Uzbekistan’s aviation sector drives economic growth and strengthens position as regional air transport hub

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has released the Value of Air Transport Study for Uzbekistan, showing that the country’s focus on aviation has driven growing benefits for employment and economic activity.

In Uzbekistan, 12,400 people are directly employed in aviation, generating USD 96.5 million in economic output, equivalent to 0.1% of total GDP. Wider benefits come from the supply chain, employee spending, and tourism, contributing a total of USD 795.5 million, or 0.9% of GDP, and supporting 128,000 jobs.

“Uzbekistan’s continued investment in new airport infrastructure, safety improvements, and in people have played a key role in supporting a resilient and robust aviation sector, strengthening the burgeoning tourism industry and foreign direct investment in the country. It is also key to developing the country’s attractiveness as a future east-west transit hub for both passengers and cargo,” said Rafael Schvartzman, IATA Regional Vice President for Europe.

Tourism supported by aviation contributes USD 282.9 million to GDP, while international tourists are estimated to inject USD 2 billion annually into the wider economy through local goods and services. Uzbekistan is also expanding as a transit point for air cargo. In 2023, 66,600 tonnes of air cargo were transported through Uzbek airports. The opening of a dedicated cargo terminal at Tashkent Airport and continued growth at Navoi’s cargo airport are expected to further increase volumes.

Uzbekistan’s central location in Central Asia provides strategic connectivity to neighbouring states and links between Asia, the Caucasus, and Europe. This position supports investment in aviation infrastructure and employment, with spillover benefits for tourism, trade, and foreign direct investment.

Policymakers are advised to focus on four key priorities to strengthen Uzbekistan’s aviation sector. First, alignment with global standards and best practices is essential for safe, efficient, and affordable air transport, increasing the country’s attractiveness as a hub between Europe and Asia. Second, infrastructure expansion, including new airports in Tashkent, Bukhara, and Urgench, must remain cost competitive to support passenger and cargo growth. Third, the production of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) should follow international standards to ensure environmental integrity and global acceptance, leveraging Uzbekistan’s Gas-to-Liquids experience while focusing on renewable or low-carbon gases. Finally, investment in people is critical, with a growing workforce needing upskilling and retention to maintain safe and efficient operations.

IATA’s study highlights that continued strategic investment and adherence to international standards will enable Uzbekistan to strengthen its role as a regional aviation hub, driving economic growth and development.

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