At the Tashkent Investment Forum, Lee Sang-yeon, Director of Business Development at Incheon International Airport Corporation, stated that building physical infrastructure is not enough to turn Tashkent into a major passenger hub. According to him, operators and investors are increasingly focusing not only on 'hardware' (terminals, runways) but also on 'software': regulation, personnel, technology, and the quality of the entire aviation ecosystem.
Lee Sang-yeon outlined five critical shortcomings that could hinder Tashkent's hub potential: regulatory and political constraints, a shortage of skilled personnel, imbalances in the aviation ecosystem, digital and technological gaps, and delays in aircraft deliveries. He identified regulatory and political issues as the most concerning factor.
Uzbekistan has implemented an 'open sky' regime in regional airports, but Tashkent remains an exception to protect the national carrier. This limits the participation of foreign airlines and restrains air traffic growth. Lee emphasized that investors need confirmation that the government is implementing a phased roadmap for aviation market liberalization.
The second problem is a shortage of qualified aviation personnel: pilots, engineers, and airport management specialists. Such expertise is often imported, and training takes a long time. If not started early, this could create operational difficulties and increase risks to safety and service quality.
The third challenge is ecosystem imbalance: over half (52%) of Tashkent airport's traffic comes from the national carrier, creating a risk of over-reliance on a single player. The private aviation sector remains weak, as evidenced by recent bankruptcies (Humo Air, Panorama Airways).
The fourth gap relates to digital technology and artificial intelligence. 65% of global travelers use AI assistants to plan trips, but due to a lack of data on Uzbekistan, the country risks becoming 'invisible' to next-generation search and booking tools.
The fifth risk is delays in aircraft deliveries and congestion at global manufacturers. Long queues at Boeing and Airbus could slow the fleet expansion needed for a full-fledged hub, leading to underutilized infrastructure and poor financial returns.
Lee Sang-yeon recommended legally formalizing a roadmap for aviation sector reforms. 'Then every participant will understand what, how, and when to do,' he said. He noted that achieving hub status is extremely complex and cannot be realized without a unified environment.
Source: www.gazeta.uz