01.05.2025

On May 1 President Shavkat Mirziyoyev arrived in Khorezm region with an aim to get acquainted with the regional development, life of the population and determine new prospective tasks.

Khorezm has a rich historical and cultural heritage, which makes the region attractive for tourism. Business visits have also increased in recent years due to economic growth. However, the current infrastructure of Urgench International Airport does not meet the increased demands of local residents and visitors. Its capacity is limited - no more than 400 passengers per hour, which restrains the development of air communication.

Within the framework of the visit, the Head of State was presented information about the project of modernization of the airport and its transfer to management.

The open tender, announced on August 1, 2024, was held in two stages and gathered eight companies from France, South Korea, Türkiye, Qatar and other countries. By the decision of the interdepartmental tender commission, the South Korean company Incheon International Airport Corporation was recognized as the winner.

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev talked to the management of the company and the project.

The corporation's president noted that Incheon airport is the third in the world in terms of capacity and one of the leaders in terms of service quality. Urgench will be the second airport managed by the company. He shared plans for its renovation and effective management.

The Head of State expressed satisfaction with the prospect of cooperation with such an advanced company and expressed ideas to expand the mutually beneficial partnership.

- Modern hotels, recreation areas and shopping centers are being actively built in Khorezm. We set a goal to increase the tourist flow to 5 million people. If the airport matches this scale, it will bring mutual benefit and revenue growth, - emphasized the President.

The issues of attracting additional airliners in cooperation with foreign airlines and expanding passenger transportation were also discussed. The President noted the need to adopt South Korean experience in the field of service, as well as to train and improve the qualifications of domestic specialists in this area.

The total cost of the project is $223 million. The project includes the construction of a new runway, passenger and cargo terminals, installation of modern lighting and signaling systems in accordance with ICAO standards, as well as the purchase of specialized equipment.

Construction and reconstruction works are scheduled to be completed in 2025-2027. After modernization, the airport will be able to receive large aircraft such as Boeing 747 and Airbus A350. The total area of the new terminal will be 39 thousand square meters, and its capacity will increase to 1,300 passengers per hour.

Therefore, Urgench Airport will become one of the most convenient air hubs, contributing to the growth of Khorezm's attractiveness for foreign tourists and the development of the country's aviation industry as a whole.

The concept of future terminal was also presented. The President gave recommendations on reflecting national culture in external and internal design of the building.

During the visit, the Head of State also talked with the journalists. It was emphasized that the goal of the visit to Khorezm is to determine new frontiers of development, increase economic indicators, improve the living conditions of over 2 million region’s residents, create jobs and increase revenues of the population.