In the first nine months of 2026, Uzbekistan's air terminals accommodated over 12.6 million passengers, demonstrating a 13% growth compared to the previous year. Additionally, the number of flights increased, and the volume of cargo and mail processed exceeded last year's figure by more than a quarter.
The development dynamics were uneven across different regions of the country. From January to September, Uzbekistan's airports served 102.8 thousand flights, which is 10% more than the previous year. These flights were distributed as follows: 71.6 thousand were international, and 31.2 thousand were domestic.
The total passenger flow reached 12.66 million people. International transport covered 10.36 million passengers, while domestic flights accounted for 2.3 million passengers. The growth in these segments was 13% and 15% respectively.
Tashkent as a key aviation hub
The capital airport of Tashkent maintains its status as the country's main aviation hub. It accommodated 8.49 million passengers and served 62.5 thousand flights. Compared to the same period last year, passenger traffic in Tashkent grew by 16%, and the number of flights increased by 7%.
Among regional airports, Samarkand (1.11 million people), Urgench (724.4 thousand), Fergana (511 thousand), and Namangan (497.6 thousand) led in terms of passengers served.
Significant growth in Andijan and other regional changes
The sharpest increase in passenger flow was noted in Andijan, where it increased by 8.7 times, reaching 161.4 thousand people. This significant jump is partly due to the airport resuming operations after major reconstruction on March 20, 2025, whereas last year it did not function at full capacity.
There was also an increase in the number of passengers in Termez (by 48%), Urgench (by 18%), and Nukus (by 17%). In Termez, the growth is linked to the development of transportation for pilgrims heading to Umrah, as well as the launch of flights by the airline Flyadeal. The availability of pilgrimage tours attracted tourists from neighboring countries. In Urgench and Nukus, the launch of new international flights was an additional factor.
Some airports experienced a decrease in passenger flow: in Namangan, it fell by 16%, and in Karshi by 22%. According to Uzbekistan Airports, these results are influenced by changes in the route network, demand in certain directions, and airline schedules, which is related to the current geopolitical situation.
In Fergana, passenger flow increased by 5%, despite a 11% reduction in the number of flights. In Samarkand, passenger flow remained at the same level compared to last year, while the number of flights decreased by 2%. In Navoi, the overall operational structure of the airport changed: with a 22% decrease in passenger flow and a reduction in passenger flights, the total number of served flights increased by 14%, and cargo transport strengthened its position.
Bukhara served 407.4 thousand passengers in the first nine months, which is 1% less than the previous year. A project is being implemented in the region to create a new international airport, which is intended to improve air transport capabilities and stimulate tourism.
Growth in cargo transport
The positive trend in the cargo sector is worth noting separately. From January to September, Uzbekistan's airports handled 84.8 thousand tons of cargo and mail, which is 27% more than the same period in 2025. The main share of cargo went to Tashkent Airport, which handled 78.9 thousand tons.
Furthermore, the creation of an international airline jointly with Afghan Kam Air is planned in Fergana.
