Navoi to become regional logistics center with new TIR Park and MRO facility

The initiative is part of broader plans to transform Navoi into a regional aviation and logistics hub.

Expansion of cargo operations and infrastructure

In 2026, authorities aim to ensure the launch of three weekly cargo and postal-courier flights from Turkey, China, and the United Arab Emirates. To accommodate growing freight volumes, the existing cargo terminal will be modernized, and a new 16,000-square-meter terminal will be constructed adjacent to it.

Fuel and lubricants storage facilities will also undergo expansion, with the construction of additional tanks capable of holding up to 10,000 tons. By the end of 2028, the airport is expected to open a full-fledged aircraft maintenance, repair, and painting (MRO) center.

By 2030, the government has set a target of increasing annual flight operations at Navoi to 7,000. Passenger traffic is projected to reach 150,000 annually, while cargo volumes are expected to rise to 45,000 tons.

Governance reform and commercial autonomy

As part of the reform package, Navoi International Airport LLC will be removed from the centralized operational management system of Uzbekistan Airports. Project management principles will be introduced to enhance operational efficiency.

The airport’s management will gain expanded authority to diversify aviation-related services financed through its own revenues. These include fuel storage, aircraft maintenance, repair, and painting services, with a focus on boosting service exports.

The airport will also be authorized to conduct direct negotiations and conclude agreements with domestic and foreign airlines for passenger and cargo transportation, transit and technical landings, and aircraft servicing. Its powers to set tariffs for fueling and aircraft handling services will be broadened.

In addition, the airport will independently allocate its net profits toward infrastructure development and service expansion.

Free economic and customs zone “Porto Franco”

A key element of the reform is the establishment of a free economic zone and a free customs zone (“porto franco”) within the airport’s territory. The zone will allow for the duty-free import and replacement of aviation spare parts required for aircraft and component repairs, in compliance with international legal and technical standards.

Spare parts imported into the zone will not require national certification or permits. Components intended for the repair of aircraft operated by local carriers may be procured directly within the zone under the customs regime of “release for free circulation,” without leaving its territory.

The airport will also be allowed to procure aviation fuel, de-icing fluids, specialized ground service equipment, and related spare parts through a request-for-proposals procedure. Until the beginning of 2029, imported specialized equipment and spare parts for the airport will be exempt from customs duties.

TIR Park and supporting infrastructure

A TIR Park for international road transport, complete with service infrastructure, will be built near the airport to strengthen multimodal logistics capabilities. The Navoi regional administration has been instructed to allocate the necessary land for the project and ensure compensation for affected landowners.

Additionally, the Silk Road Palace hotel located near the airport will be transferred to the airport’s management.

The measures collectively signal Uzbekistan’s intention to position Navoi as a competitive regional logistics and aviation service center, leveraging regulatory liberalization, infrastructure investment, and expanded commercial autonomy.