Incheon Airport Expands Operations with New Projects in Uzbekistan

Incheon International Airport to Lead Consulting and Management of Uzbekistan’s Key Airports

Incheon International Airport Corporation (IIAC) has announced two landmark agreements in Uzbekistan, The Korea Herald reports.

The company signed a $24.5 mln consulting contract for the New Tashkent International Airport, a large-scale infrastructure project worth $3.3 bn (Uzbekistan reported the cost at $2.7 bn), developed under a public-private partnership led by Saudi investment firm Vision Invest. The future airport forms part of Uzbekistan’s aviation modernisation drive and is set to become a Central Asian air logistics hub, capable of handling up to 54 mln passengers annually (Uzbekistan’s estimations were at 20 mln).

Over the next five years, Incheon Airport will provide comprehensive consulting services for the Tashkent site, covering security, IT infrastructure, passenger services, and safety systems. The corporation will also support the development of an integrated airport-city model, including transport access, logistics zones, and commercial areas. The consulting phase will begin in July 2027, two years ahead of the airport’s expected opening in 2029.

IIAC described the deal as a milestone for its «K-Airport» global expansion framework, highlighting its expertise in large-scale airport management.

«Uzbekistan holds strong potential to emerge as a transportation hub in Central Asia,» said IIAC CEO Lee Hak-jae. «We aim to establish the second and third Incheon Airports in the region, creating a key bridgehead for our overseas expansion.»

New Partnership to Manage Urgench Airport

On the same day, IIAC signed a public-private partnership agreement with JSC Uzbekistan Airports to develop and manage Urgench International Airport. The project, valued at $140.9 mln, covers the phased construction of facilities, terminal optimisation, airline attraction, and commercial development.

IIAC, selected as the preferred bidder in April 2025, will hold full operational rights for 19 years after a three-year construction period, marking its first overseas airport operation.