A presidential decree project is being developed in Uzbekistan that provides for the creation of its own regulatory system for small and recreational aviation with the aim of stimulating the development of active tourism. These measures were prepared by the Committee on Tourism together with relevant agencies.
It is proposed that the Civil Aviation Agency under the Ministry of Transport become the state regulator in this area. It is intended to be granted an expanded set of powers, including aircraft registration and certification, supervision of their technical maintenance, training of qualified personnel, and control over flight safety.
Special aviation norms will be created for small aviation. These rules will apply to aircraft with a maximum takeoff weight of up to 5700 kg, and for helicopters—up to 2250 kg, provided they are certified according to the requirements of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
The Ministry of Transport has been instructed to develop a simplified regulation for the registration, certification, and technical inspection of small aviation aircraft within three months. Furthermore, a draft law is planned to be prepared within six months, obligating civil liability insurance for damage caused to third parties, taking into account the principles of the ICAO Rome Convention.
According to the project's 'roadmap,' air space usage rules will be changed by introducing U-space, G-space, and W-space categories. It is also proposed to exempt light aircraft weighing up to 115 kg from mandatory registration, following international ICAO practice. A separate category, 'Recreational Aviation,' will be established for light aircraft.
The project also plans to create a unified electronic platform 'Small Aviation' and launch the Cadet Program to form a reserve of pilots.
A separate aspect of the project concerns the restoration of runways and airfields that have been taken out of operation in various regions. After landscaping work, these facilities are intended to support active tourism and subsequent leasing to entrepreneurs or initiators of relevant projects.
Additionally, non-profit organizations and private entrepreneurs will be able to rent buildings and structures to conduct training courses related to the field of active tourism. The development of small aviation is expected to help expand the tourist assortment, create new tourism offerings, and form the necessary infrastructure for recreational and tourist flights.
It is important to note that this decree project has not yet been approved and is undergoing public discussion. Currently, 18 airports operate in Uzbekistan, and recently airports in Muynak, Kokand, Zaamin, Shahrisabz, Saryasya, and Sokha have been built or renovated. However, the small aviation development project does not specify which decommissioned airfields and runways are planned to be restored and handed over to businesses.
According to the draft presidential decree on the development of active tourism, Uzbekistan intends to restore and utilize abandoned airfields and runways for recreational purposes.
As part of this proposal, after landscaping and modernization, these facilities will be leased to private entrepreneurs. It is planned that they will be used for light aviation flights, parachuting, paragliding, as well as for housing training centers for specialists.
The document also provides for the development of small aviation. It is proposed that the Civil Aviation Agency act as the state regulator in this area, receiving additional powers for aircraft certification and registration.
Furthermore, the project includes exempting entrepreneurs from customs duties when importing about 40 types of equipment intended for active tourism. This list includes quad bikes, buggies, campers, jet skis, parachutes, paragliders, and mountaineering gear.
It is expected that tax and customs benefits will come into effect on January 1, 2027, and last until January 1, 2030. Starting in 2027, projects for developing infrastructure at active tourism sites may be included in state development programs.
