Uzbekistan’s eastern gateway has officially reopened to the world as Andijan Airport launched its first international flight on August 12, marking a significant milestone in the country’s transport infrastructure development. After undergoing extensive reconstruction that began in April 2023, the airport has emerged as a modernized aviation hub ready to serve regional connectivity needs.
The inaugural international service featured Flyone Asia’s route connecting Andijan directly to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The maiden flight Q7 2261 departed with 151 passengers aboard, establishing a twice-weekly schedule operating on Tuesdays and Thursdays. This strategic route opens vital corridors for religious pilgrimage, tourism, and business travel between Uzbekistan and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Domestic Operations Gain Momentum
Beyond international services, Andijan Airport has been steadily building its domestic network since reopening in March 2025. Silk Avia operates regular flights to Tashkent on Mondays and Thursdays, while the national carrier Uzbekistan Airways provides Wednesday and Saturday connections using Airbus A320 aircraft. These domestic routes ensure seamless connectivity between the Ferghana Valley region and the capital.
Infrastructure Transformation
The airport’s transformation represents a comprehensive modernization effort. Originally opened in 1978, the facility underwent complete reconstruction beginning in April 2023, with the first phase concluding in March 2025 featuring a new runway. The upcoming second phase will introduce a modern passenger terminal, dramatically expanding capacity from the current level to accommodate 1,000 passengers per hour and handle up to 3,700 annual flights.
This infrastructure development creates substantial opportunities for international businesses seeking to establish or expand operations in Uzbekistan’s eastern regions. The restored airport connectivity particularly benefits companies in construction materials, interior furnishing, and manufacturing sectors by providing efficient logistics channels to one of Central Asia’s most economically dynamic areas. The direct Saudi Arabia connection opens new avenues for regional trade partnerships and investment flows, while improved domestic links facilitate better supply chain management across Uzbekistan’s key industrial centers. Foreign businesses can now leverage Andijan as a strategic entry point to serve the broader Ferghana Valley market, benefiting from enhanced air cargo capabilities and passenger services that support business development initiatives in this rapidly growing economic zone.
