Uzbekistan Shocks the Region as New Aviation Boom Promises to Transform Central Asia’s Economy Overnight

Published on November 24, 2025

A major transformation involving Uzbekistan, aviation, and the country’s broader economic outlook has been highlighted through new findings presented by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). The nation’s accelerating investment in airports, cargo capabilities, technical operations, and workforce development has been placing aviation at the center of economic progress. With an expanding network and improving infrastructure, Uzbekistan has positioned itself as a rising hub linking Asia, Europe, and the Caucasus. Through this focus on air transport, both employment and national output have been impacted in ways that have strengthened long-term development pathways.

According to recent assessments, the aviation sector has been contributing directly and indirectly to the country’s job market, its tourism growth, and its international competitiveness. As global air travel recovers and as Central Asia becomes increasingly significant to east-west transit routes, Uzbekistan’s aviation strategy has been gaining recognition for its economic impact and its potential for future regional leadership.

Aviation’s Direct Impact on Employment and Economic Output

Based on IATA’s Value of Air Transport Study, the impact of aviation within Uzbekistan has been steadily increasing. The sector directly employs 12,400 individuals whose combined work has generated USD 96.5 million in economic output. This contribution accounts for 0.1 percent of the country’s total GDP. These employees support responsibilities across airline operations, airport services, navigation, ground handling, and other essential functions that keep the system running.

However, the effect does not end at direct employment. Additional layers of economic value have been created by the wider supply chain, business spending, and tourism activity driven by international travel. Through these combined channels, aviation has contributed USD 795.5 million to Uzbekistan’s GDP, representing 0.9 percent of national output. This broader impact supports 128,000 jobs across various industries. The growing presence of air transport has therefore been reinforcing not only travel-related sectors but also numerous businesses linked to logistics, hospitality, retail, energy, and services.

Growing Tourism Supported by Aviation

Tourism has remained one of the strongest areas influenced by the aviation network. Based on IATA’s findings, aviation-supported tourism has contributed USD 282.9 million directly to Uzbekistan’s GDP. The effect becomes even more substantial when international tourist spending is considered. Visitors arriving in the country have been estimated to contribute USD 2 billion annually to the wider economy. This spending takes place across hotels, restaurants, transportation services, cultural attractions, and local commerce.

With Uzbekistan expanding its historical, natural, and cultural tourism offerings, aviation has become a primary channel through which the country attracts foreign visitors. Modernized airports, restored heritage cities, and improved air routes have been creating a seamless travel experience that encourages growth in international arrivals. The country’s strategic location within Central Asia has further amplified its appeal as a bridge between eastern and western tourism flows.

Growing Importance as a Cargo Transit Point

Uzbekistan has also been expanding its role as a transit center for regional air cargo. Data from IATA has shown that 66,600 tonnes of air cargo passed through airports in Uzbekistan in 2023. This increasing movement of goods has been supported by significant infrastructure upgrades, including a dedicated cargo terminal opened at Tashkent Airport earlier in the year. The terminal has been designed to enhance handling capacity, improve operational efficiency, and attract more logistics partners.

In addition, Navoi’s dedicated cargo airport has continued to experience growth and is anticipated to remain a major contributor to cargo activity. With both airports advancing cargo capabilities, Uzbekistan is positioned to strengthen its participation in international supply chains. As demand for fast and efficient logistics increases globally, the country’s aviation cargo sector is expected to generate even greater opportunities for trade and investment.

Uzbekistan’s Strategic Position in Central Asia

One of Uzbekistan’s greatest advantages lies in its geographic location. Positioned at the center of Central Asia, the country serves as a strategic connector for surrounding states and major regions stretching from Asia to the Caucasus and Europe. This location has enabled the country to develop air corridors that support regional cooperation, business travel, and logistics movement.

With continued expansion in aviation infrastructure and increased investment in airports such as those in Tashkent, Bukhara, and Urgench, Uzbekistan’s potential as a regional hub has become increasingly pronounced. The spillover effects of such development have extended into tourism, foreign direct investment, hospitality, and trade, making aviation a central element of Uzbekistan’s national development strategy.

Key Priorities Identified for Future Growth

IATA’s study outlined four key priorities policymakers should consider as Uzbekistan continues strengthening its aviation sector.

Alignment with Global Standards

Compliance with global aviation standards remains essential. Standards related to safety, customer processing, data handling, and operational efficiency create the foundation for reliable and affordable air transport. By aligning with global norms, Uzbekistan will be able to improve its attractiveness as a major transit hub between Europe and Asia.

Infrastructure Development

The construction of new airports in Tashkent, Bukhara, and Urgench has been designed to increase capacity for both passenger and cargo movement. However, ensuring cost competitiveness remains crucial. Close collaboration with industry partners will be needed to maintain affordability and efficiency as airport development progresses.

Energy Transition and SAF Production

The country has expressed interest in advancing the production of Sustainable Aviation Fuel. To do this effectively, it will need to align with global SAF standards embedded in international fuel regulations. Uzbekistan’s existing experience with Gas-to-Liquids technology provides a strong foundation, but renewable or low-carbon gases will be necessary to ensure the environmental credibility of SAF production.

Investment in Workforce Development

As aviation activity expands, the industry will require a growing workforce with advanced technical, safety, and service skills. Investment in human capital will be essential to sustaining safe, reliable, and efficient operations. Upskilling programs and professional development will help maintain the high standards required in international aviation.

A Sector Positioned for Long-Term Success

Uzbekistan’s aviation strategy has been marked by strong investment, regulatory improvements, and the expansion of international partnerships. The combined influence of tourism, cargo, infrastructure development, and workforce training has placed aviation at the heart of national economic growth.

As air transport continues to evolve, Uzbekistan is expected to play a larger role within regional transit networks. With its central location and strengthened aviation capabilities, the country has been building the foundation for long-term economic resilience and expanded global connectivity.