Urgench Airport

Urgench International Airport (IATA: UGC) is the main air gateway to the ancient Khorezm oasis and a key point on the tourist map of Uzbekistan. Located in the immediate vicinity of the legendary Khiva, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this airport serves as the starting point for thousands of travelers eager to touch the history of the Great Silk Road. Following reconstruction in 2006, the terminal acquired a modern look and is capable of serving up to 300 passengers per hour, ensuring a comfortable start and end to your journey in this amazing region.

Urgench Airport is valued by travelers for its compact size and convenient location. Since it is located practically within the city limits, you can reach your hotel or set off on an excursion to Khiva in a matter of minutes, saving precious time. The infrastructure includes everything necessary for a comfortable wait for your flight: there is a mother and child room, Duty Free shops, souvenir stalls, and cafes. The airfield is capable of receiving various types of aircraft, including wide-body planes, ensuring direct connections with major cities. Plans include large-scale modernization, which envisages the construction of a new passenger terminal and runway, making the airport even more modern and convenient for the growing flow of tourists.

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

• Official Website: www.uzairports.uz. This is the unified portal of Uzbekistan Airports, where you can find information about all airports in the country, including Urgench.
• Information Desk Phone: For information about flights and airport services, you can call the unified call centre: +998 78 140 28 01.
• Airport Address: Uzbekistan, Khorezm Region, Urgench, Amir Temur str., 1.
• Email: For official inquiries, it is recommended to use the feedback form on the Uzbekistan Airports website.
• Social Media: The latest news and updates are conveniently tracked on the official pages of Uzbekistan Airports on popular social networks such as Telegram and Instagram.
• Lost Luggage Information: If you cannot find your luggage upon arrival, first contact the Lost & Found counter in the arrivals hall or a representative of your airline.
• Passenger Support Service: For all questions related to your stay at the airport, you can contact the unified information service by phone.

Urgench International Airport (UGC) is located just a few kilometres from the city centre, making it easily accessible for travellers. Thanks to its proximity to the city, getting to the terminal is quick and inexpensive. The airport serves as the main air gateway for tourists heading to ancient Khiva, the pearl of Uzbekistan.

Taxi and Transfer — the most popular and convenient way to get to the airport. The trip from the centre of Urgench will take just 10–15 minutes. You can use local taxi services or book a car via mobile apps, for example, Yandex Go. The cost of the trip is very affordable and usually amounts to around 15,000–25,000 Uzbek soums. For greater convenience, especially if you have a lot of luggage or are travelling at night, you can pre-book a private transfer.

From the Airport to Khiva: Most tourists arrive in Urgench to visit Khiva, which is approximately 35 km away. A direct taxi ride from the airport to Khiva will take 40–50 minutes. It is important to agree on the price with the driver before starting the trip; the estimated cost is 70,000–100,000 soums. An alternative and unique option is to take a taxi to the bus station in Urgench, and from there travel to Khiva on the famous trolleybus. This is the longest trolleybus route in Central Asia — a slow, but very colourful and cheap journey.

Public Transport in Urgench consists mainly of buses and marshrutkas (minibuses). Although there may not be a direct route from the city centre to the airport terminal, you can use city buses to get as close as possible, and cover the rest of the way on foot or by taxi. This option is the most budget-friendly, but may not be very convenient for tourists with luggage.

Car Rental and Parking. If you plan to actively travel around the Khorezm region, renting a car can be an excellent solution. Rental desks may not be present directly in the terminal, so it is better to book a car online in advance with delivery to the airport. Urgench Airport has a parking lot where you can leave your car for both short and long periods.

Urgench Airport (UGC) is a compact and convenient aviation hub. Its structure is simple and intuitive, making navigation easy even for those visiting for the first time. The airport operates one passenger terminal, which serves both domestic and international flights. Thanks to this, you do not have to worry about transferring between buildings — all services and zones are located under one roof.

The terminal layout is logically divided into departure and arrival zones. Upon entering the building, you find yourself in the general hall, where check-in counters and luggage wrapping points are located. After receiving a boarding pass, passengers proceed to the security screening area. For international flights, passport control follows. The departure waiting area is small but cosy, with sufficient seating. The arrivals hall is located in another part of the building and includes a passport control zone (for international flights), a luggage claim belt, and a customs corridor.

Passing all pre-flight formalities at Urgench Airport usually takes less time than in large metropolises. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport in advance: 2–2.5 hours before an international flight and 1.5–2 hours before a domestic one. This time will be enough to check in, drop off luggage, and pass security screening without haste.

To navigate the terminal, follow the signs, which are duplicated in Russian and English. The entire path from the entrance to the boarding gate is intuitive. Due to the compact size of the airport, it is practically impossible to get lost here, making the journey through the air gates of ancient Khorezm as comfortable as possible.

The history of Urgench Airport is a clear example of how a modest regional airfield transformed into a modern international air gateway. Its story began in the Soviet era when it functioned as a small airport serving local airlines, connecting the Khorezm region with other cities in Uzbekistan and neighbouring republics. At that time, it primarily received short- and medium-haul aircraft, such as the An-24 and Yak-40.

Drastic changes occurred after the country gained independence. Understanding the immense tourism potential of the region, especially thanks to its proximity to legendary Khiva, the government initiated large-scale modernization. A key stage was the reconstruction in 1997, after which the airport was granted international status. This allowed it to receive Western-manufactured aircraft, such as Boeing and Airbus, and establish direct air connections with foreign countries.

The next significant leap in development occurred in 2006, when a new passenger terminal was built and put into operation. The modern building with a capacity of up to 300 passengers per hour ensured comfort and service meeting international standards. This event definitively secured Urgench Airport's reputation as an important tourism hub.

To expand the flight geography and receive larger long-haul liners, another major reconstruction was carried out in 2014. During the works, the runway was updated and extended, allowing the airport to accept heavy aircraft without restrictions, including the Boeing 767. Today, Urgench Airport is not just a transport hub, but a crucial element of the tourism infrastructure, opening the way to the treasures of ancient Khorezm for travellers from all over the world.

Urgench Airport offers passengers all the necessary services for a comfortable wait for their flight. Despite its compact size, the terminal is well-equipped and allows you to handle essential tasks before departure or after arriving in ancient Khorezm.

You can grab a bite before your journey at one of the cafes located in the terminal building. They serve hot and cold drinks, sandwiches, and local pastries. In the international sector, there is a Duty Free shop where you can purchase perfumes, beverages, and sweets. There are also souvenir stalls at the airport offering products from local artisans — an excellent option for buying last-minute gifts.

For passengers preferring enhanced comfort, a VIP lounge is available. It offers a quieter atmosphere, complimentary snacks, and drinks. Wi-Fi is available for passengers within the terminal, and charging outlets for electronic devices can be found in the waiting halls to help you stay connected.

Currency exchange points and ATMs operate at Urgench Airport, making it easy to resolve financial matters upon arrival. In case of necessity, passengers can visit the 24-hour medical point, where first aid will be provided.

For travellers with small children, a mother and child room is equipped — a quiet and convenient place where you can feed and change your baby. Passengers with reduced mobility are provided with all necessary assistance: airport staff will help with passing controls and boarding the aircraft. It is recommended to notify the airline in advance about the need for special assistance.

There are no hotels on the territory of the airport itself, but it is located in the immediate vicinity of the city, so finding a hotel will not be difficult — a trip to the nearest options will take just 10–15 minutes. Specialized conference rooms or business centres are not provided at the airport, but basic conditions for work can be found in the VIP lounge.

Urgench Airport is a compact regional hub, so the choice of catering establishments here is limited, but quite sufficient for a snack while waiting for a flight. Do not expect a wide variety of restaurants as in major international hubs, however, the basic needs of passengers are catered for.

The main food outlets are located in two zones: in the general hall before security control (landside) and in the sterile departure zone (airside). Typically, these are small cafes or buffets. Here you can purchase hot and cold drinks, sandwiches, pastries, and light snacks. This is a convenient option for those who want a quick bite before checking in for a flight or immediately after arrival.

For those wishing to try something from the local cuisine, the best choice would be traditional Uzbek pastries, for example, hearty samsa (meat pies). This is an excellent option for a quick snack. Sometimes you can find more substantial dishes on the menu, such as plov (pilaf), however, its availability is not guaranteed. For a full lunch or dinner, the selection will be quite modest.

Passengers with specific dietary needs (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free) will find it difficult to find suitable dishes. The assortment is mostly standard, so if you have strict dietary restrictions, it is better to bring food with you. Prices at the airport, as elsewhere, are noticeably higher than in city cafes. The opening hours of establishments are usually tied to the flight schedule, so they are open for passengers of night flights as well.

Our advice: considering the limited selection and higher prices, we recommend having a full lunch or dinner at one of the numerous restaurants in Urgench or neighbouring Khiva before travelling to the airport. And once at the airport itself, you can relax with a cup of coffee or tea and a light snack.

To ensure your journey through Urgench Airport goes as smoothly and comfortably as possible, we have prepared several useful tips. This airport is the key gateway for tourists heading to ancient Khiva, so knowing some details will help avoid unnecessary stress.

Arrival Time and Check-in. We recommend arriving at the airport 2.5–3 hours before an international flight and 1.5–2 hours before a domestic one. Although the airport in Urgench is relatively small, it can get crowded during the tourist season. To save time, check in online whenever possible and save your boarding pass on your phone in advance. Keep your passport and ticket ready at the check-in counter.

Hand Luggage and Security. Standard security rules apply here: liquids in containers no larger than 100 ml must be packed in a transparent bag. Sharp objects and flammable substances are prohibited. We strongly advise always keeping documents, money, medication, portable chargers, and other valuables in your hand luggage. Be prepared to remove your laptop and other large electronics from your bag when passing through security.

Seat Selection and Customs. When choosing a seat on the plane, note that breathtaking views of the Kyzylkum Desert may open up from the aircraft. Try to study the flight route in advance to take a window seat on the correct side. If you are flying on an international flight, pay attention to customs control when entering or leaving Uzbekistan. Be sure to declare cash if the amount exceeds the established limit, as well as cultural valuables. It is better to check current information on official websites in advance.

Connections and Flight Delays. If you have a connecting flight, find information about your next departure and gate number on the board immediately upon arrival. In case of a flight delay or cancellation, contact a representative of your airline. Depending on the duration of the wait, you are entitled to drinks, meals, or even hotel accommodation according to the carrier's rules.

Money-Saving Tips. Prices for food and drinks in the departure zone are usually higher than in the city. To avoid overpaying, bring snacks and an empty reusable bottle with you, which can be filled with water after passing security control. Exchanging currency is also generally more favourable in city banks rather than at the airport exchange bureau.