According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), Uzbekistan served 12.5 million air passengers in 2025, a 16.9% increase compared to the previous year. Its growth rate placed the country among the fastest-growing aviation markets in the world, UzDaily.uz reports.
Kazakhstan demonstrated an even higher figure, with passenger traffic increasing by 40% to 18.1 million. By comparison, the world's largest aviation market, the United States, grew by only 1.6%, while China grew by 4.8%. IATA notes that Central Asia is becoming one of the fastest-growing regions for global civil aviation.
Analytical Commentary
The rapid growth of air travel reflects profound changes in Uzbekistan's transportation system. In recent years, the country has been actively modernizing its airports, expanding its international route network, liberalizing the aviation market, and focusing on developing tourism and transit traffic.
Uzbekistan's geographic location between Europe and Asia creates favorable conditions for developing into one of Central Asia's key aviation hubs.
In absolute passenger traffic volumes, the republic currently lags behind Kazakhstan, but its growth rate remains one of the highest in the region. If current growth rates are maintained, Uzbekistan could significantly strengthen its position as a regional air transport hub in the coming years.
Further airport modernization, expanded foreign airline presence, fleet renewal, and increased tourism could provide additional impetus to the industry's development. Against the backdrop of accelerating economic integration in Central Asia, aviation is becoming a key factor in increasing population mobility, developing trade, and attracting foreign investment.
CentralasianLIGHT.org
July 17, 2026