Commercial Aviation
Navoi Airport Joins TIACA to Boost Central Asia Air Cargo Hub
Navoi International Airport in Uzbekistan joined TIACA to enhance its air cargo capacity and connectivity between Europe and Asia.
On April 13, 2026, Navoi International Airport in Uzbekistan officially became a member of The International Air Cargo Association (TIACA). According to an official press release from the organization, this strategic membership aims to strengthen global Supply-Chain and advance innovation across the air cargo ecosystem.
For our readers tracking the Europe-Asia trade lanes, Navoi’s integration into TIACA represents a notable step in Uzbekistan’s broader strategy to position the airport as a premier transit hub. TIACA, a Miami-based global trade association founded in 1990, represents all segments of the air freight supply chain and works closely with regulatory bodies like the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) to shape industry policies.
Strategic Expansion in Central Asia
Infrastructure and Geographic Advantage
Located in central Uzbekistan, Navoi International Airports serves as a geographical bridge situated less than six flying hours from major global aviation hubs, including Frankfurt, Milan, Dubai, Delhi, Shanghai, and Incheon. According to historical data and industry reporting by RuAviation, the airport underwent a massive modernization program beginning in 2007, which included the reconstruction of a 4,000-meter runway.
By 2010, Navoi completed the construction of the largest air cargo terminal in Central Asia. RuAviation reports that the facility boasts an annual handling capacity of 100,000 tonnes, with a freighter apron designed to accommodate up to five Boeing 747-400 wide-body Commercial-Aircraft simultaneously. The airport’s initial operational standards were significantly shaped by a 10-year management plan initiated by Korean Air Cargo in 2009.
Overcoming Historical Utilization Challenges
Revitalization and Carrier Partnerships
Despite its substantial infrastructure, Navoi has historically faced utilization challenges. Data from RuAviation indicates that in 2017, the Uzbek government noted less than 20 percent of the airport’s capacity was being utilized. By the end of 2022, the hub handled only 18,600 tonnes of cargo.
To reverse this trend and boost cargo turnover, Uzbekistan has actively courted international carriers. Recent years have seen Airlines such as Uzbekistan Airways, Turkish Airlines, Silk Way West Airlines, Maersk Air Cargo, and MNG Kargo utilizing the hub. Furthermore, RuAviation reported in June 2024 that Paris-headquartered CMA CGM Air Cargo entered talks to use Navoi as a technical stopover for flights between China and France, specifically to refuel fully loaded freighters like the Airbus A330-200F that cannot make the non-stop journey.
The Role of TIACA Membership
Digital Transformation and Global Connectivity
Joining TIACA provides Navoi International Airport with a platform to collaborate with industry leaders and align with global standards. The association advocates for a unified air cargo industry, focusing on digital customs clearance, e-commerce standardization, and improved security measures.
In the official press release, Xamza Ikromov, Deputy Director of Commercial and Marketing at Navoi International Airport, highlighted the strategic value of the new partnership:
“Navoi International Airport is proud to join TIACA as part of our ongoing commitment to strengthening our role in the global air cargo ecosystem. This membership provides a valuable platform to collaborate with industry leaders, exchange best practices, and accelerate the development of innovative, secure, and efficient logistics solutions.”
AirPro News analysis
We view Navoi’s TIACA membership as a strong indicator of Central Asia’s growing importance as a logistics corridor. With global supply chains continuously seeking resilient alternatives due to geopolitical shifts, Navoi is positioning itself to capture a larger share of the Europe-Asia air freight market. The emphasis on “digital transformation” in the press release suggests that Navoi’s management is prioritizing the modernization of its logistics IT infrastructure to meet the rigorous standards expected by global shippers and forwarders. By networking directly through TIACA, Navoi is taking proactive steps to overcome its past utilization hurdles and market its 100,000-tonne capacity to a broader international audience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is TIACA?
The International Air Cargo Association (TIACA) is a Miami-based, not-for-profit global trade association founded in 1990. It is the only organization that represents all segments of the air freight supply chain, advocating for a safe, profitable, and unified industry.
Where is Navoi International Airport located?
Navoi International Airport is located in central Uzbekistan, strategically positioned as a transit hub less than six flying hours from major markets in both Europe and Asia.
What is the cargo capacity of Navoi International Airport?
The airport features the largest air cargo terminal in Central Asia, with an annual handling capacity of 100,000 tonnes and a freighter apron that can accommodate up to five Boeing 747-400 wide-body aircraft at once.
Sources
Photo Credit: Siroj Aslonov – O‘zA