and emphasized the importance of incorporating traditional Uzbek cultural motifs in both the exterior and interior design.
