Uzbekistan is making strides in the privatization of its airports, following the success of its first public-private partnership (PPP) project at Samarkand Airport in 2022. Under the same scheme, five additional airports are set to undergo modernization and be transferred to private management. The tender process for one of these airports has already passed its first stage.
Airports in Bukhara, Namangan, Urgench, and Andijan are among the top priorities for modernization. The Urgench International Airport (UGC) is currently undergoing a tender process under the "Build-Operate-Transfer" (BOT) model.
Uzbekistan Airports has reported that the Request for Qualification (RfQ) stage of the tender has concluded successfully. Over the four-month-long RfQ phase, the commission reviewed submissions from eight applicants, five of which have advanced to the final stage, the Request for Proposals (RfP).
While the names of the participants remain undisclosed, international companies, including those from Turkey, are reportedly among the contenders. The winner of the tender is expected to be announced by the end of January 2025.
The airport privatization initiative is part of a broader effort by the Government of Uzbekistan, in collaboration with Uzbekistan Airports, the Ministry of Transport, and the Ministry of Economy and Finance. These projects aim to enhance airport infrastructure, improve management efficiency, and stimulate growth in passenger traffic and tourism.
Urgench International Airport, currently serving regular flights from eight airlines and charter services from approximately 40 more carriers, saw 590,000 passengers in 2023. Passenger traffic is expected to grow by 17% this year. Preliminary forecasts from Uzbekistan Airports suggest that, under PPP management, passenger numbers will rise by an average of 7.5% annually.
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