Uzbekistan is turning Navoi International Airport into a more capable logistics gateway by launching a port-free zone under a presidential decree dated February 9, 2026. The initiative is designed to improve the airport’s operating efficiency, make fuller use of its transport and logistics potential, and support the further expansion of international cargo traffic.
A faster route for international cargo
The new zone will allow goods to be imported and stored without customs duties, processed on site, and handled through import, export, and transit procedures. By completing the necessary formalities directly at the airport, cargo operators are expected to reduce both processing times and related costs before shipments continue to their final destinations.
Navoi is also strengthening its technical capacity. The airport has commissioned an ACU (Air Conditioning Unit) system that supplies cooled or heated air to aircraft cabins while planes are on the ground. The equipment is intended to improve aircraft ground handling, maintain more comfortable conditions for passengers and crew, and help airport services coordinate their operations more efficiently.
The launch of the port-free zone and the introduction of modern ground-support equipment mark another step in the development of Navoi International Airport as an international logistics centre. The expanded service offering could improve Uzbekistan’s competitiveness in cross-border transport, although the long-term impact will depend on how effectively the new customs and handling capabilities are integrated into regional supply chains.
For international companies in furniture, construction materials, interior and exterior manufacturing, trade, design, and architecture, the project may create a more efficient entry point into Uzbekistan and neighbouring Central Asian markets. Faster cargo processing, duty-free storage, and expanded transit capabilities could be particularly relevant for time-sensitive, high-value, or project-based shipments, while the airport’s upgraded infrastructure strengthens the country’s broader appeal as a regional distribution and investment platform.
