Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — South Korea’s Incheon International Airport Corporation has been selected to modernize Urgench International Airport under a public-private partnership (PPP) project, Uzbekistan Airports announced.

All stages of the two-phase tender — qualification and proposal review — have been completed. Out of eight participating companies, five reached the final round, with Incheon Airport ultimately chosen by an interagency tender commission.

Under the project terms, the private partner will be responsible for constructing and operating both passenger and cargo terminals, as well as managing ground services. The public sector will handle the construction and operation of aerodrome infrastructure, including the runway and apron.

The next step is the signing of a 19-year concession agreement.

Uzbekistan Airports noted that the tender attracted strong interest from leading global airport operators. Incheon Airport, South Korea’s main air hub and one of the busiest in Northeast Asia, handled over 70 million passengers in 2024 and consistently ranks among the world’s best airports.

Officials expressed confidence that Incheon’s expertise will help transform Urgench Airport into one of the most modern in Uzbekistan, enhancing passenger comfort, boosting tourism in the Khorezm region, and advancing the country’s aviation sector.

The project was launched following a presidential decree dated 30 August 2024, and is being implemented in cooperation with Uzbekistan Airports, the Ministry of Transport, and the Ministry of Economy and Finance.