Tashkent International Airport
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| Tashkent International Airport | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Name | Tashkent International Airport |
| IATA | TAS |
| ICAO | UTTT |
| Owner | Government of Uzbekistan |
| Operator | Uzbekistan Airways |
| City-served | Tashkent |
| Location | Tashkent |
| Hub | *Uzbekistan Airways |
| Elevation-f | 1,417 |
| Elevation-m | 432 |
| Coordinates | 41, 15, 28, N... |
| Website | https://www.uzairways.com/en/tashkent-airport |
| R1-number | 08L/26R |
| R1-length-m | 4,000 |
| R1-surface | Asphalt |
| R2-number | 08R/26L |
| R2-length-m | 3,905 |
| R2-surface | Asphalt |
Tashkent International Airport is the primary international gateway to Uzbekistan and the busiest airport in Central Asia. Located in the capital city of Tashkent, it serves as the main hub for the national flag carrier, Uzbekistan Airways. The airport has undergone significant modernization since the nation's independence, transforming into a major transit point connecting Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.
History
The airport's origins trace back to the 1930s with the development of a small airfield during the era of the Soviet Union. Its strategic importance grew significantly after World War II, leading to major expansions to accommodate larger aircraft like the Tupolev Tu-154. Following the Dissolution of the Soviet Union and the independence of Uzbekistan in 1991, the facility was designated as the primary international portal for the new republic. A pivotal modernization phase began in the early 21st century, culminating in the opening of a new international terminal ahead of the city's hosting of the 2016 Summer Olympics assembly for the International Olympic Committee.
Facilities
The airport complex features three passenger terminals, with Terminal 3 being the newest and largest, handling all international flights. Key facilities include numerous check-in desks, modern baggage handling systems, and extensive duty-free shopping areas operated by companies like Regstaer. The airport offers premium lounges, including one operated by Uzbekistan Airways and a contract lounge for passengers of airlines such as Turkish Airlines and Emirates. Operational infrastructure includes two parallel runways capable of handling wide-body aircraft like the Boeing 787 Dreamliner and Boeing 767, advanced ILS equipment, and extensive cargo facilities managed by Singapore Changi Airport's consultancy arm.
Airlines and destinations
As the main hub for Uzbekistan Airways, the airport connects Tashkent to a vast network across Russia, Europe, Asia, and North America, including direct flights to New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport. Other major carriers operating here include Turkish Airlines (to Istanbul Airport), Air Astana (to Nursultan Nazarbayev International Airport), Flydubai (to Dubai International Airport), and China Southern Airlines (to Ürümqi Diwopu International Airport). Seasonal and charter services are also offered by airlines like Azur Air to popular tourist destinations.
Statistics
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the airport consistently handled over 4 million passengers annually, making it the busiest in the region ahead of Almaty International Airport in Kazakhstan. Cargo traffic has seen steady growth, facilitated by the fleet of Uzbekistan Airways which includes modern freighters. The airport serves as a critical transit point within the Commonwealth of Independent States and has seen increasing traffic from carriers in the Persian Gulf and Southeast Asia, contributing significantly to the national economy alongside tourism at destinations like Samarkand and Bukhara.
Ground transportation
The airport is situated approximately 12 kilometers from the center of Tashkent. It is directly connected to the city's Tashkent Metro via the Tashkent Airport station on the Yunusobod Line, providing a direct link to major hubs like Amir Timur Square. Multiple taxi services and ride-hailing apps are available outside the terminals. The M39 highway provides direct road access for private vehicles and intercity buses, connecting to other major Uzbek cities such as Samarkand.
Accidents and incidents
The airport has witnessed several notable aviation incidents. In 1984, a Tupolev Tu-154 operated by Balkan Bulgarian Airlines crashed during final approach, resulting in numerous fatalities. A significant terrorist incident occurred in 1999 when armed militants associated with the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan attempted to hijack an aircraft. In 2004, a Yakovlev Yak-40 operated by Uzbekistan Airways crashed shortly after takeoff due to technical failure. These events have contributed to ongoing enhancements in security protocols and aviation safety standards in coordination with international bodies like the International Civil Aviation Organization.
Category:Airports in Uzbekistan Category:Buildings and structures in Tashkent Category:Transport in Tashkent