President Shavkat Mirziyoyev reviewed the reconstruction project during his visit to Khorezm region.
The airport began operations in 1960 and was granted international status in 1992. Covering more than 285 hectares, it has served thousands of passengers over the years.
Around 10 major airlines currently operate regular flights through Urgench airport. In the first seven months of 2026, the airport provided services worth UZS 126 billion, a 31% increase from the same period in 2025.
The modernization project is being implemented under a public-private partnership, with South Korea’s Incheon International Airport Corporation serving as the private partner. The company operates Incheon International Airport, one of the world’s major high-tech aviation hubs.
The reconstruction will allow the airport to handle wide-body aircraft, opening the way for direct long-haul flights connecting Khorezm with destinations across different continents.
The first stage includes the construction of an apron capable of accommodating 18 aircraft and a new taxiway.
The airport is also being equipped with modern border and visa control facilities, a business lounge, retail outlets and dining facilities, a 24-hour medical center and a duty-free zone offering products from international brands.
Once the project is completed, the airport’s hourly passenger capacity will increase from 300 to 1,300.
Mirziyoyev said Khiva and Urgench are increasingly becoming venues for major international summits, high-level diplomatic meetings and prominent economic and cultural forums. He stressed that providing a high level of comfort and security for foreign delegations arriving for such events would help strengthen Uzbekistan’s international standing.
