Tashkent-East Airport Opens with 4 km Runway

Post by : Avinab Raana

Photo : X / Shavkat Mirziyoyev's Press-service

Uzbekistan Opens Tashkent-East Airport to Elevate Capacity

After years of construction and strategic planning, Uzbekistan has officially completed the build of Tashkent-East Airport, the capital’s new aviation gateway. Located on the site of a former military airfield, the new hub boasts a 4,000 m runway, two terminals dedicated to business aviation and official traffic, and an apron capable of hosting up to 20 widebody aircraft. The opening—welcomed personally by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev—marks a significant leap in aviation capacity and government infrastructure.

First Flight: A Presidential Boeing Lands at New Facility

The airport’s inauguration was symbolically marked when a Boeing 767-300, carrying the Uzbek presidential standard, completed the first official flight. The ceremonial arrival underscored the government’s commitment to elevating the airport’s role beyond noise-limited development, positioning it as a high-security, high-functionality node tailored for state and business traffic.

Two-Terminal Layout Designed for Specialized Traffic

Tashkent-East Airport features two distinct terminals: one for executive and government flights, and another for general business aviation. This separation ensures streamlined operations and elevated service quality for high-level travelers, while preserving capacity at the city’s primary airport for still-heavy commercial traffic.

Widebody-Ready Infrastructure Supports Future Expansion

The airport’s apron is configured to accommodate 20 widebody jets simultaneously—making it one of the few facilities in Central Asia with such capability. As a result, Tashkent-East can handle larger aircraft for both cargo and diplomatic purposes. It also relieves load pressure from the main international hub at Islam Karimov Airport, improving overall network resilience.

Strategic Legacy: Repurposing a Historic Emplacement

Construction began in 2017 on land previously used by the Chkalov Tashkent Aviation Production Association—a factory pivotal during WWII for aircraft assembly. The transformation of this historical site into a modern airport blends legacy with innovation, forging a bridge between Uzbekistan’s industrial past and its aviation-focused future.

Decompression for a Congested Aviation Network

Islam Karimov International Airport has long served Tashkent with passenger traffic surging 20–25% annually. Tashkent-East is designed to absorb overflow—particularly from executive charter and VIP segments—easing operational stress and revitalizing urban air space management.

Premium Facilities Meet ICAO Category III-A Standards

Tashkent-East is set to become Uzbekistan’s first airport to gain ICAO Category III-A certification, enabling operations in heavy fog or near-zero visibility. This advancement elevates flight safety and ensures reliability across seasonal weather extremes—a capability increasingly vital in strategic air infrastructure.

Built for New Tashkent Urban Integration

Geographically, the airport stands to serve future urban expansion effectively. As New Tashkent takes shape, the airport’s eastern placement offers easy access by planned road and rail corridors, embedding it into the capital’s urban growth framework and long-term city planning strategies.

Fetching Connections: Jetex to Provide On-Site FBO Services

To support its executive airline clientele, Tashkent-East has a partnership with Jetex, the UAE-based operator, to establish the country’s first dedicated Fixed Base Operator (FBO). The presence of an FBO adds fuel and ground services standardized to global business aviation standards, lifting the airport’s appeal for elite travel.

Next Steps: Commercial Potential and Connectivity Growth

Though designed for VIP and state use initially, Tashkent-East could eventually attract commercial routes, including cargo and dedicated charter services. Its infrastructure and runway capacity stand ready to support broader commercial expansion as Uzbekistan’s aviation market matures.

A Turning Point in Uzbek Aviation Strategy

The opening of Tashkent-East Airport isn’t just infrastructure—it’s strategic vision in motion. Supporting national accomplishment, boosting regional aviation capacity, and steering city expansion, the airport rounds out Uzbekistan’s aviation landscape with both institutional foresight and architectural boldness.

Tashkent East Airport, Widebody capacity, Airport congestion