The government of Uzbekistan has announced the start of preparation for a Request for Qualification (RfQ) for a project to build and manage a new international airport in Bukhara under a public-private partnership (PPP) framework. The project involves Uzbekistan Airports, the Ministry of Transport, and the Ministry of Economy and Finance, marking a significant step in enhancing the country's transport infrastructure and economic development.
The new airport, to be located in the “Qumsulton” area of Bukhara District, will serve domestic and international flights, positioning itself as a key transport hub for the region. According to Uzbekistan Airports' press service, in 2025, the existing international airport in Bukhara served over 574,000 passengers, with the majority of traffic coming from international flights, highlighting the potential for tourism growth and regional connectivity.
Under the project, the airport's airfield infrastructure will remain under state control, while a private partner will be responsible for constructing and operating the passenger terminal and related facilities. All interested companies with experience in similar projects are invited to participate in the tender, which could foster competition but may also lead to delays in the selection process.
President Shavkat Mirziyoyev emphasized the need for a new airport in Bukhara District in 2024, stating that “Bukhara Airport is insufficient for the plan to double tourist flow.” He noted the launch of construction for a new modern international airport worth $226 million, which will handle up to 100 flights per week. Previously, in the spring of last year, it was planned to open the new Bukhara airport by the end of 2026.
Recently, it was revealed that Enter Engineering company has become the private partner in the airport construction. Plans to attract new investors to the project have been reported, but this could face financial challenges or logistical hurdles, given the project's scale and tight timeline. The success of this initiative is crucial for boosting tourism and regional economic development, yet risks of delays and cost overruns remain significant concerns.
Source: www.gazeta.uz