Uzbekistan Airports has released its operational performance report for the first nine months of 2026, indicating a substantial volume of air traffic across the country's aviation hubs. During the reporting period, domestic airports served a total of 102,836 flights, marking a 10 percent increase compared to the corresponding timeframe of the previous year. International flights accounted for 71,625 operations, while domestic routes represented 31,211 flights.

Total passenger traffic reached 12,662,922 individuals, representing a 13 percent growth year-on-year. International routes accommodated 10,361,150 passengers, whereas domestic services handled 2,301,772 travelers. Tashkent remained the primary aviation center of the country, serving over 8.4 million passengers and recording a 16 percent increase in passenger flow.

Regional performance varied significantly across different locations. While cities like Andijan demonstrated exponential growth following extensive infrastructural modernization, others such as Namangan and Karshi experienced notable declines in passenger numbers. Company officials attributed these fluctuations to adjustments in airline schedules, shifting consumer demand, and the broader geopolitical climate affecting route networks.

Meanwhile, the cargo transportation sector maintained strong upward momentum, with national airports handling 84,800 tons of cargo and mail over the nine-month period—a 27 percent surge compared to 2025. The Tashkent airport accounted for the vast majority of processed freight, while Navoi continued to reinforce its specialized cargo hub capabilities despite a reduction in passenger-related metrics.

Source: www.gazeta.uz