New international airport worth $300 million, designed for 1200 passengers, is being built in Bukhara

Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan have reached an agreement to increase the number of air flights on the Tashkent–Almaty and Tashkent–Oston routes. According to data from the Ministry of Transport of Kazakhstan, up to 60 flights per week are permitted on each of these routes.

These agreements were reached during negotiations held within the framework of the Central Asia–China civil aviation cooperation conference in Tashkent. Thus, a total of 120 flights per week are permitted on both routes.

Previously, under the previous agreement, 42 flights per year were permitted on these routes. Additionally, the number of permitted flights between other cities of the two countries was increased from 14 to 20 per week.

According to the Ministry of Transport of Kazakhstan for September, a total of 70 air flights were operated between the two states per week, which is 40% more compared to the same period in 2025.

This year, direct air connections have been opened between Tashkent and Atiraу, Uralsk, Kostanay, and Aktobe, as well as between Almaty and Samarkand and Urganch.

The Kazakh side emphasized that this new agreement will contribute to the expansion of air communications on in-demand routes, improve convenience for passengers, and promote tourism between the two countries.

The implementation of new projects and initiatives totaling $30 billion is planned in the Bukhara region. These measures are designed to promote regional economic development and improve the quality of life for the local population.

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev announced these plans during a meeting dedicated to the socio-economic development of the region. The head of state noted that the new $30 billion initiatives will lead to positive transformations in the economy of Bukhara and improve the daily living conditions of citizens.

Key areas of development

One of the priority areas is the modernization of water supply and sewage systems. Currently, a project in this area is being implemented jointly with the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, valued at $385 million. An additional $248 million is planned to be attracted for the second phase of this project.

Thanks to these measures, water supply will be improved for 1.7 million residents across all settlements in the region, and 775 thousand people will be connected to the sewage system. The goal is to raise the share of the population with access to centralized drinking water from the current 80% to 95%.

The President emphasized the residents' expectations regarding these changes and instructed responsible persons to ensure the accelerated implementation of the planned projects.

Construction of a new tourist center is underway on a 50-hectare site in Bukhara. This facility is envisioned as a place for tourists to relax and also as a venue for major international events. The total cost of the project is estimated at $105 million.

The project includes plans for hotels, a museum, an amphitheater, guesthouses, and numerous retail outlets. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev personally inspected the progress of work at the construction site.

Infrastructure and Layout

The center is designed to combine modern tourist amenities with the rich historical traditions of Bukhara. Planned facilities include a reception hall, an exhibition hall, a museum, and two hotels. Visitors will have accommodation in 80 family guesthouses, as well as an amphitheater designed for 2,000 spectators and over 70 trade and service enterprises.

The area will also feature walking zones, craft centers, and an artificial lake. The design of the buildings will incorporate a combination of modern solutions and elements of traditional Bukhara architecture.

Currently, engineering and communication networks are being laid out on a 10-hectare section, utilizing about 50 pieces of specialized equipment.

Economic Impact and Project Goals

It is expected that the implementation of this project will create two thousand new jobs and increase the annual tourist flow by two million people. Furthermore, it is projected that revenues to the local budget will amount to 288 billion soums annually.

Mirziyoyev emphasized that the project's goal goes beyond simply expanding the tourism base; it must contribute to preserving the city's historical appearance. It is important to ensure that guests can learn about Bukhara's cultural heritage, while also providing local residents with new opportunities for employment and income.

Additionally, a complex for hosting international forums will be created in Bukhara, including a congress hall and two more hotels, with a total cost of $136.6 million.