Air cargo transportation is becoming an increasingly significant part of modern transport infrastructure due to the expansion of foreign trade and increased international logistics connections. Uzbekistan is actively developing this sector, strengthening Tashkent's position as one of Central Asia's key logistics hubs.
Terminal Capacity Upgrade
On July 17, 2026, journalists visited the cargo terminal of Tashkent International Airport as part of a press tour to familiarize themselves with air cargo handling processes. They were shown warehouse facilities, specialized storage areas, cargo processing and customs clearance sections, the administrative building, and the electronic queue management system.
The terminal expansion was driven by the steady growth in air transport volumes. Previously, the airport infrastructure was designed to handle about 30,000 tons of cargo and mail annually. However, by 2024, the actual throughput reached nearly 80,000 tons, significantly exceeding the initial design capacity.
New Infrastructure and Forecasts
In response to growing demand, a new cargo terminal was commissioned in March 2025, designed to handle up to 120,000 tons of cargo and mail per year. The new facility continues to show positive results: over 88,000 tons of cargo and mail were processed in 2025, and 92,000 tons is projected for 2026.
Thus, the development of cargo infrastructure not only meets the increase in freight volumes but also creates additional capacity for the further development of air logistics.
Cargo Flow Dynamics and Trade
The most significant growth was recorded in 2026. In the first half of the year alone, over 48,000 tons of cargo and mail passed through the Tashkent Airport cargo terminal, which is 33.2% more than in the same period last year.
The structure of the cargo flow reflects the diversity of Uzbekistan's international trade. Since the beginning of the year, over 1,100 tons of agricultural products have been exported by air. On the import side, the terminal received over 15,000 tons of general cargo, about 4,700 tons of perishable goods, and nearly 1,200 tons of live animals.
This data indicates that the terminal handles a wide range of goods—from agricultural products and perishable items to specialized consignments requiring specific storage and transportation conditions. For an export-oriented economy, air logistics plays a critically important role by significantly reducing delivery times, especially for goods with limited shelf life and high added value.
Processing Speed as an Advantage
Modern logistics is assessed not only by cargo volumes but also by the speed of processing. Currently, the cargo terminal is capable of accepting up to 500 tons of freight daily. The average time from aircraft arrival to cargo handover to the recipient is three to four hours, which is particularly important for pharmaceuticals, perishable products, live animals, and other goods requiring rapid handling.
During the press tour, journalists observed the procedures for receiving, sorting, storing, processing, and releasing cargo. A key feature of the facility is the electronic queue management system, which helps organize the interaction of logistics participants and improve operational efficiency.
Further Infrastructure Development
Growing freight volumes require continuous infrastructure development. Work is currently underway to construct two additional covered warehouses with a total area of over 6,000 square meters. These new facilities will increase the terminal's carrying capacity, improve the handling of import and export consignments, and provide reserve capacity for future growth in air transport.
The expansion is significant not only for the airport but also for Uzbekistan's broader transport and logistics network. Higher throughput supports external trade operations, expands export opportunities for businesses, and strengthens the country's international ties.
Tashkent's Role in the Region
The increase in cargo flow through Tashkent International Airport occurs against the backdrop of the ongoing development of Uzbekistan's transport infrastructure and the expansion of international trade links. The country's geographical location makes it a natural junction point for markets in Central Asia, China, South Asia, the Middle East, and Europe.
Within this network, Tashkent International Airport functions as an important hub for both passenger and cargo aviation. Its modern cargo terminal, fast processing times, and expanding warehouse infrastructure create conditions for the further growth of air logistics. The development of air cargo transportation has become an indicator of the country's economic activity. The growth in cargo volumes, the expansion of the range of processed goods, and continuous investment in infrastructure reflect the formation of a more modern and flexible logistics system. For Uzbekistan, which seeks to increase exports and diversify foreign trade, efficient air logistics is becoming an important competitive advantage. Thus, the cargo terminal of Tashkent International Airport is transforming from a simple transport facility into an integral element of the country's long-term strategy to strengthen its position in regional and international freight transport.
