Fergana Valley airports: Fergana, Andijan, Namangan

The Fergana Valley is one of Uzbekistan's most populous regions, and it has three airports: in Fergana, Andijan and Namangan. They are linked mainly with Tashkent and a few other cities. Flying into the valley spares you the road over the Kamchik pass, and the choice of airport depends on where you are heading in the valley.

How to choose an airport

A simple rule: fly into the airport closest to your final destination.

• Fergana suits you if you are going to Fergana, Margilan, Kokand or Rishtan. It is the centre of the valley, and from here it is easy to go west or east.
• Andijan is for the far east: Andijan, Asaka, Khanabad and onwards towards the Kyrgyz border. It is also the closest option to Osh if you cross the border.
• Namangan is for the north of the valley: Namangan, Chust, Kosonsoy and Pap.

If your schedule is flexible, compare ticket prices to the different airports and then estimate how far you have to travel on the ground.

From Fergana airport

The airport is next to the city, and a taxi gets you to the centre quickly. From there it is easy to go to Margilan, one of the shortest hops in the valley: about 15 to 20 kilometres, around 30 minutes. Margilan is famous for silk and atlas fabric, and many people go straight there after landing. Taxis and minibuses suit such a short route. If you want to ride with a driver as a shared trip, see the trips on the Fergana to Margilan page.

From Andijan airport

Andijan airport is located by the city, so the centre is easy to reach. From here you can head east to Khanabad and Asaka, or west to Margilan and Fergana. For trips to Namangan the highway across the valley is used. Travel time between Andijan and Namangan is usually about an hour and a half to two hours, roughly 100 to 120 kilometres. See trips for this direction here: Andijan to Namangan. The Yo'ldosh app lets you book a seat in a car with a driver heading your way.

From Namangan airport

Namangan airport serves the north of the valley. From here it is easy to reach the centre of Namangan, Chust, known for knives and skullcaps, and the mountain districts. Chust is an hour to an hour and a half away. If you need neighbouring cities such as Andijan or Kokand, allow two to three hours on the road.

General ways to get around

Whichever airport you use, the options are much the same.

1. Taxi. The fastest and simplest way. Agree on the price before the ride, especially if you are a visitor.
2. Hotel transfer. A transfer booked in advance spares you haggling and uncertainty.
3. Minibuses and buses. Inexpensive, but timetables are tied to bus stations, and it is awkward with suitcases.
4. Shared rides. If you need to travel between valley cities, drivers heading your way take passengers. You choose the time, see the driver's profile and pay only for your seat.

What to consider when choosing a flight

• Seasonality. On holidays and during summer vacations tickets to the valley sell out early.
• Weather. Fog in winter and fierce heat in summer sometimes affect the schedule.
• Luggage. Light aircraft and small airports are stricter about weight and size.
• Return flight. If you fly back from a different airport than you arrived at, leave a time buffer for the road between cities.

What to see once you are in the valley

The valley is compact, and many cities are an hour apart. Near Fergana are silky Margilan and ceramic Rishtan, near Namangan Chust and mountain villages, in Andijan the Babur museum and park. Plan two or three days: that is enough to feel the character of the region.

Practical tips

• Carry cash: terminals do not take cards everywhere.
• On bazaar days it is better to set off early to avoid jams.
• Arrive at the airport early: check-in closes 40 to 60 minutes before departure.
• Check the current flight schedule before buying a ticket, as it changes by season.

Plan your trip

To book a seat between valley cities, open Fergana to Margilan or Andijan to Namangan. Other directions are in all routes. Drivers who travel the valley regularly will find the for drivers page useful.

Cover photo: U.S. Embassy in Tashkent, Public domain, Wikimedia Commons.