Uzbekistan’s Navoi International Airport Launches Massive Infrastructure Expansion to Anchor Eurasian Cargo Transit

Navoi International Airport builds a new 16,000sqm terminal and expands fuel storage to capture Europe-Asia freight flows via a duty-free customs regime.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 4, 2026, 10:18 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Africanews

The Strategic Transformation of Navoi Into a Multimodal Hub

Navoi International Airport in central Uzbekistan is undergoing a comprehensive infrastructure overhaul aimed at positioning the facility as a premier logistics gateway between Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Airport Director Alisher Klichev emphasized that the primary mission of the facility is the facilitation of global cargo transit rather than passenger traffic. By integrating air, road, and rail transport, the airport seeks to provide a seamless intercontinental platform that capitalizes on its strategic location along major transport corridors linking China with Western markets.

Massive Expansion of Cargo Handling and Storage Facilities

To accommodate the growing demand for rapid e-commerce and postal deliveries, a new cargo terminal covering 16,000 square meters is currently under construction. This facility is specifically designed to manage a diverse range of freight, including valuable shipments, dangerous goods, and courier deliveries. In tandem with the terminal expansion, the airport is increasing its aviation fuel storage capacity by 10,000 tonnes, bringing the total operational reserve to 15,000 tonnes. These upgrades are intended to ensure continuity for long haul freight services and support an increasing frequency of technical stops.

The Porto-Franco Customs Regime and Economic Incentives

A central element of the airport’s growth strategy is the implementation of a porto-franco customs framework. This specialized regime allows international logistics operators to import, process, repackage, and re-export goods without the burden of domestic duties or taxes. According to Klichev, this system is a critical turning point that will significantly accelerate cargo processing times. Furthermore, duty exemptions for aircraft technical services and spare parts storage have been established through January 1, 2029, to attract global carriers seeking cost efficiencies along Eurasian trade routes.