Bukhara Airport

Bukhara International Airport serves as the air gateway to one of the most ancient and mesmerizing cities of the Great Silk Road. Having received international status in 1999, it has become a key transport hub for tourists and travellers eager to explore the rich historical heritage of Bukhara and all of Uzbekistan. The modern terminal, finished in white marble, harmoniously combines the latest technologies with elements of national flair, creating a comfortable atmosphere from your very first minutes on Bukhara soil.

Bukhara Airport stands out for its compactness and convenient location just a few kilometres from the historic city centre, making transfers quick and affordable. Despite having a single terminal, it efficiently services both domestic and international flights, offering passengers all necessary amenities. Inside the building, you will find waiting lounges, including a VIP zone with national décor, shops, cafes, currency exchange points, and airline ticket offices. The modernized runway is capable of accommodating various types of aircraft, including wide-body jets, expanding the flight geography and connecting Bukhara with numerous cities around the world.

• Official Website: You can find up-to-date information on flights and services on the unified portal of the management company, Uzbekistan Airports — www.uzairports.com.
• Information Desk Phone: Unified contact centre for information regarding flights, services, and airport operations: +998 78 140 28 01.
• Airport Address: Uzbekistan, Bukhara, Bahouddin Naqshbandi Street.
• Email: For official inquiries and appeals, you may use the management company's email address: contacts@uzairports.com.
• Social Media: Follow news and updates on the official pages of Uzbekistan Airports on popular social networks such as Telegram and Instagram.
• Lost & Found: If your luggage has been lost or damaged, immediately contact the luggage tracing service located in the arrival hall, or call the airport information desk for instructions.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For all questions related to your journey, you can contact the airport information desk around the clock at the phone number listed above.

Getting to Bukhara International Airport (BHK) from the city centre is quite simple, as it is located just a few kilometres from the historic districts of Bukhara. The choice of transport depends on your budget, time, and comfort preferences.

Taxi and Transfer

This is the most popular and convenient way to get to the airport. A trip from the city centre will take just 10–15 minutes. Popular ride-hailing apps operate in Uzbekistan, making booking a car quick and inexpensive. The cost of the trip is generally very affordable. For maximum convenience, especially if you are travelling with large luggage or family, you can book a private transfer in advance. The driver will meet you directly at your hotel and assist with your belongings, and the price will be fixed beforehand.

Public Transport

For economical travellers, there is a budget option — the city bus. Several routes run to the airport, for example, bus No. 100. This is the cheapest method, but be prepared for the trip to take a bit longer (about 20-30 minutes), and the cabin may be crowded during peak hours. The bus stop is usually easy to find, but it is best to check its location with locals or at your hotel.

Car Rental and Parking

If you value independence and plan to explore the surroundings of Bukhara, renting a car is an excellent solution. Many rental companies offer services in the city. There is a parking lot on the territory of Bukhara Airport where you can leave a car for a short time for drop-offs and pick-ups, or for the long term during your trip.

Bukhara Airport (BHK) is a compact and modern aviation hub serving both domestic and international flights. Thanks to its small size, navigation is intuitive and presents no difficulties even for those visiting for the first time.

The airport operates one passenger terminal, which significantly simplifies orientation. All infrastructure — from check-in counters to arrival and departure zones — is located in a single building. The terminal is clearly divided into functional zones: the public hall, check-in area, departure zone (after passing passport and customs control), and arrival zone with baggage claim belts.

The terminal layout is logical: upon entry, you find yourself in the general hall where the check-in counters are located. After checking in and dropping off luggage, passengers proceed to pre-flight security screening and, in the case of an international flight, passport control. The departure zone features a comfortable waiting lounge with several boarding gates. Since there is only one terminal, transitions between zones take just a few minutes.

The time required to complete all formalities at Bukhara Airport is usually short. For domestic flights, check-in and screening may take about 30-40 minutes; for international flights, up to 60 minutes, depending on the load. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport according to standard practice: 2-3 hours before an international departure and 1.5-2 hours before a domestic one, to avoid rushing.

The history of Bukhara Airport (BHK) is inextricably linked with the development of tourism in one of the most ancient and beautiful cities of Uzbekistan. Founded back in the Soviet era, it long served as an important regional hub for domestic airlines, ensuring connections with other republics and cities.

A key stage in the airport's history began after the country gained independence. Growing interest from tourists worldwide in the historical heritage of Bukhara, inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, necessitated the creation of a modern air gateway. The first steps towards modernization were taken in the 1990s, but the real breakthrough was a large-scale reconstruction.

In 2011, Bukhara Airport experienced a rebirth. A new, modern passenger terminal was built and commissioned, capable of serving up to 400 passengers per hour. This modernization allowed the airport to meet international standards of safety and service quality. The runway, navigation equipment, and all infrastructure were updated.

Today, Bukhara International Airport is a modern aviation complex receiving flights from various countries around the world. It plays a strategic role in the region's economy, serving as the main transport hub for thousands of travellers eager to see the treasures of the ancient city. Its history is a vivid example of how infrastructure develops alongside tourist appeal, opening unique cultural heritage to the world.

Bukhara International Airport (BHK), despite its compact size, offers passengers all necessary services for a comfortable wait for their flight. In the terminal, you will find several cafes where you can have a snack or coffee, as well as souvenir shops to buy memorable gifts. For those flying abroad, a Duty Free shop is available, offering a standard range of goods.

For those who value enhanced comfort, a VIP lounge operates at the airport. Guests can expect a quieter environment, comfortable seating, snacks and beverages, as well as personal service. Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, allowing you to stay connected. Also, for passenger convenience, special zones are equipped for charging mobile phones and other electronic devices.

Currency exchange points and ATMs function within the terminal building, making it easy to resolve financial matters upon arrival or before departure. In case medical assistance is needed, a medical point operates round-the-clock at the airport, where qualified personnel are ready to provide first aid.

For passengers with small children, a Mother and Child room is provided, equipped with everything necessary for baby care. Travellers with reduced mobility are offered assistance in moving around the airport and boarding — it is recommended to notify the airline in advance for this. It is worth noting that there are no hotels within the airport territory itself, however, many accommodation options can be found in nearby Bukhara. There are no specialized business centres or conference halls in the terminal, but business services are generally available as part of the VIP lounge service.

Bukhara Airport (BHK) is a compact and modern aviation hub where you can have a snack before departure or after arrival. Dining options here are mainly concentrated in the main terminal and are oriented towards passenger convenience, offering both quick snacks and the opportunity for a more substantial meal.

The main dining points are located both in the public zone (before security control) and in the departure zone (after control). In the public part of the terminal, there is typically a cafe with a wider assortment where you can sit quietly while waiting for a flight. After passing passport and customs control in the departure hall, there are also small coffee shops and snack bars where you can buy drinks and light bites.

For those wishing to experience local cuisine, it is worth trying traditional pastries, such as samsa (pastries with meat or pumpkin) — this is an excellent option for a quick and filling snack. Some cafes may offer more substantial dishes, such as plov or shurpa (rich soup). Besides national dishes, standard European options are always present on the menu: sandwiches, pastries, tea, coffee, and soft drinks.

Regarding practical information, consider the following points:

• Price Range: Prices at the airport are generally higher than in city establishments, which is standard practice for aviation hubs.
• Opening Hours: Most cafes and snack bars operate around the clock or adjust their schedule to flight times, so you won't go hungry even with a night departure.
• Special Dietary Needs: Options for vegetarians are usually limited to pastries with cheese, potato, or pumpkin. Finding specialized vegan or gluten-free dishes may be difficult. Since Uzbekistan is a Muslim country, the majority of meat dishes comply with Halal standards.
• Recommendations: For a quick snack, coffee with a samsa or croissant is ideal. If you have time for a full lunch, the best place for this is the cafe in the public zone (landside), where the choice of dishes is usually greater.

To ensure your journey through the airport of Bukhara city is as comfortable and hassle-free as possible, we have prepared several useful tips. By following these recommendations, you can save time, stress, and money.

Arrival Time at the Airport. Bukhara Airport is not among the gigantic hubs, but it is always better to have a time buffer. For international flights, it is recommended to arrive 2.5-3 hours before departure, and for domestic ones — 1.5-2 hours. This time is sufficient to calmly complete all pre-flight formalities, even if small queues arise.

Check-in and Security Control. To save time, use online check-in if your airline provides such an option. Prepare all necessary documents in advance: passport, ticket, and visa (if required). When passing through security, be ready to remove laptops, tablets, and liquids from your hand luggage into a separate tray.

Seat Selection on the Plane. If there is an opportunity to choose a seat during check-in, consider your preferences. Window seats will give you the chance to admire views of the ancient city during takeoff or landing. Aisle seats are convenient if you plan to get up during the flight without disturbing your neighbours.

Hand Luggage Rules. Standard international rules apply here. Liquids can be carried in containers up to 100 ml, packed in a transparent bag with a volume of no more than 1 litre. Sharp and cutting objects are prohibited. Power banks and other batteries should be carried only in hand luggage. Always check the baggage and hand luggage allowances on your airline's website.

If You Are Flying in Transit. If Bukhara is just an intermediate point in your route, check the transfer rules with your airline. Typically, if both flights are operated by the same airline or its partners and you have a single ticket, your luggage will be checked through to the final destination. In this case, there is no need to collect it in Bukhara. When transferring between international flights, you will likely remain in the transit zone without passing passport control. However, when changing from an international flight to a domestic one (or vice versa), you will need to complete all border and customs formalities.

Customs Control. When departing from Uzbekistan, pay attention to customs regulations. There is a system of "green" and "red" channels. If you are not carrying goods subject to declaration (for example, large sums of cash, cultural valuables, handmade carpets requiring expertise), feel free to go through the "Green Channel". Otherwise, it is necessary to fill out a declaration and pass through the "Red Channel".

Saving Time and Money. To avoid overpaying for a taxi, use official booking services or call a car via popular local apps. Buying souvenirs and local sweets is more economical at city markets rather than in airport shops. Take an empty reusable water bottle with you — after passing security control, you can fill it at drinking fountains.

If the Flight is Delayed. In case of a flight delay or cancellation, remain calm. Contact your airline representative for information on further actions. Depending on the length of the delay, you may be provided with drinks, meals, or even hotel accommodation. Keep all receipts for unforeseen expenses to request compensation later.