Uzbekistan has awarded a key international public-private partnership (PPP) contract to South Korea’s Incheon International Airport Corporation for the modernization and long-term operation of Urgench International Airport. The agreement marks a milestone in the country’s ongoing infrastructure transformation and commitment to leveraging global expertise in aviation.

The open tender process began on August 1, 2024, attracting submissions from eight leading international airport operators. Following a competitive selection process, five companies advanced to the final stage. An inter-agency tender commission selected the South Korean operator based on its technical capacity, operational experience, and long-term investment vision.

The project will follow a Build-Operate-Transfer model. Under this framework, Incheon International Airport Corporation will lead the modernization and management the airport’s passenger and cargo terminals, including ground handling operations. The Government of Uzbekistan, through Uzbekistan Airports JSC, will retain oversight and control of the airfield infrastructure, including the runway and apron.

The project implemented in accordance with Presidential Decree No. PP-308 dated August 30, 2024, and is overseen by Uzbekistan Airports JSC in close cooperation with the Ministry of Transport and the Ministry of Economy and Finance. The next step in the process will be the signing of a 19-year PPP agreement, which will formally launch the implementation phase.

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Incheon International Airport Corporation operates the Republic of Korea’s largest air hub. It ranks among the world’s busiest and most technologically advanced airports. In 2024, it served over 70 million passengers.

Source: Official website of Uzbekistan Airports