Yuzhny Airport

Yuzhny Airport. Source: Kupi.com AI

Islam Karimov Tashkent International Airport (also known as Tashkent-Yuzhny) is the main air gateway of Uzbekistan and one of the largest aviation hubs in Central Asia. Located within the capital's city limits, it serves as a bustling crossroads for air routes connecting Europe and Asia. The airport serves as the base for the national carrier, Uzbekistan Airways, and following recent modernizations, it offers passengers modern service and comfort, meeting high international standards.

Tashkent Airport includes two main passenger terminals: the modern international terminal (Tashkent-2) and the terminal for domestic flights. It is important to note that the terminals are located at a significant distance from each other, and a shuttle bus is provided for transfer between them. Travelers have access to all necessary infrastructure: comfortable waiting lounges, including VIP zones, Duty Free shops, currency exchange points, cafes, and restaurants. Thanks to its convenient location within the city, you can reach the center quickly and inexpensively via city buses or taxi.

For your convenience, we have compiled the main contact information for Tashkent International Airport (TAS).

• Official Website: up-to-date information on flights, services, and regulations can be found at www.tashkent-airport.uz.
• Inquiry Service Phone: unified number for inquiries on all matters: +998 78 140 28 01 (also 02, 03, 04). Short number for calls within the country — 1402.
• Airport Address: Uzbekistan, Tashkent city, Kumarik street, 13, 100167.
• Email: for official requests and feedback, you can use the management company's e-mail: info@uzbairports.uz.
• Social Media: it is convenient to follow news and operational changes on the official Telegram channel: @uzbairports.
• Lost Baggage Information: if you did not find your luggage on the belt, immediately contact the Lost & Found service. Phone: +998 78 140 28 64. You must also contact your airline's representative office.
• Passenger Support Contacts: for most support questions, you can contact the general airport inquiry service.

The International Airport of Tashkent (TAS), also known as Yuzhny, has one great advantage — it is located within the city limits. Thanks to this, getting to it from the center is quick and inexpensive. Depending on your budget, time, and preferences, you can choose one of several convenient methods.

Public Transport. The most economical way to reach the terminals is by city buses. Several routes connect the airport with different districts of the capital of Uzbekistan, including the center. The most popular routes are No. 11, 40, 61, 77. The stop is located directly opposite the departure zone. The trip from the city center will take about 40-50 minutes including stops and will cost very little. The metro does not go directly to the airport, but you can reach the nearest station "Dustlik" (Overground Metro line) and ride a couple of stops on bus No. 40 from there.

Taxi and Transfer. This is the most popular and comfortable option. A trip from the city center to the airport will take just 15-25 minutes without traffic. Taxi booking services via apps (such as Yandex Go) operate actively in Tashkent, which is the most reliable way to get a fixed and fair price. The cost of the trip is usually very affordable. You can also use the official airport taxi services or book a private transfer in advance, which is especially convenient if you have a lot of luggage or are traveling with family.

Car Rental and Parking. If you are moving around the city in a rented car, driving to the airport will be effortless — just follow the signs. The airport has several parking zones. Short-term parking is provided for quick drop-off and pick-up of passengers, and long-term parking is available for those leaving their car for several days. Rates depend on the duration of parking.

The Airport of Tashkent, officially known as Islam Karimov International Airport, consists of several terminals, each with its own distinct purpose. Knowing their location and functions will help you easily orient yourself upon arrival or before departure.

Two main passenger terminals operate at the airport:

• Terminal 2 — the main and largest one, it serves all international flights. It is a two-story building where the departure zone is on the second floor, and the arrival zone is on the first. Located here are check-in counters, passport control points, currency exchange, Duty Free shops, cafes, and waiting lounges.
• Terminal 3 (also known as "Tashkent-3") — is designed for domestic flights within Uzbekistan. It is a more modern and compact building located at some distance from the international terminal.

A key feature of the airport is that the passenger terminals are not connected by a covered walkway. To move between the international (T2) and domestic (T3) terminals, you need to go outside and use ground transport, such as a taxi or bus. The trip takes about 10–15 minutes, which is extremely important to consider when planning connecting flights.

Navigation inside the terminals is quite intuitive, and signs are duplicated in Uzbek, Russian, and English. Departure zones (Jo'nab ketish) and Arrival zones (Kelish) are clearly separated. It is recommended to allocate at least 2.5–3 hours for completing all formalities on international flights, as queues are possible during peak periods. Procedures are faster on domestic flights, but it is still worth arriving at the airport well in advance.

The history of the main airport of Tashkent, known as Yuzhny (TAS), dates back to 1923. This makes it one of the oldest aviation hubs in Central Asia. Initially, it was a small airfield serving the first mail and passenger flights connecting the capital of Uzbekistan with other cities in the region.

During the Soviet period, the airport underwent several stages of significant expansion, especially with the advent of jet aviation in the 1950s and 60s. New runways and terminals capable of accommodating large passenger aircraft were built. It became a key transit point on air routes connecting the European part of the USSR with the republics of Central Asia, Siberia, and the Far East.

A new phase of development began after Uzbekistan gained independence. The airport underwent massive reconstruction to meet international standards. In 2001, the modern international terminal (Tashkent-2) was opened, which today serves the majority of flights from abroad. Later, the terminal for local airlines (Tashkent-3) was also modernized, allowing for the effective separation of passenger flows and improved service quality.

Among interesting facts — in 2017, the airport was named after the country's first president, Islam Karimov. Today, Tashkent International Airport is not just the country's main aviation complex, but also an important transit hub that continues to be modernized. It regularly serves millions of passengers annually, confirming its status as one of the busiest and most significant airports in the Central Asian region.

Islam Karimov International Airport of Tashkent, often called Yuzhny, offers passengers a wide range of services to make waiting for a flight as comfortable as possible. Regardless of whether you are flying internationally or domestically, you will find everything necessary for a pleasant stay in the terminals.

For those who are hungry or wish to shop, various cafes, coffee shops, and restaurants operate at the airport, offering both local Uzbek cuisine and familiar European snacks. In the sterile area, there are Duty Free shops with an assortment of perfumes, cosmetics, sweets, and souvenirs. Here you can also find stalls with handicraft products.

Passengers who value enhanced comfort can use the services of business lounges and VIP halls. They offer a secluded atmosphere, complimentary snacks and beverages, fresh press, and comfortable places for work or rest. To stay connected, free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminals, and numerous power outlets and special charging stations allow you to charge mobile devices before your flight.

Financial matters are easily resolved on the spot: bank branches, ATMs, and 24-hour currency exchange points function within the airport building. In case of feeling unwell, passengers can contact the 24-hour medical point, where first aid will be provided. For travelers with children, a mother and child room is provided, equipped with changing tables and everything necessary for infant care.

The airport also cares for passengers with reduced mobility, providing special assistance during boarding and disembarking, as well as equipped restrooms and ramps. Although there are no hotels directly inside the terminal building, many hotels of various price categories are located a few minutes' drive away. For business travelers, business center and conference room services are most often available within VIP services or at nearby hotels.

At Tashkent Airport, passengers will find several dining options to comfortably spend time while waiting for their flight. The selection of establishments allows for both a quick coffee before departure and a full dinner. Food service points are located in different zones: before and after security control.

In the general area accessible to all visitors (landside), there are cafes where you can order beverages, fresh pastries, and sandwiches. This is a good option for those seeing someone off or for those who arrived at the airport early. The main selection of restaurants and coffee shops is concentrated in the sterile area (airside), after passport control, especially in the international departures terminal. Here, the menus are much more diverse.

One of the main highlights is the opportunity to taste dishes of national Uzbek cuisine. In some restaurants in the departure zone, you can order aromatic plov, juicy samsa, or shashlik (kebabs). This is a great chance for travelers to enjoy the gastronomic hits of Uzbekistan before flying out. Although the taste of the dishes is adapted for the airport format, they leave a pleasant aftertaste of local culinary traditions.

Passengers with special dietary preferences should note a few points. Finding dishes with Halal status will not be difficult, as this is the standard for the majority of establishments. Vegetarians will be offered vegetable salads, side dishes, and some types of pastries. Specialized vegan or gluten-free cafes may not be available, so it is recommended to check the ingredients with the staff in advance.

Prices in airport cafes and restaurants are expectedly higher than in the city. A cup of coffee will cost a reasonable amount, but you will have to pay more for a full lunch. Most establishments in the international departure zone operate 24/7 or adjust their schedule to flights, so you will not remain hungry even during a night flight.

Our recommendations:

• For a quick snack, coffee shops with sandwiches or kiosks selling hot samsa are perfect.
• For a full lunch or dinner, it is better to proceed to the departure zone and choose one of the restaurants offering both European and local dishes.

When planning a trip through the airport of Tashkent, take into account a few tips that will make your journey more comfortable. For international flights, it is recommended to arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before departure, and for domestic flights — 1.5-2 hours. This will allow you to pass all formalities without rushing, especially during periods of high traffic.

To save time on check-in, use your airline's online services. This will allow you to choose a seat and receive a boarding pass in advance, avoiding queues at the counters. Security screening procedures at the airport are standard but can be quite thorough, so prepare electronic devices and liquid containers for inspection in advance.

When choosing a seat on the plane, think about your priorities. A seat by the window will offer beautiful views during takeoff and landing, while a seat by the aisle will ensure easy access to the exit and the ability to stretch your legs during a long flight.

Hand luggage rules are standard: liquids are allowed in containers of no more than 100 ml, packed in one transparent bag. Sharp objects, such as scissors or knives, must be checked in with luggage. Power banks are usually allowed to be transported only in hand luggage.

For passengers with a transfer, it is important to find information boards immediately after arrival and check the gate number for the next flight. Ensure you have enough time to move between terminals if necessary.

When passing customs control in Uzbekistan, pay attention to the rules for declaring currency and valuables. To avoid delays, it is recommended to study the current customs requirements of the country for both import and export in advance.

To save a little, bring an empty water bottle with you — after passing security control, it can be filled at drinking fountains. It is also useful to have a portable charger for gadgets in case all power outlets in the waiting lounge are occupied.

If your flight is delayed, first contact your airline representative. Depending on the duration of the delay, you may be provided with drinks, meals, or even hotel accommodation. Keep all receipts for necessary expenses to be able to request compensation later.