Tashkent International Airport offers a functional but unremarkable experience, with slow check-ins, manual immigration, and limited amenities. Renovations are underway, and a new airport is on the horizon.
Arrival and Check-in
The journey begins at Tashkent International Airport, Terminal 2, where a busy drop-off zone greets travelers with honking cars and a nearby vendor selling popcorn. The check-in hall features a capsule hotel but has very limited seating.
Renovations are currently underway to expand the terminal from 45,000 to 65,000 square meters, aiming to handle increased passenger numbers. A new, larger airport has also been approved, with an expected completion date of 2028 and a capacity for 20 million passengers.
Check-in Process
Passengers must pass through a mandatory security checkpoint and X-ray at the entrance. Note that trolleys are not allowed on the escalators leading to the check-in hall.
The check-in process itself is described as slow. At the FlyDubai desk, staff members were reportedly unfriendly.
Security and Immigration
Manual immigration took approximately 40 minutes, with passports being checked multiple times. Security screening was thorough, requiring shoe removal and a pat-down. Plastic shoe covers were available for passengers.
Food and Drink
Food options at the gates are limited. Milly Uzbek offers local cuisine like samsa and shashlik, but no local beer is available. The Sky Bar serves alcohol for those seeking a drink.
Retail and Amenities
Souvenir stores sell traditional Uzbek items, including papakha hats, robes, ikat textiles, ceramics, and halwa. Free Wi-Fi did not work, and seating at the gates is inadequate.
Overall
The airport serves as a functional transit point with no notable design, comfort, or amenities. While expansion projects promise improvement, the current experience is purely utilitarian.