L&T begins initial activities for the New Tashkent International Airport

Larsen and Toubro (L&T) has commenced initial engineering and pre-construction activities for the New Tashkent International Airport project in Uzbekistan after receiving a Limited Notice to Proceed (LNTP) from the public-private partnership consortium developing the airport.

The development marks a preparatory milestone for the greenfield aviation project, which is intended to expand airport capacity in Uzbekistan’s capital. L&T’s Public Spaces, Airports & Health business vertical is responsible for the passenger terminal and associated landside infrastructure under an engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contract awarded earlier.

The company announced the development on 19 October 2026.

What has L&T started doing?
The Limited Notice to Proceed allows L&T to undertake initial activities, including engineering, detailed design, project planning, procurement preparation and related pre-construction work.

The distinction between a limited notice and a full notice to proceed is important. The LNTP authorises defined early-stage activities, while the full Notice to Proceed is expected after the consortium fulfils the contractual conditions precedent.

According to L&T, construction activities at the site will commence following the full notice. Therefore, the announcement should not be interpreted as confirmation that all physical construction work has begun.

This staged approach allows developers and contractors to progress design and procurement planning while contractual and project-readiness requirements are completed.

A passenger terminal designed for around 17 million travellers
The passenger terminal and associated landside facilities being undertaken by L&T are planned to cater to approximately 17 million passengers annually.

Larsen & Toubro

Passenger capacity is an important consideration in airport design because terminals must accommodate check-in, security screening, immigration where applicable, baggage handling, passenger circulation and boarding operations.

Landside infrastructure connects the airport terminal with the surrounding transport network. Depending on the final project scope, such facilities can include access roads, passenger drop-off areas, parking, service routes and interfaces with public transport.

The overall performance of an airport depends on the integration of these elements with airside infrastructure, including runways, taxiways, aprons and aircraft-support systems.

The announced L&T scope should not automatically be taken to include every component of the wider airport development. Its contractual responsibility is specifically described as the passenger terminal and associated landside infrastructure.

Why the project matters to Uzbekistan
Tashkent is Uzbekistan’s capital and a major centre for government, business, tourism and international connectivity. Expanding airport capacity can support the movement of passengers and cargo, although the eventual economic benefits will depend on airline demand, route development, operating efficiency and the wider economy.

A modern airport can also create demand for construction materials, engineering services, specialised equipment, logistics and maintenance. Once operational, aviation infrastructure can support tourism and business travel while improving international accessibility.

However, capacity alone does not guarantee higher passenger traffic. Airline networks, ticket affordability, border procedures, connectivity with the city and the airport’s operating costs will all influence actual usage.

What the next project milestones will be
The next important stage is the completion of preparatory work and fulfilment of the contractual conditions required for the full Notice to Proceed.

The project will then move towards site construction and subsequent installation, testing and commissioning activities, subject to the agreed programme.

For L&T, international airport projects offer opportunities to apply engineering, procurement and construction capabilities in a complex, multidisciplinary environment. The principal execution challenges will include coordinating design packages, procurement schedules, construction sequencing and quality requirements.

The announcement is therefore an early but meaningful project milestone. The project’s broader significance will become clearer as the full construction programme, delivery milestones and operational plans progress.

FAQs

What has L&T received for the Tashkent airport project?

L&T has received a Limited Notice to Proceed for initial engineering, design, planning and procurement-preparation activities.

What is the planned passenger capacity?

The terminal and associated landside facilities are designed to cater to approximately 17 million passengers annually.

Has full construction started?

The company has confirmed initial pre-construction activities. Site construction is expected after the full Notice to Proceed is issued and the agreed contractual conditions are fulfilled.