Shahrisabz

Shahrisabz Airport is not merely an air gateway, but a modern portal to the past, leading to the homeland of the great Tamerlane. Following a large-scale reconstruction completed in 2024, this compact airport is ready to welcome travellers wishing to touch the history of Uzbekistan. Its opening has significantly simplified access to one of the most significant cities in the region, which is included in the UNESCO World Heritage list, and has breathed new life into the tourism potential of the Kashkadarya Region.

The main advantage of Shahrisabz Airport is its brand-new infrastructure and strategic location. The terminal has been fully modernised and now offers passengers comfortable waiting conditions, rapid check-in, and security clearance, which is particularly valuable in smaller airports. The air harbour is located just a few minutes' drive from the historic city centre, allowing tourists to immerse themselves in the atmosphere of antiquity almost immediately after landing by exploring the Ak-Saray Palace and other monuments of the Timurid era. It is an ideal starting point for a journey through southern Uzbekistan, bypassing the need for long overland transfers from larger cities.

Shahrisabz Airport (RBZ) is a small regional air station that is part of the "Uzbekistan Airports" Joint Stock Company. Most information and enquiry services are centralised, so for the most accurate information, it is recommended to contact the management company via their general details.

• Official Website: Shahrisabz Airport does not have a separate website. All official information is published on the management company's portal: www.uzairports.com.
• Enquiry Service Phone: For information on flights and services, it is recommended to use the unified Uzbekistan Airports contact centre: +998 (78) 140-28-01.
• Address: Shahrisabz Airport, Kashkadarya Region, Uzbekistan.
• Email: For official enquiries, you may use the Uzbekistan Airports email: contact@uzairports.com.
• Social Media: Current news and updates can be found on the official social media pages of Uzbekistan Airports.
• Lost Luggage Information: For questions regarding lost luggage, you should primarily contact the representative office of the airline you flew with. You may also send a request to the airport services via the general contact details.
• Passenger Support Contacts: Passenger support is provided via the unified call centre and email address listed above.

Shahrisabz Airport is conveniently located very close to the city centre, so getting to or from the city is effortless. The journey takes minimal time, and the choice of transport allows you to find an option for any budget.

Taxi and Transfer. This is the most popular and convenient way to get to the airport. A taxi ride from the centre of Shahrisabz will take just 10–15 minutes, and the cost will be approximately 15,000–25,000 Uzbek soums. A car can be hailed on the street or ordered via local services. It is recommended to agree on the fare in advance, as not all vehicles are equipped with taximeters. For maximum comfort, you can pre-book a private transfer that will meet you at the required time.

Public Transport. The most budget-friendly option is to use city buses or fixed-route taxis (marshrutkas). The fare is significantly cheaper than a taxi, usually costing just a couple of thousand soums per ticket. Although public transport may not pull up directly to the terminal building, stops are usually within walking distance. This method is suitable for economical travellers without bulky luggage. It is best to check the schedule and exact routes on-site, as they may change.

Car Rental and Parking. If you plan to actively travel around the surrounding areas, renting a car is an excellent solution. You can hire a car from one of the city companies. For those arriving at the airport in their own or rented transport, parking is available. Here you can leave your vehicle for both short and long periods.

Alternative Airports. If you have not found convenient flights directly to Shahrisabz, consider arriving in neighbouring cities. The largest and most convenient of these is Samarkand Airport, located approximately 77 km away. Another option is Karshi Airport, situated at a distance of about 91 km. From these cities, Shahrisabz can be easily reached by taxi or bus.

Shahrisabz Airport (RBZ) is a small regional aviation hub distinguished by a simple and clear structure. Travellers need not worry about complex navigation, as the airport is designed for maximum convenience and rapid passenger service.

The airport operates one passenger terminal, which serves both domestic flights within Uzbekistan and rare international or charter flights. Thanks to its compact size, all zones—from check-in to boarding—are within walking distance of each other. There is no need for transfers between terminals, as all operations are concentrated in a single building.

The terminal layout is intuitive. The Departure and Arrival zones are located in different parts of the building but typically on the same level. Upon entering the terminal, you will immediately see the check-in counters. After receiving a boarding pass and checking in luggage, passengers proceed to the security screening area, beyond which lies a small waiting hall with access to the boarding gates. The arrival zone consists of a baggage claim hall and customs control (for international flights), after which passengers exit into the general meeting area.

Completing all formalities, including check-in and screening, usually takes significantly less time than in major airports. On average, this takes no more than 20–30 minutes. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport as standard—1.5–2 hours before departure—to go through all procedures without haste. Navigation through the terminal is extremely simple: follow the signs, which are duplicated in Russian and English, or ask any airport staff member for assistance.

Shahrisabz Airport (RBZ) has a long but mixed history, which is divided into two key stages: the Soviet period and the modern era of renaissance. Initially, the airfield was built during the Soviet era to serve local airlines and connect the Kashkadarya Region with the capital and other cities of the Uzbek SSR. In those years, it received small aircraft and performed an important transport function for the region.

Following the dissolution of the USSR, the airport, like many other regional air harbours, gradually fell into decline. For many years, it practically ceased to function and did not receive regular flights; its infrastructure became outdated and required major renovation. For travellers wishing to visit historic Shahrisabz, the airports of Samarkand and Karshi remained the nearest air gateways for a long time.

A new chapter in the airport's history began in the 2020s as part of the state programme to develop the tourism potential of Uzbekistan. A large-scale reconstruction was initiated, which essentially gave the airport a second life. The works were completed in 2024, and the renovated airport was ceremoniously opened. During the modernisation, a new runway was built, along with a modern passenger terminal with a capacity of up to 100 people per hour, and the latest air navigation equipment was installed.

Today, Shahrisabz Airport is ready to receive modern medium-haul aircraft, such as the Airbus A320 and Boeing 737. Its main objective is to increase the flow of tourists to the region, as Shahrisabz is the birthplace of Amir Temur and a UNESCO World Heritage site. This revival is not just a reconstruction, but a strategic step opening new perspectives for the entire southern region of Uzbekistan, making it more accessible to travellers from all over the world.

Shahrisabz Airport (RBZ) underwent a recent reconstruction in 2024, making it a modern and compact aviation hub today. The terminal infrastructure is new, so the full range of services is currently in development. Passengers already have access to all basic amenities necessary for comfortably waiting for a flight, but the availability of some additional services is best checked on-site.

The terminal features a comfortable waiting hall. For passengers with small children, a Mother and Child room is equipped. There is also a medical point operating within the airport, ready to provide first aid. Travellers with reduced mobility are provided with the necessary support; however, to organise assistance, it is recommended to contact your airline in advance.

For passenger convenience, charging stations for mobile devices are provided in the airport building. Regarding internet access, the availability and conditions for connecting to Wi-Fi should be clarified directly at the terminal. As the infrastructure develops, the opening of small cafés and shops is expected, where one can grab a snack or buy souvenirs.

Information regarding the presence of an ATM or currency exchange point is best checked upon arrival, as these services may be in the process of being launched. The same applies to the VIP Lounge—its availability and usage conditions should be clarified at the airport information desk. Specialised business centres or conference halls are not provided at the airport.

There are no hotels within the airport territory itself. However, travellers will easily find numerous accommodation options in the city of Shahrisabz, which is located just a few minutes' drive away. This makes the airport a convenient gateway for exploring one of the most ancient cities in Uzbekistan.

When planning a departure from Shahrisabz Airport (RBZ), it is important to consider that this is a small regional airport with a basic set of services. Dining options here are limited and designed for passengers to have a quick snack before a flight, rather than a full lunch or dinner.

Typically, a small café or buffet operates in the airport's single terminal. It is usually located in the general waiting hall before the security zone. Here you can purchase drinks—tea, coffee, water, juices—as well as light snacks: sandwiches, pastries, or packaged snacks (crisps, chocolate). Sometimes the assortment includes traditional Uzbek pastries, such as samsa, which serves as an excellent option for a miniature introduction to the local cuisine.

Unfortunately, specialised menus such as vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free dishes are likely not represented at Shahrisabz Airport. Meat in establishments in Uzbekistan generally complies with Halal standards, but one should not expect a separate certified menu. If you have strict dietary restrictions, it is strongly recommended to bring food with you.

The café's opening hours are directly tied to the flight schedule—it opens a few hours before departure and closes after the aircraft leaves. Prices are moderate for an airport but higher than in city establishments. For a full lunch or dinner, it is better to choose one of the numerous restaurants in Shahrisabz itself, where you can enjoy the full variety of local cuisine without haste.

To ensure your journey through Shahrisabz Airport goes as smoothly as possible, we have prepared several useful tips. By following these recommendations, you can save time and stress, making the start or end of your trip to hospitable Uzbekistan more comfortable.

Plan your arrival at the airport in advance. For domestic flights, it is recommended to arrive 1.5–2 hours before departure, and for international flights—2.5–3 hours. This will give you sufficient time to complete all formalities without rushing. To save time, use the online check-in service on your airline's website if available. This will allow you to head straight to baggage drop or, if you are travelling light, to the security screening zone.

When going through security control, be ready to present your boarding pass and passport. Take laptops and other large gadgets out of your bags in advance. Remember the rules for carrying liquids in hand luggage: all containers must be no more than 100 ml in volume and packed in a single transparent bag. It is strictly forbidden to carry sharp objects, weapons, and flammable substances in the cabin.

If the airline allows seat selection during check-in, consider your preferences. Window seats offer beautiful views during take-off and landing, while aisle seats provide more legroom and the freedom to stand up easily. If you have a short connection, choose seats in the front of the cabin to exit the aircraft faster. Passengers with connections should check in advance whether they need to collect and re-check their luggage in Shahrisabz.

When departing from Uzbekistan or entering the country, be prepared for customs control. Be sure to familiarise yourself with current customs regulations on official resources, especially regarding currency declaration and the export of souvenirs, carpets, and other items of cultural value. Keep all receipts for purchases to confirm their value if necessary.

To save money, book a taxi or transfer from the airport in advance via online services rather than hailing a car on the spot—this way the price will be fixed. Currency exchange at airports is usually less favourable, so it is better to exchange only a small amount for initial expenses. Bring an empty water bottle to fill after passing security, and a light snack, as food and drinks at the airport can be expensive.

In the event of a flight delay or cancellation, remain calm. All current information will be displayed on the departure boards. Contact your airline representative for clarification. Depending on the length of the delay, the carrier is obliged to provide you with drinks, meals, and for long waits—hotel accommodation. Do not hesitate to ask for information about your rights.