Aviation Holds the Key to Unlocking Economic Benefits for Uzbekistan

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released the Value of Air Transport Study for Uzbekistan, highlighting that the country’s continued focus on aviation has resulted in growing benefits in terms of jobs and economic activity.

In Uzbekistan, 12,400 people are directly employed in aviation, generating USD 96.5 million in economic output, equal to 0.1% of total GDP. Additional benefits are generated by the wider supply chain, employee spending, and tourism activities, contributing a total of USD 795.5 million, or 0.9%, to 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 directly supported by aviation contributes USD 282.9 million to the country’s GDP, while international tourists to Uzbekistan are estimated to contribute USD 2 billion annually to the wider economy through the purchase of goods and services from local businesses.

Uzbekistan has also played a growing role as a transit point for air cargo. IATA’s report shows that 66,600 tonnes of air cargo were transported through airports in Uzbekistan in 2023. With the opening of a dedicated cargo terminal at Tashkent Airport earlier this year and continued growth at Navoi’s dedicated cargo airport, further growth in cargo volumes is expected.

The country’s location in the heart of Central Asia offers strategic connectivity not just for neighboring states but also a link between Asia, the Caucasus, and Europe. This strategic location will drive not only greater investment in aviation infrastructure and employment but also spill over into the wider economy through tourism, trade, and foreign direct investment.

Policymakers should consider four key priorities for Uzbekistan’s aviation sector that would support its growth and attractiveness as a regional hub.   

• Global Standards: Alignment with global standards and best practice is vital. These standards—from safety to passenger processing—are the backbone of safe, affordable, and efficient air transport. It would also increase Uzbekistan’s attractiveness as a hub between Europe and Asia.
• Infrastructure: While the construction of new airports in Tashkent, Bukhara, and Urgench will provide the capacity to support growth in passenger numbers and cargo volumes, it is critical to work with the industry to ensure cost competitiveness.
• SAF Production and Energy Transition: Given Uzbekistan’s interest in producing Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), alignment with international standards incorporated into most major jet fuel regulations is a must. This will enable SAF produced in Uzbekistan to be used confidently by airlines and airports in other countries. While Uzbekistan can leverage its Gas-to-Liquids experience in the SAF transition, the focus should be on sourcing renewable or low-carbon gases to ensure the environmental integrity and international acceptance of its SAF production.
• Investment in People: As the industry grows, there will be increased demand to upskill and retain a growing workforce needed to support a safe and efficient air transport industry.

Read the full report (pdf)

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IATA (International Air Transport Association) represents some 350 airlines comprising over 80% of global air traffic.