So, you’re headed to Uzbekistan. Or maybe you're just stuck in a long layover wondering why the terminal feels like a construction zone one minute and a shiny new mall the next. If you haven't been to Tashkent International Airport recently, honestly, you’re in for a bit of a shock.
For years, this place—officially known as Islam Karimov Tashkent International Airport—had a bit of a reputation. It was the kind of spot where you’d stand outside in the freezing winter air or the 40°C summer heat just to meet your cousin because "non-passengers" weren't allowed inside. It was chaotic. It was loud. It was very, very Soviet.
But things changed fast. By the start of 2026, the airport basically reinvented itself.
The Great Transformation of Tashkent International Airport
The biggest thing you’ll notice is that the walls literally moved. Between 2024 and 2025, they pushed the facade of the international terminal forward, swallowing up what used to be a messy parking lot and turning it into a 16,000-square-meter facility. They finally realized that people waiting for arrivals shouldn't have to suffer in the rain.
There is now a massive, 5,000-square-meter waiting area for greeters. It’s got AC. It’s got seats. It sounds simple, but for Tashkent, this was a revolution.
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Why it feels different
Walking through the doors today, you’ve got a much smoother flow. They added a fifth luggage belt, which doesn't sound like much until you realize it means they can handle ten flights at once instead of eight. That’s a 25% jump in sanity. They also installed a "Pax Track" monitoring system to figure out where the bottlenecks are.
Oh, and the "bombs." That’s what locals call the unofficial taxi drivers who used to swarm you the second you stepped outside. They are mostly gone from the immediate exit now. The airport built a dedicated lane for official taxis and tourist buses, pushing the "freelance" drivers further back. It’s much less of a gauntlet than it used to be.
Getting Around: The Two-Terminal Headache
Here is the one thing everyone gets wrong: the terminals. Tashkent International Airport has two main passenger terminals, and they are not connected.
- Terminal 2 (International): This is where you’ll arrive from London, New York, or Seoul.
- Terminal 3 (Domestic): This is where you go to catch a flight to the silk-road cities like Samarkand or Khiva.
The catch? They are on opposite sides of the runway. You cannot walk between them. You have to take a taxi or a shuttle bus, which takes about 10 to 15 minutes depending on how aggressive your driver is feeling. If you have a tight connection between an international flight and a domestic one, give yourself at least three hours. Trust me.
Statistics That Actually Matter
In 2025, the airport hit a massive milestone, serving nearly 10 million passengers. That’s a 14% jump from the year before. Uzbekistan is booming, and the national carrier, Uzbekistan Airways, is buying planes like they’re going out of style—aiming for 120 aircraft by the end of this year.
They are even building a third airport—or rather, a brand-new massive hub—outside the city because this current one is just running out of room. But for now, TAS is the heart of the action.
The Terrace and the Vibe
If you’re stuck waiting for a flight, head to the second floor of the departure terminal. They opened this cool open-air terrace. You can sit there, grab an ice cream, and watch the planes take off against the backdrop of the city. In the summer, they have these misting systems to keep you cool. It’s actually... pleasant? Which is a weird word to use for an airport, but it fits.
How to Get to the City Without Getting Scammed
Look, the airport is only about 12 kilometers from the center of Tashkent. It’s incredibly close.
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- The "Official" Way: Use the taxi desk inside the arrivals hall. You pay a fixed price, they give you a receipt, and you walk to a specific car. It’s more expensive than a regular taxi but saves you the headache of negotiating.
- The "Pro" Way: Download Yandex Go or MyTaxi. These are the Uber equivalents here. A ride to the city center should only cost you about 25,000 to 40,000 UZS (roughly $2–$3). Just keep in mind that sometimes these apps have trouble pinning your location inside the airport gates due to security "geo-fencing."
- The "Budget" Way: Bus number 40 or 67. It’s dirt cheap (less than $0.50), but if you have three suitcases, you’re going to hate your life.
Practical Tips for the Modern Traveler
The Wi-Fi is actually decent now, but you usually need a local SIM card or a roaming number to receive an SMS code to log in. There are booths right in the arrivals hall where you can grab a Beeline or Ucell SIM card in five minutes. Do it.
Also, the currency exchange. Don't change all your money at the airport. The rates are okay, but you'll get better deals at the banks in town. That said, you’ll need some local "Som" for the taxi.
Actionable Insights for your visit:
- Check your terminal twice. If you are flying to Samarkand, you are at Terminal 3. If you are flying to Istanbul, you are at Terminal 2.
- Download Yandex Go before you land. Use the airport's free Wi-Fi (if you can get the SMS) to book the ride, or just use the official taxi desk for a stress-free exit.
- Visit the Terrace. If you have a few hours, the second-floor terrace is the best place to kill time.
- Arrive early. Even with the new renovations, security can be unpredictable. Two hours for international flights is the absolute minimum; three is safer.
The Tashkent International Airport is a work in progress, but the 2026 version is worlds apart from the old days. It’s finally starting to feel like the gateway a city as cool as Tashkent deserves.