ТАSHKENT, September 23. /Dunyo IA/. Today, visit of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev to the region began with an inspection of the construction and improvement work being carried out at the International Airport, reports Dunyo IA correspondent.

According to the press service of the Head of our State, during his visit to the region three years ago, Leader of Uzbekistan instructed officials to modernize the airport. He also personally reviewed the reconstruction’s progress during his visit last year.

Airport was commissioned in 1978 and granted international status in 2013. Facility covers 243.4 hectares and employs 100 people. Over time, the airport needed to meet modern requirements, improve passenger comfort and expand its flight offerings.

Total cost of the airfield reconstruction project is 1.1 trillion UZS. During the first phase, the airport infrastructure was fully renovated. The runway was extended to 3.3 kilometers, and a new 60-meter-wide runway meeting Category 4E requirements was constructed. In addition, taxiways and aircraft parking stands for 10 aircraft were built.

Particular attention has been paid to construction quality and to ensuring the facility’s long service life. The runway has been surfaced with durable cement concrete designed to last up to 50 years. A high-precision German-made airfield lighting system has been installed, enabling the airport to safely receive aircraft at night and in dense fog. Aircraft can land even when visibility is reduced to 300 meters. The airport can now handle large wide-body aircraft without restrictions.

Second phase of reconstruction is underway. It includes building a modern two-story terminal with a total area of 19,685 square meters. Previously, the airport handled up to 200 passengers per hour. Once the new terminal is commissioned, that figure will increase fivefold. A high-speed Wi-Fi network and smart services will also be introduced at the airport.

Head of State reviewed the airport development concept. President instructed the responsible officials to ensure the timely, high-quality completion of the modern terminal building.

Currently, seven airlines operate regular domestic and international flights from Andijan International Airport. In the future, the number of flights is planned to increase from 808 to 2,500 per year, while the airport’s annual passenger handling capacity is expected to reach 3.5 million.

It was noted that the ongoing work will improve transport accessibility for residents of Andijan and visitors to the region and will also help realize the region’s economic and tourism potential. Instructions were given to develop modern service facilities near the airport and to improve the quality of services provided.