South Korean Firm to Oversee Modernization of Uzbekistan’s Urgench Airport

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.

Osh Airport to Undergo Modernization

On February 14, Kyrgyzstan’s President Sadyr Japarov laid the foundation stone for the construction of a new airport complex at Osh International Airport, the country’s second-largest city. Expanded Facilities and Increased Capacity According to the presidential press service, the new terminal will offer modernized passenger facilities, including: A spacious hall with improved check-in areas; A food court and recreation areas; A 650-car parking lot. The terminal will have the capacity to serve over 5 million passengers per year. Additionally, the number of aircraft parking spaces will increase by 25, and a runway extension is planned for 2026. A Key Hub for the Fergana Valley Japarov emphasized that Osh International Airport is Kyrgyzstan’s second-busiest airport and a strategic transportation hub for the entire Fergana Valley. It connects southern Kyrgyzstan with Central Asia, the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), and the Middle East. Currently, the airport is capable of handling Airbus A320 and Boeing 737 aircraft. However, built in 1974, the facility is now outdated and unable to fully meet the growing demands of passenger and cargo traffic. "The construction of a new airport complex is just the beginning of our large-scale plans," Japarov stated. "We aim to expand the airport’s route network, attract new airlines, and boost cargo transportation." Kyrgyzstan’s Broader Airport Modernization Efforts Japarov highlighted Kyrgyzstan’s ongoing efforts to modernize regional airports, noting recent developments: Karakol International Airport and Talas Airport have been put into operation. Runway renovations were completed at Jalal-Abad, Kazarman, and Batken airports. Reconstruction is underway at Issyk-Kul International Airport and Naryn Airport. Construction of a new airport in Jalal-Abad is set to begin soon. In 2024, Kyrgyzstan purchased two Canada-manufactured Bombardier Dash 8 Q400 short-haul aircraft for domestic routes. Two more are expected to be acquired later this year.