Uzbekistan has formally locked in a major infrastructure partnership with South Korea, as Uzbekistan Airports and Incheon International Airport Corporation signed a public-private partnership agreement on October 15 for the comprehensive modernization and management of Urgench International Airport. The deal marks a strategic move to transform the Khorezm region’s air gateway into a modern aviation hub capable of handling growing tourist flows and cargo operations.
Under the 19-year concession agreement, the Korean partner will take charge of constructing and operating both passenger and cargo terminals, along with ground handling services. Meanwhile, the state will retain control over the aerodrome complex, including the runway and apron infrastructure. This division of responsibilities reflects a carefully structured approach to leveraging private sector expertise while maintaining strategic government oversight of core aviation facilities.
The ceremony in Tashkent brought together Javlonbek Umarkhodjaev, chairman of Uzbekistan Airports, Lee Hak Jae, president of Incheon International Airport Corporation, and Oybek Matkarimov, director of Urgench Airport. The event was overseen by Uzbekistan’s Transport Minister Ilkhom Makhkamov, underscoring the government’s commitment to advancing the country’s aviation infrastructure through international cooperation.
World-class expertise arrives in Khorezm
Incheon International Airport Corporation brings formidable credentials to the project. Operating one of Northeast Asia’s busiest transport hubs, the company managed over 70 million passengers in 2024 and has consistently ranked among the world’s top airports for service quality and operational efficiency. This expertise is expected to dramatically elevate Urgench’s standards, introducing international best practices in terminal design, passenger experience, and cargo handling.
The modernization project comes at a time when Urgench Airport is experiencing robust growth. The facility currently serves eight airlines on regular routes and approximately 40 carriers on charter operations. After handling 590,000 passengers in 2023, the airport recorded significant traffic growth in 2024, with projections indicating sustained annual increases throughout the concession period.
For international companies in furniture, construction materials, interior design, and related manufacturing sectors, this development opens multiple avenues. The modernization will require significant imports of construction materials, terminal furnishings, and interior design solutions, while enhanced air connectivity between Khorezm and international markets will facilitate easier access for business delegations, smoother logistics for sample shipments, and improved conditions for establishing local partnerships. The project also signals Uzbekistan’s broader commitment to infrastructure modernization through public-private partnerships, creating a more favorable environment for foreign investment and trade expansion across the country’s regions.
