Over 50 companies express interest in Bukhara’s new airport tender

More than 50 companies have expressed interest in a tender to build and operate a new airport in Bukhara, Deputy Minister of Transport Jasurbek Choriyev said on May 5. He added that the first stage of the bidding process is due to be completed next week.

In an interview with Spot, Choriyev noted that the government’s current priority within its airport privatization program is the Bukhara project. A shortlist of bidders is expected after the initial phase concludes around May 11, which will be followed by a second stage of evaluations.

The Deputy Minister explained that the government has already begun preparing key infrastructure ahead of the tender, including roads, airfield facilities, and site works, while the selected private partner will be responsible for building the passenger terminal.

In March, the government launched the tender for the modernization and management of Bukhara International Airport under a public-private partnership model. Under this agreement, the private partner will manage the terminal while the state oversees airfield infrastructure.

In April, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev reviewed the project, which envisages the construction of a new airport on a 370-hectare site outside the city along with extensive supporting infrastructure. Plans include a 23.8-km access road featuring two overpasses, nine underpasses, and eight bridges. The facility will also include a 3.3-km runway capable of handling all types of aircraft and a terminal designed to serve up to 1,200 passengers per hour.