Shavkat Mirziyoyev visits Andijan, inspects upgraded airport as regional development accelerates

"Changes in the region are already visible from its 'air gateway'," the report by the presidential press service reads. "As part of Uzbekistan’s broader strategy to develop its transportation infrastructure, Andijan International Airport is undergoing modernization."

During the visit, the president was briefed on the progress.

Originally built in 1978, the airport no longer met modern standards. Its limited load-bearing capacity and the absence of an advanced lighting system had restricted the number and type of flights it could accommodate.

The first phase of reconstruction has now been completed. A new 3,300-meter-long and 60-meter-wide runway, a taxiway, and aircraft parking stands have been constructed. The drainage system has been upgraded, and underground water has been redirected. Work is also underway to build a second taxiway and install radar, meteorological, and lighting equipment that meets ICAO CAT-II standards.

As a result, the airport will now be able to accommodate large aircraft like Boeing and Airbus models, even in poor weather conditions and at night. This will make it possible to increase the number of daily flights by up to ten times.

The second phase envisions the construction of a new passenger terminal. Once completed, the terminal’s hourly passenger handling capacity will rise from the current 300 to 1,000. The number of annual flights is projected to increase from 584 to 3,700. This will significantly expand air traffic to and from the city of Andijan and the Fergana Valley as a whole, according to the presidential press service.

Currently, flights are being operated on the Tashkent–Andijan–Tashkent route from the reopened airport.

The president gave instructions to ensure effective airport management, reduce service costs, and expand both domestic and international flight options.

Overall, Uzbekistan is undertaking major efforts to modernize its airports. In recent years, airports in Samarkand, Termez, Urgench, Shahrisabz, Muynak, Kokand, and Zomin have been upgraded. Modernization projects continue in several other regions.