South Korean Firm Wins Tender to Modernize and Operate Urgench Airport

Photo: Uzbekistan Airports

Incheon International Airport Corporation, a South Korean company, has won the tender to modernize and operate Urgench International Airport, according to a statement from Uzbekistan Airports.

The project will be carried out under a public-private partnership (PPP). The private partner will be responsible for constructing and operating the passenger and cargo terminals, including ground handling services. The public partner will oversee construction and management of the airfield infrastructure, including the runway and apron.

The value of the project has not been disclosed.

The tender was launched on August 1, 2024, and conducted through an open process. The full name of the initiative is “Modernization and Operation of Urgench International Airport,” following the Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) model.

The selection process consisted of two stages: a Request for Qualifications (RfQ) and a Request for Proposals (RfP). Eight companies participated, with five advancing to the final round, from which the winner was selected.

ℹ️ Incheon International Airport Corporation operates Incheon International Airport, which opened in 2001. Today, the airport ranks second globally in international cargo volume, fifth in international passenger traffic, and first in overall airport service quality. In 2024, Incheon handled more than 70 million passengers.