Uzbekistan boosts air cargo traffic by 33%
The country targets 300,000 tons of annual air freight volume by 2036
Air cargo traffic in Uzbekistan increased by 33% year-over-year in the first half of 2026, reaching 51,500 tons. Zhamoliddin Nazarov, Head of the Air Transport Department at the Ministry of Transport of Uzbekistan, disclosed the figures during the Central Asia Air Cargo Summit in Tashkent.
Air freight volume totaled 98,100 tons last year, up 12% compared to 2024. Between 2019 and 2024, the country’s air cargo volume surged by 182%, positioning Uzbekistan as one of the fastest-growing aviation markets in Central Asia.
Uzbekistan’s strategic geographical location, “open skies” policy, and ongoing national aviation sector reforms have played a key role in developing the country into a regional air cargo hub, according to Nazarov.
“Specific goals have been set to increase air cargo transportation to 300,000 tons by 2036, develop airport infrastructure, expand logistics capabilities, and introduce international standards into the industry,” Nazarov said.
IATA estimates presented at the event indicate that Uzbek airlines offer the highest air cargo capacity among Central Asian carriers on routes connecting the region to Europe and the Middle East. Additionally, Uzbekistan’s airlines remain the only carriers in Central Asia operating direct flights to North America.
Don't miss our articles — subscribe
Key commercial aviation news from Central Asia and the South Caucasus — once a week, in your inbox.
