Navoi:Uzbekistan is intensifying efforts to establish Navoi International Airport as a regional air cargo hub. The initiative is part of a broader strategy to capitalize on the growth of air freight and enhance the country's logistics capabilities between Asia and Europe.
According to Trend News Agency, the air cargo market in Uzbekistan has witnessed significant expansion, with cargo volumes increasing by 182% from 2019 to 2024. In 2025, Uzbekistan's airports processed approximately 98,000 tons of cargo, with an additional growth of 33% reported in the first half of 2026. The government has set a target to boost the country's annual air cargo capacity to 300,000 tons by 2036, focusing on Navoi International Airport as a multimodal logistics center linking air, rail, and road transport.
Navoi's development is prioritized under a presidential resolution adopted on February 9, 2026, which outlines specific goals for the airport by 2030. These targets include increasing annual flights to 7,000, passenger traffic to 150,000, and cargo transportation to 45,000 tons. The resolution also grants the airport greater management autonomy to negotiate with airlines on cargo transportation, transit, and technical landings.
Efforts to attract international airlines and logistics companies are central to Navoi's strategy. Notably, a strategic alliance with Hong Kong-based Harvest Epoch Strategic Investment Limited was established in September 2026, aiming to enhance the airport's ground-handling services and customs procedures. Test cargo flights are planned for December 2026, with the cooperation aiming to increase Navoi's annual cargo throughput to 45,000 tons by 2030.
Additionally, a free customs zone, Porto-Franco, was introduced at Navoi International Airport in October 2026, providing added flexibility for cargo storage and handling. This development is intended to make the airport more appealing to international logistics operators by facilitating processing and import, export, and transit operations under a flexible customs framework.
Overall, Uzbekistan's efforts to develop Navoi International Airport as a key air cargo hub reflect its broader logistics strategy. The country aims to strengthen its position in international transportation, seeking to diversify trade routes and enhance access to global markets. The success of Navoi in becoming a regional logistics hub will depend on attracting regular flight operations, international cargo operators, and establishing efficient connections between air freight and other transport networks.