Eurasian cargo hub expands to capture Europe-Asia freight flows | Euronews

## Summary
Navoi International Airport in central Uzbekistan is expanding its cargo capacity and logistics infrastructure as it seeks to attract transit flows between Europe, Asia and the Middle East, strengthening its position within international supply chains, airport officials said. These factors support its development as a multimodal logistics platform targeting intercontinental cargo operators and freight forwarders. “The main focus of Navoi Airport has never been passenger traffic,” said Alisher Klichev, Director of Navoi International Airport. “Our goal is to create a central hub for cargo transit between Europe and Asia, offering seamless integration across air, road, and rail transport,” he added. Navoi International Airport seeks to attract transit flows between Europe, Asia and the Middle East Navoi International Airport Infrastructure expansion and cargo capacity The airport is constructing a cargo terminal covering 16,000 square metres, designed to handle general cargo, valuable and dangerous goods, e-commerce shipments, as well as postal and courier deliveries. The facility is expected to increase handling capacity and support rising cargo volumes across Eurasian routes, particularly as demand for faster transit between Asia and Europe grows.

## Article Content
By&nbsp
Dilbar Primova
Published on
03/04/2026 - 14:00 GMT+2
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A new cargo terminal, expanded fuel storage and a duty-free customs regime aim to cut transit times and costs. The strategy targets airlines and logistics operators seeking alternative routes between Europe and Asia.
Navoi International Airport in central Uzbekistan is expanding its cargo capacity and logistics infrastructure as it seeks to attract transit flows between Europe, Asia and the Middle East, strengthening its position within international supply chains, airport officials said.
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Situated along crucial transport corridors linking China with Europe and the Middle East, the airport benefits from stable flying conditions, including low humidity and limited fog, as well as proximity to industrial zones, a free economic area and established rail and road networks.
These factors support its development as a multimodal logistics platform targeting intercontinental cargo operators and freight forwarders.
“The main focus of Navoi Airport has never been passenger traffic,” said Alisher Klichev, Director of Navoi International Airport.
“Our goal is to create a central hub for cargo transit between Europe and Asia, offering seamless integration across air, road, and rail transport,” he added.
Navoi International Airport seeks to attract transit flows between Europe, Asia and the Middle East
Navoi International Airport
Infrastructure expansion and cargo capacity
The airport is constructing a cargo terminal covering 16,000 square metres, designed to handle general cargo, valuable and dangerous goods, e-commerce shipments, as well as postal and courier deliveries.
The facility is expected to increase handling capacity and support rising cargo volumes across Eurasian routes, particularly as demand for faster transit between Asia and Europe grows.
Fuel storage infrastructure is also being expanded. Under a 2008 presidential resolution, the airport is adding 10,000 tonnes of aviation fuel storage, bringing total capacity to 15,000 tonnes.
The upgrade is intended to support an increase in cargo flights and ensure operational continuity for long-haul freight services.
“This expansion ensures that we can meet the fuel demands of a growing number of cargo flights,” Klichev said.
Specialised operational zones are being introduced within the airport, including areas dedicated to cargo processing, express shipments, and postal and courier services.
These zones are designed to reduce turnaround times, improve cargo handling efficiency and support time-sensitive deliveries, including e-commerce shipments moving between Asia and European markets.
Related
Uzbekistan expands transport network with new rail and air corridors for Central Asian businesses
Customs regime and integration into trade corridors
Navoi Airport operates in close coordination with the Navoi Free Economic Zone and surrounding industrial hubs, forming part of a wider logistics network that connects air, rail and road transport.
Its integration into regional and international corridors, including routes via Termez, enables cargo flows between Central Asia, Europe and the Middle East, supporting transit operations across multiple markets.
Klichev said the airport currently serves airlines including Maersk, MNG, MyFreighter and FlyKhiva, reflecting growing interest from cargo operators in the region.
“Our infrastructure supports technical stops for large cargo aircraft, ensuring flexible and reliable operations for airlines,” he continued.
A key element of the airport’s development strategy is the introduction of a porto-franco customs regime, allowing goods to be imported, stored, processed and re-exported without duties or taxes.
The system enables shipment consolidation, splitting and repackaging, providing flexibility for logistics operators and reducing transit times for international trade flows.
The zone also supports aircraft technical services, including the storage and maintenance of spare parts, with duty exemptions in place until 1 January 2029.
This framework is designed to attract logistics companies seeking cost efficiencies and streamlined customs procedures along Eurasian routes.
“The porto-franco regime is a key turning point. It will dramatically improve the speed of cargo processing and enhance the airport’s appeal to international logistics companies,” Klichev said.
Related
Uzbekistan develops new rail links to strengthen Eurasian transit role
Future services and investment outlook
The airport plans to expand its technical capabilities with the development of a maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) centre by 2029.
The facility will include hangars for servicing and painting wide-body aircraft, with the aim of attracting international carriers requiring technical support in Central Asia

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## Expert Analysis

### Merits
- Navoi International Airport seeks to attract transit flows between Europe, Asia and the Middle East Navoi International Airport Infrastructure expansion and cargo capacity The airport is constructing a cargo terminal covering 16,000 square metres, designed to handle general cargo, valuable and dangerous goods, e-commerce shipments, as well as postal and courier deliveries.

### Areas for Consideration
N/A

### Implications
- It will dramatically improve the speed of cargo processing and enhance the airport’s appeal to international logistics companies,” Klichev said.
- Related Uzbekistan develops new rail links to strengthen Eurasian transit role Future services and investment outlook The airport plans to expand its technical capabilities with the development of a maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) centre by 2029.
- The facility will include hangars for servicing and painting wide-body aircraft, with the aim of attracting international carriers requiring technical support in Central Asia. “Our aero-center will allow airlines to conduct maintenance and repairs directly in Navoi, creating a one-stop solution for cargo operators,” Klichev said.
- The facility will handle customs documentation, cargo clearance and driver services, and is designed to integrate road transport with air and rail logistics operations.

### Expert Commentary
This article covers cargo, airport, international topics. Notable strengths include discussion of cargo. Readability: Flesch-Kincaid grade 0.0. Word count: 896.