AIRPORT DEVELOPMENT International News Each Issue of Airport Development Focuses on a Different Region of the World, with Global News at the End of This Section

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Published biweekly – available by annual subscription only – www.mombergerairport.info Editorial office / Subscriptions e-mail: [email protected] Managing Editor / Publisher: Martin Lamprecht [email protected] News Editor: Paul Ellis [email protected] – Founding Editor: Manfred Momberger

Momberger Airport Information by Air Trans Source Inc. – international news & data – published since 1973 AIRPORT DEVELOPMENT International News Each issue of Airport Development focuses on a different region of the world, with global news at the end of this section. A list of past focus regions published in recent years can be downloaded from the Bonus section in the subscriber pages of our website. Focus Region: Central Asia ARMENIA A group of experts led by Vahagn Vermishyan, Chairman of the Armenian Urban Development Committee, had studied the condition of the old terminal of Yerevan’s Zvartnots International Airport in 2019. According to a Committee’s Facebook post, the experts group consisted of adviser Armen Minasyan, a co-founder of the Iranian Sharif University of Technology Mark Grigoryan, French architect of Armenian descent Ara Tajiryan, and doctor of structural studies Karl Grigoryan. Later they had a meeting with the head of the State Civil Aviation Committee Tatevik Revazyan to look into the possibilities of expanding Zvartnots International Airport, with the focus on options for using its old terminal, considered a masterpiece of Soviet Armenian architecture. It was designed by a group of architects led by Arthur Tarkhanyan and was commissioned in 1980. According to experts, the building is physically worn out and its reconstruction will require investments of some USD 15 - 20 million. Zvartnots Airport in the capital Yerevan and Shirak Airport in Gyumri, the second-largest town, are run by Armenia – International Airports in accordance with a 30-year concessional management agreement sealed with the Armenian government. The company belongs to American International Airports, an Argentine company owned by Eduardo Eurnekian, an Argentine entrepreneur of Armenian descent. The operator would seek a permission from the Yerevan Municipality to demolish the old terminal, but under public pressure, the building was recognized as a cultural heritage site. #1131.1

The country’s highest airport is in Jermuk at an altitude of 2,070 m, serving a town in Vayots Dzor Province. Jermuk’s airport is not only unique because of its elevation: The northern end of its runway is 45 meters higher than its southern end. In other words, the Jermuk runway is quite steep, a feature that can be seen with the naked eye. The airport has been in operation since 1956. Initially, the runway was gravel, only suitable for 12-seat An-2 aircraft, Soviet mass-produced single engine biplanes. Sometimes, helicopters also flew to Jermuk. In 1966, a terminal was built in Jermuk, which is still standing. However, after ten years, the runway was still gravel, which meant that it could be used mainly by An-2s. In 1976, an asphalt overlay was applied, and the runway length was 1,640 m, with a width of 28 m, but it was about 700 m shorter than required. Filling this gap resulted in the 45 m height difference between the runway’s two ends that meant after landing on the inclined runway, aircraft coming from the south soon lost speed and stopped earlier than planned due to the incline. On take-off, given that aircraft started at a higher point, aircraft left the ground faster than on a flat runway. Thus, the slope worked in favour of the shortness of the asphalt runway. On the other hand, since Jermuk Airport is in a very difficult topographical location, nestled in the hills, it was necessary to develop a proper flight plan, which was drafted and approved by the USSR Ministry of Civil Aviation and the State Research Institute of Civil Aviation. In December 1976, the first Yerevan - Jermuk flight, on a Yak-40 aircraft, took place. Although Jermuk Airport operated all year long, winter flights were sporadic. Yerevan's Erebuni Airport, which served

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Armenia's domestic air routes, was the only point with which Jermuk had a regular air connection with only one Yak-40 daily flight. This was eventually cancelled, leaving only the An-2s, whose flights had also declined, and the last one was in 1989. Since the 1990s, only helicopters carrying high-ranking government officials have used Jermuk Airport. Eventually, the Armenian Civil Aviation Administration, in connection with the development of a union health resort in Jermuk, decided to build a new airport at a new location that could accommodate larger aircraft and link Jermuk directly with Moscow. Although preliminary approval for the project had been obtained, the plan was not implemented. The draft concept, developed by the General Department of Civil Aviation (now the Civil Aviation Committee), stated: "To assess the feasibility of restoring light aviation, the feasibility of relaunching the Vardenis, Gavar, Meghri, Kapan, Goris, Sisian and Jermuk airports has been explored." The Department of Civil Aviation viewed the development of light aviation in Jermuk from a tourism perspective. Concerned with the prospects of developing Armenia as a transit country for north-south traffic, it was concluded that the Goris Airport could become an alternative to the Zvartnots and Shirak airports in the republic given its distance and connections both with Nagorno-Karabakh and with the southern regions of Armenia. On the instruction of the Prime Minister, specialists from the Department of Civil Aviation and the Ministry should conduct a study in Goris. In other words, the airport in Goris, not Jermuk, was selected as an alternate and regional airport to the Yerevan and Gyumri airports, but this plan did not come true. And Jermuk did not have a new airport. The idea of developing small aviation in Jermuk was reopened by Karen Karapetyan's government (2016-2018). In October 2017, the latter presented a report of its last year (2016-2017), in which it noted in particular: “In order to assess the development potential of the small aviation sector in the Republic of Armenia, in 2017, the Civil Aviation Department, together with a number of other agencies of the Republic of Armenia, has studied transport flows in various directions. In addition, the General Directorate has studied the opportunities and assessments of city airport re-openings in Stepanavan, Jermuk, Sisian, Goris, Kapan, and Meghri (Agarak).” Within the framework of the ‘Comprehensive Light Aviation Development Programme in the Republic of Armenia’, which was a priority task of the Government in 2017, the General Department of Civil Aviation examined the operational status of the Stepanavan, Jermuk, Sisian, Goris, Meghri and Kapan airports and the reopening opportunities of the airports, approximate volumes, market analysis, and a pre-selection of aircraft type. The studies have been summarized by a corresponding letter submitted to the Government of Armenia and the relevant departments. -- It turned out that Jermuk Airport has been in private hands since 2006, and almost no one knew about it until now, thirteen years later. #1131.2

GEORGIA In July 2011, the Russian airport operator Novaport took control of Sukhumi-Babushara Airport and started a restoration programme of the terminal building, which never was completed. The airport is still without commercial traffic apart from a few general aviation flights. The military uses the airport regularly. – In 1999, Abkhazia declared independence from Georgia. It is located between Georgia and Russia and has around 250,000 inhabitants. The Abkhazia region has another airport at Gudauta. #1131.3

AZERBAIJAN Baku’s ‘Heydar Aliyev International Airport’ has partnered with Amadeus to implement a full suite of its core airport management systems, making it the world's first fully cloud-based airport. The move comes as Azerbaijan and its capital city Baku prioritize global connectivity to enable business travellers and tourists to visit the Central Asian country. Also joining the airport in the drive for

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improved connectivity is Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL), which will be implementing the Altéa Passenger Service Systems (PSS) and Revenue Management solutions for improved passenger experience. The Amadeus Airport IT technology suite includes all its core airport management systems such as an operational database, resource management and flight information display systems. The airport will also deploy its key passenger processing systems using Amadeus’ cloud-based Airport Common Use Service. The implementation of these new airport systems will enable world-class operations at Baku’s international airport with all actors now working from a single, consistent view of operations without the need for manual updates. Bruno Spada, Executive Vice President, Airport IT at Amadeus, said: “We believe that forward-thinking airports such as Heydar Aliyev International demonstrate the significant integration, collaboration and mobility benefits the cloud can deliver. Successfully working with Baku to manage both its passenger and operational systems in the cloud is a landmark for Amadeus in the airport industry.” #1131.4

KAZAKHSTAN The new airport serving Turkestan City, ‘Hazret Sultan International’ (HAS), is located 16 km from the city centre and stretches across 905 hectares. Construction began in May 2019 by the Turkish YDA Group using a public-private partnership model. In the initial stages, Kazakh airlines plan to operate flights to the country’s biggest cities - Nur-Sultan and Almaty - and later to other regions. The Civil Aviation Committee said that Turkish Airlines plans to launch direct flights to Istanbul. The airport in Turkestan will also join the country’s eleven airports that operate under the open- skies aviation regime. The regime, which has been in effect since November 2019, removes restrictions on a number of flights and allows fifth-freedom rights to foreign airlines. The officials expect the new airport, with a capacity reaching nearly 3 million passengers per year, to attract new tourism and investment opportunities to the region. The region and its centre in Turkestan, which is turning into a modern city while preserving its historic heritage, have received significant attention after former President Nazarbayev signed a decree in June 2018 making Turkestan the regional centre of the newly renamed Turkestan Region, which was previously named South Kazakhstan, and which has always been located on the ancient Silk Road. The region already attracts pilgrims from across Central Asia to its sacred places, including the Khoja Ahmed Yasawi mausoleum. The potential for commercial opportunities in the field of tourism was quickly recognized by the Government. Kazakhstan began including it in its Top 10 list of major tourist sites in its national tourism development programme for 2019-2025. Nazarbayev said that large-scale mass construction in Turkestan would ‘boost economic growth in the entire region’. Nazarbayev also stressed the city’s role as one of the major spiritual centres of the Turkic world which may facilitate Central Asian integration in the future. “We planned to hold a summit of Turkic speaking countries in Turkestan. Given the situation in the world, it was postponed. I think if everything improves, we could think about organizing it during Nauryz (a national holiday in March),” he said. #1131.5

‘Nursultan Nazarbayev International Airport’ (NQZ), formerly called Astana Airport, located 16.7 km southeast of the Kazakh capital Nur-Sultan, said its ideal geographical location reduces airline costs and offers competitive prices for ground handling and jet fuel for transit flights. Initially, there are plans for 11-12 cargo transit flights per week, with further increases. In addition, NQZ noted it has the best infrastructure and special technical equipment in Central Asia. Gabit Tazhimuratov, Chairman of the Board of NQZ, said: “We are pleased to launch the Aerotranscargo transit flight. During the borders closure period, many airlines started using NQZ as a transit stop on their way from Europe to Asia and back. Therefore, in the long term, we have decided to review our strategy and to focus on multimodal cargo and transit traffic. The airport’s plans include the development of cargo infrastructure, the expansion of cargo terminals, and the construction of a railway link.”

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Daulet Khamzin, Executive Director for Strategic Development at Nursultan Airport, highlighted: “For further development as a transit point for cargo services, we’ve made a special promo package that includes favourable prices, short handling times and refuelling for the airlines.” #1131.6

Turkey's TAV Airports signed a share purchase agreement to acquire 100% of the shares of Almaty Airport (ALA), the main gateway of Kazakhstan. TAV was joined by its consortium partner VPE Capital, operating in Kazakhstan and Russia. It marks the 15th airport in TAV’s global network. The French Groupe ADP owns 46.1% of the TAV capital). The agreement comprises the acquisition of the airport and associated businesses for USD 415 million. TAV Airports’ share in the consortium will be no less than 75% and the share transfers will take place upon closing with the completion of all legal prerequisites and procedures. Located in the southeast of the country on the ancient Silk Road, Almaty today is a strategical junction along China’s ‘One Belt One Road’ project, connecting China with Central and West Asia. Kazakhstan leads Central Asia in economic growth and generates roughly 60% of the region’s GDP. TAV Airports President & CEO Sani Şener said: “We’re happy to add Almaty Airport, which is a main transit hub between Asia and Europe, to our portfolio. Almaty is strategically located on ‘the modern Silk Road’, established from China to Europe and Africa through air transport. Kazakhstan is the largest country in the region -both geographically and economically - and Almaty is the largest city in the country controlling 20% of Kazakhstan’s GDP. We believe there’s a significant potential for growth in Almaty Airport, and drawing upon our extensive know-how, we’ll work towards realizing this potential to the fullest.” Almaty Airport, home of the flag carrier Air Astana, served 6.4 million passengers in 2019, with a 13% increase compared with the previous year. Bek Air, SCAT Airlines, and Qazak Air also use Almaty as their base. In 2018, the airport handled 58,000 tonnes of cargo (70% of all cargo in Kazakhstan) with substantial increase potential. -- TAV Airports provides integrated services in all areas of airport operations, with a global footprint at 100 airports in 30 countries. Through its subsidiaries, TAV is active in airport service businesses, including duty-free, food & beverage, ground handling, IT, private security and commercial area management. The company is quoted on Istanbul Stock Exchange. #1131.7

Reconstruction of a passenger terminal of Kostanay Airport (KSN) is planned within the realization of Kazakhstan’s State programme for infrastructural development 'Nurly Zhol' for 2015-2019, according to the Ministry of Industry and Infrastructural Development. Currently, the akimat (administrative centre) of the region is developing a feasibility study of the project. According to the Ministry, the possibility of allocating the budget funds for funding the reconstruction is being looked into at the moment. Following the reconstruction, the capacity of the terminal will grow to 400 passengers an hour, and the terminal’s footprint is to be expanded to 10,500 m². Furthermore, two boarding bridges will be installed. Construction work was launched in 2020. #1131.8

CAA International (CAAi), the technical co-operation arm of the U.K.’s Civil Aviation Authority, has completed the first milestone of a major aviation oversight programme to help Kazakhstan adopt a new aviation oversight framework based on the U.K. system. Regulatory experts from CAAi have reviewed Kazakhstan’s Primary Aviation Legislation and recommended the best method to incorporate the EASA/EU provisions into AAK regulations, aligned to the U.K. CAA’s regulatory model. The review also looked at the separation of regulatory and service provision, how Kazakhstan established an autonomous aviation regulator and an independent accident and incident investigation unit. CAAi also produced a guide to the U.K. CAA model, which focused on defining the principles of the U.K. system and any implications for the Aviation Administration of Kazakhstan (AAK), established in August 2019, in adopting this approach.

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CAAi’s head of International Operations, Rob Erskine, said: “We are delighted to deliver our first milestone, and we have relished working with our Kazakh counterparts. With both teams coming together, this has led to huge amount of work, laying down the foundation for the new aviation system which will play an important part in on-going improvements of Kazakhstan’s air transport sector. We look forward to continuing our support to AAK on their journey to building a stronger aviation system.” -- The project falls under Kazakhstan’s 100 Concrete Steps national development initiative announced by the First President Nursultan Nazarbayev in 2015, calling for widespread economic, social and political reform.” #1131.9

UZBEKISTAN “A number of major infrastructure projects are planned to improve the condition of airports in the country. In particular construction of a new passenger terminal and runway at Samarkand International will increase the capacity of the airport from 500 passengers per hour to 1500. With the participation of German specialists, and as a result of capacity optimization and reconstruction, the airport’s capacity will increase from 4 million to 7 million passengers per year. As a result building a new runway at Termez International Airport, reconstruction of Andijan Airport, it will be possible to serve aircraft of all types, the number of flights will increase 2-3 times," Transport Minister of Uzbekistan, Elyor Ganiyev, said. According to Ganiyev, World Bank specialists were involved for the qualitative implementation of these activities in accordance with international best practice. They are directly involved in the development of aviation development strategy aimed at liberalization of the aviation market and introduction of modern management methods in this area. According to Ravshan Ismailov, Chairman of Uzbekistan Airports, who started his activity in 2019, a programme has been developed to renovate the existing airports in Uzbekistan to implement a long-term strategy for the development of the airports, attract investments, strengthen co-operation with international companies, and optimize passenger services. Experts from Germany (Airport Research Center GmbH) and Russia (Civil Aviation Innovation Center LLC) have been engaged to develop a practical airport development strategy. The forum was attended by representatives of about 180 companies from around the world: Boeing and Jetcraft (USA), Air Charter Service (UK), Bombardier Business Jets (Canada), TLD (India), Lufthansa Consulting (Germany), EGIS (France), ATR (Spain), Kuwait Airways (Kuwait), Air Arabia and BGT Events (UAE), Gulf Air (Bahrain), Korean Air and Asiana Airlines (South Korea), Azerbaijan Airlines (Azerbaijan), Aeroflot and AirAero (Russia), Al Masria (Egypt), Zagros Airlines (Iran), Pegasus Airlines and Turkish Airlines (Turkey), Mitsubishi Corporation (Japan), Air Astana (Kazakhstan) and others. Representatives of the companies also participated in plenary sessions held as part of the forum. Many international experts took part in these sessions, such as Charles Schlumberger (World Bank), Askhat Torshin (Lufthansa Consulting), Amir Otakiy (Bombardier), Kamil al- Awadhi (Kuwait Airways), Aytach Mastaliyeva (Amadeus), Ralph Weber (Airbus), Alexey Sinitsky (AtoEvents) who shared their experience in the development of tourism and transport systems. The forum was organized by the State Committee for Tourism Development of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the Ministry of Transport, and Uzbekistan Airways together with the Fair Exhibition Organizers company (UAE). #1131.10

Russian Novaport holding, which specializes in comprehensive airport development programmes and Uzbekistan’s authorities have reached an impasse in negotiations on the reconstruction of several airports (Samarkand, Namangan, Urgench), according to Russian media. The Uzbek government is not ready to give a concession for 30 years, as requested by the investor. The country's authorities have already begun to search for another investor, having held a meeting with the Japanese Sumitomo Corporation in early December 2019. However, Novaport has not

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withdrawn from negotiations and continues to maintain interest in assets. Experts note that Japanese companies are also unlikely to agree on a short-term concession. The last meeting of representatives of Novaport and the Ministry of Investment and Foreign Trade of Uzbekistan took place in autumn 2019 and stalled on the issue of the concession period. Novaport had signed a framework agreement with the Uzbek authorities in May 2019. The holding’s participation in these projects could be the first step to secure the management of Tashkent Airport, one of the last high- return infrastructure assets in the CIS without a private owner or investor. #1131.11

TAJIKISTAN Dushanbe International Airport (DYU) is the home of national carrier Tajik Air and private carrier Somon Air. It is the main airport for the country and the gateway through which most overseas visitors arrive. Russia, particularly Moscow and St Petersburg, are the main international destinations. There are also regular scheduled flights to Istanbul in Turkey (Turkish Airlines, Somon Air), Dubai in the United Arab Emirates (Somon Air, Tajik Air), Frankfurt in Germany (Somon Air), and Tehran in Iran (Somon Air, Iran Aseman Airlines). Most visitors from places outside of Central Asia will transit through Russia, Dubai, or Germany. There are ATM’s at the airport, as well as currency exchange, food outlets, and shops. From the Arrivals hall, visitors can get to the city via licensed taxi, train, or Minibus 1 (to Giprozem, Sakovat Bazaar, the Circus, the War Memorial, and Aini Street) or minibus 8 (Aini Street, Rudaki Avenue, Ismoil Somoni Street, 102nd microdistrict west). Train lines 3 and 4 at the nearby station run to the city between 06:00 and 18:00. The journey takes about 20 minutes. Khujand International Airport (LBD) serves the second-largest city in Tajikistan. The airport is located in the neighbouring town of Chkalovsk. Some 12 carriers, including Tajik Air, which flies to several international cities, including Moscow and St Petersburg, operate scheduled flights from the hub. Most visitors from non-Russian nations will transit through Russia to get to Tajikistan. Flights to and from this airport are often disrupted by inclement weather. On arrival, visitors can get into town by minibus or taxi. There are about 13 domestic and military airports in Tajikistan, linking with various parts of the country as well as with some overseas destinations, mostly in Russia. Kulyab International Airport serves Kulob, and Khorog Airport serves Khorugh City. Tajik Air links both airports to St Petersburg and Moscow in Russia. It is quite common for bad weather to disrupt air services in Tajikistan. #1131.12

KYRGYZSTAN Bishkek’s Manas International Airport should become one of the main aviation hubs in Central Asia by 2023, the National Development Strategy of Kyrgyzstan for 2018-2040 says. This requires improving the airport infrastructure and equipment and bringing the level of its services to international standards. The airport renovation requires massive investment and competent management. The Kyrgyz government is exploring the possibility of transferring the country's airports to external management as part of a public-private partnership, an issue widely discussed in the country. If airport renovation projects are implemented, passenger air transport may increase by 30% to 40%, Daniyar Abdyldaev, Director of the Public-Private Partnerships Centre under the Ministry of Economy of Kyrgyzstan, told a press conference in Bishkek. -- The Manas International Airport OJSC includes eleven operating airports across Kyrgyzstan - five international and six regional ones. Only Manas Airport in Bishkek and Osh Airport in the south of the country, are profitable, while the rest are subsidized. All of the airports were commissioned from 1960 to 1980, and only the Manas and Osh airports and Tamchy Airport in the resort area of Issyk-Kul Lake have been modernized. Due to the outdated aircraft fleet, the European Union has put all Kyrgyz airlines on its blacklist, which negatively affects the image of the country. To be removed from the blacklist, Kyrgyzstan’s civil aviation has to pass through the ICAO audit, which requires large investments. The

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basis audit includes such sections as primary aviation legislation, principles of civil aviation organization, aeronautical personnel licensing, operation of aircraft, airport and ground-based air navigation services, and aircraft accident investigation. Modernization is also necessary due to the Government’s decision to introduce the open-sky regime. According to the Government, one of the most promising options for the development of the aviation industry is to attract an internationally recognized investor with successful experience in implementing similar projects and managing airports in other countries. The investor should finance modernization of the airports to bring its infrastructure and services in line with international requirements. In 2018, the Kyrgyz Government created a working group to develop a project on transfer of Kyrgyzstan’s airports to external management as part of a public-private partnership. The WG included independent experts, members of parliament, business associations, and representatives of Manas International Airport and government agencies. Nine proposals from international development partners were submitted for this project. The WG decided to start developing the project in partnership with the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group. The IFC has successful experience in implementing such projects. Co-operation with the IFC will include a comprehensive analysis of all eleven airports controlled by Manas and the development of a feasibility study. This will be the basis for the integrated development of the airport infrastructure in Kyrgyzstan. If the Government approves the submitted documents, a separate decision will be made on the implementation of the project through a transparent and competitive selection of an investor ensuring the most favorable conditions for Kyrgyzstan. The term for the transfer of airports to PPP has not yet been determined. According to the PPP mechanism, it will be a maximum of 30 years. While the airport will be used under the PPP system, the state will also make a profit. It may be at 40%/60% or 30%/70%. There were also discussions about the possible sale of a 79% state stake in the MIA OJSC. -- Given the limited air traffic and poor own air fleet in Kyrgyzstan, there are no growth prospects, and the PPP mechanism would not produce the desired effect, some local experts say. #1131.13

IRAN Imam Khomeini Airport City officially concluded an Operational Readiness & Airport Transfer (ORAT) test in Salam Terminal Gallery in June 2020, ahead of its inauguration in the near future. According to IKAC's public relations office, 200 people were gathered in the newly-built terminal to test the terminal’s operational flows in the presence of the Minister of Roads & Urban Development Mohammad Eslami and local aviation authorities. Salam Terminal Gallery, with an annual capacity of 5 million passengers, has been mostly designed and constructed by Iranian engineers. It also showcases the artworks of several well-known Iranian artists. "Employing local workforce, technology and material helped us save at least USD 3 million in the construction process," says Ali Rostami, the CEO of IKAC. Currently, the airport only handles international flights. But plans are under way to transfer a portion of domestic flights to Imam Khomeini International Airport after the inauguration of the Salam Terminal. The airport is expected to handle domestic flights between 24:00 and 05:00, when Mehrabad Airport is barred from operating flights. The measure is aimed at attracting more foreign tourists to Iranian cities. "Shiraz, Isfahan and Tabriz airports officials are keen to operate direct flights to IKIA," said Siavash Amirmokri, the head of Iran Airport Company. However, "the final decision should be made by airline companies after studying the profitability of operating the flights." Pointing to IKAC's 30- km distance from Tehran, Amirmokri said: "We first need to make sure that transferring domestic flights to IKAC will not have a negative impact on the demand for domestic flights." IKAC presently has a passenger capacity of around 5 million per year. However, in fiscal 2017-18, the airport hosted over 9 million passengers. Meanwhile, plans are under way to build another terminal at IKIA. Iranshahr Terminal’s first development phase has been designed to handle 25 million

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passengers per year and will reach 110 million passengers annually upon completion of its third and final phase. Imam Khomeini International Airport registered 47,446 take-offs and landings (-19%) in the last Iranian fiscal year that ended on 20 March 2019. More than 7.27 million passengers and around 141,704 tonnes of cargo were recorded at the airport during the period, ranking IKIA third on the list of Iran’s busiest airports. Tehran’s Mehrabad International Airport was the busiest Iranian airport last year with 126,030 aircraft movement (-12%). More than 14.82 million passengers as well as around 102,949 tonnes of cargo were handled at this airport, resulting in a 15% decline each year-on-year. IKIA has the biggest share of international flights operated in Iran and Mehrabad the biggest in terms of domestic ones. IKIA has been distinguished as the third fastest-growing major airport in the world. A study by Routes Online shows the airport grew in terms of passenger numbers by 48.6% during the first half of 2018 to 3.93 million, helped by Ata Airlines, following the rise in frequencies to Istanbul-Ataturk. #1131.14 * Mohammadreza Karimian, who is a member of the Board of Directors at IKAC and responsible for logistics management, has said that the IKAC plans to allocate 300 hectares of land to businesses. One of IKAC’s priorities is to host knowledge-based enterprises in this area to help increase domestic production. He explained that construction of a science and technology park is among IKAC’s important plans in line with the goal of developing an Airport City. “The park will provide the proper platform for knowledge-based enterprises and start-up companies operating in the field of logistics.” Knowledge-based enterprises operating in Free Trade-Industrial Zones and Special Economic Zones at IKAC will benefit from special advantages of these areas, Karimian added. Currently, an area of 6,000 m² has been allocated adjacent to hotels at IKAC and knowledge-based enterprises can use the area for logistics purposes. These enterprises will move to the science and technology park in the future. #1131.15

Mashhad International Airport has resumed a terminal development and improvement project that had been temporarily suspended due to coronavirus concerns. The airport’s annual capacity is about 6 million passengers whereas it had handled 10.5 million annual passengers in the past, says Siavash Amirmokri, the head of Iran Airports Company. “Mashhad’s Shahid Hasheminejad Airport ranks second in terms of terminal space and number of aircraft operations after Tehran’s Mehrabad International Airport, from among the 53 airports affiliated to Iran Airports Company,” he said. “Air transport accounts for 3-5% of the total passenger turnover of all modes of transport in Iran. This proportion stands at 20% for Mashhad, thanks to the appeal of air travel to the north-eastern Iranian province of Khorasan Razavi, [which is home to the shrine of Imam Reza, the eighth Shia Imam]. Thus, it is vital to work out a development plan for this airport.” The Ministry of Roads & Urban Development and the provincial Governorate of Khorasan Razavi both maintain a long-term development perspective for Mashhad Airport and have underscored the potential for the construction of a new international airport in Mashhad with a capacity of 50 million passengers per year. #1131.16

Transport & Urban Development Minister Mohammad Eslami inaugurated some development projects worth IRR 450 billion (over USD 10 million) in Yasouj Airport in the southwestern Kohgiluyeh-Boyerahmad Province. Eslami was accompanied by the Head of Iran Airports & Air Navigation Company Siavash Amirmokri and some provincial officials in the inauguration ceremony. The projects included the development and improvement of runways, completion of runway lighting, improvement of the terminal, completion of buildings, and upgrading of the airport’s safety and operational infrastructure. With the implementation of mew runway lights, the length of the runway has been increased from 2,600 to 3,200 m and the pavement classification number (PCN) has also improved from 26 to 46. With the implementation of these projects, the airport’s category has improved from C3 to C4. #1131.17

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In the presence of President Hassan Rouhani and Minister of Roads & Urban Development Mohammad Eslami, a new terminal with an area of 8,100 m² for both domestic and international operations has been established at Ardabil Airport with an investment of IRR 600 billion (USD 4.63 million). It has the capacity to operate three flights simultaneously. With the launch of this terminal, the airport’s passenger capacity has increased by 300%, going up from 520,000 passengers to 2,080,000 passengers per year. The terminal’s expansion started in the fiscal 2012-13. The airport operates an average of four flights daily to Tehran, Mashhad and the shrines of six Shia Imams in the four cities of Iraq, namely Najaf, Karbala, Kadhimiya and Samarra. #1131.18

The Deputy head of Transportation & Transit of Chabahar Free Zone, where an international airport is being built which would be a major stimulus to attract both tourists and investors to the region in the southeastern Sistan-Baluchestan province, has announced that the first phase of Chabahar International Airport will be inaugurated in mid-2021. According to Saied Chalandari while an Iranian company has funded Phase 1 with IRR 4.7 trillion (about USD 22.3 million), the other phases of this airport will be constructed using Chinses finance. The execution phase of the Chabahar Airport Development Project started on 7 December 2019, with Minister of Roads & Urban Development Mohammad Eslami and other government officials in attendance. The airport city of Chabahar will be built on a 2,815-hectare plot in the northern part of Chabahar Free Zone. -- Home to natural and historical attractions, Chabahar could be named as one of the most underrated destinations in Iran. However, in recent years various measures have been taken to promote Iran's sole oceanic port as a safe and hospitable choice for both domestic and foreign visitors. #1131.19

The Managing Director of Payam International Airport has announced that over IRR 10 trillion has been invested in Payam Special Economic Zone during the past Iranian calendar year (ended on 19 March 2020). Located in Alborz Province, Payam is the closest special economic zone to Iran’s capital city Tehran, which has attracted a multitude of companies with significant investments in a wide range of areas, including ICT, pharmaceuticals, health, oil, and gas. Payam International Airport, located at the heart of this zone, is owned by Iran’s Information and Communication Technology Ministry. The airport was established in 1997 as a cargo-only airport. Mentioning the rise of the number of flights from Payam Airport, Nader Sanagou Motlaq said as new flight paths were added and a lot of money was invested, many investors were attracted to this airport in 2019. The capacities existing in Payam Zone have encouraged the Iranian and foreign investors to make more investment in this zone. The official mentioned reviving the production units in Payam Special Zone as one of their programmes and said: “We are planning to reactivate twelve companies in the zone.” Sanagou Motlaq further referred to job creation as another programme on the agenda for this year and said: “Through the fourth development phase of the zone, 2,000 new jobs are expected to be created this year, and the figure is anticipated to be 10,000 in the next five years.” Providing necessary facilities for the presence of companies and renowned brands in the fourth phase is one of the major measures taken. The official mentioned the establishment of the country’s first communication and information technology park and setting up a permanent communication and information technology exhibition as some other programmes of this phase. An aircraft engine repair centre is going to be established at the airport. According to the official, as the country’s biggest aircraft overhaul centre, the unit will be established in co-operation with MAPNA Group. Establishing this centre is going to neutralize the negative impacts of the U.S. sanctions in this sector. Located in Alborz Province, Payam is the closest special economic zone to Iran’s capital city Tehran, which has attracted a multitude of companies with significant investments in a wide range of areas, including ICT, pharmaceuticals, health, oil, and gas. Payam International Airport, located at the

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heart of this zone, is owned by Iran’s Information and Communication Technology Ministry. The airport was established in 1997 as a cargo-only facility. Payam Special Economic Zone's fourth development phase was launched in April 2020 on an area of 165 hectares. According to Sanagou Motlaq, it was its biggest development phase as it covers an area of 165 hectares, while the three previous development phases covered an area of 114 hectares. #1131.20

Lamerd International Airport’s new passenger terminal was inaugurated on 23 April 2020 by President Hassan Rouhani via videoconference. The airport's passenger capacity has now increased from 150,000 to 900,000 per year, according to Siavash Amirmokri, managing director of Iran Airports Company. The airport is located in the city of Lamerd, the capital of Lamerd County in the southern Fars Province. The development of the terminal spread over 5,500 m² started in fiscal 2014-15. More than IRR 400 billion (USD 2.46 million) have been invested in the project. According to the Minister of Roads & Urban Development Mohammad Eslami, Iran's airport capacity has increased by 10 million passengers per year since President Hassan Rouhani first took office in August 2013. More than 47 million passengers were transported and over 472,500 tonnes of cargo were handled during the year. Eslami added that 20 new projects in the aviation industry will become operational by the end of the current Iranian year (March 2021). #1131.21

The Ardabil Provincial Authority has provided 35 hectares of land for the development of Parsabad Airport in the northernmost part of the country. This airport was built in 1973. Due to being located in the flat and fertile plains of the Moghan, bordered by Azerbaijan and Armenia, and the existence of two large agro-industrial companies, the airport enjoys an extraordinary strategic location. Given the population of 500,000 people of the region (the Parsabad, Bilesavar, Aslanduz and Jafarabad, and Khodaafryn counties and the closeness of Azerbaijan) passenger and cargo flights can be offered on a daily basis. Flight time between the northernmost part of the country and the free zone of Chahbahar in the southeast of the country will be 3.5 hours. #1131.22

Nine major airport infrastructure projects will be inaugurated across Iran during the Ten- Day Dawn which marks the 41st anniversary of the Islamic Revolution, Mehr news agency reported. According to Mohammad Zahmatkeshan, the Director-General for Civil and Airports Development of Iran Airport Company (IAC), over IRR 2.37 trillion (about USD 56.5 million) has been funded for these. With these projects going operational, some 11,900 m² of terminal space and 123,750 m2 of airport operating space will be added to the country’s airports, according to Zahmatkeshan. Isfahan, Sari, Lorestan, Shahroud, and Jahrom are among the airports in which some of the projects are going to be inaugurated. Back in August 2019, 25 major infrastructure projects were inaugurated at nine different airports across Iran on the occasion of the Government Week (24-30 August). Ardabil, Isfahan, Tabriz, Mashhad, Mehrabad, Orumieh, Shahroud, Bushehr and Zanjan airports were among the airports in which the projects went operational. A news conference at Tabriz International Airport reported that 57 other development projects would be inaugurated in 36 airports of the country, and construction of these projects would begin in the near future. Also in June 2019, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani inaugurated a new passenger terminal within the Imam Khomeini International Airport in southern Tehran. It was designed and built by local contractors after European companies pulled out of the project in 2017. The Salam Terminal is the second of three at Tehran’s IKIA inaugurated by President Hassan Rouhani to handle 5 million passengers a year. Salam has increased the airport’s overall annual capacity by 80% to about 12 million passengers. #1131.23

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AFGHANISTAN The Afghanistan Civil Aviation Authority (ACAA) is responsible for the operation and management of Kabuk’s ‘Hamid Karzai International Airport’. The airport handles an average of 2 million passengers per annum, which has been increasing steadily over the years. Given the widespread development of infrastructure and economy in Afghanistan, the Authority is actively pursuing development of ancillary infrastructure facilities at the airport to provide world-class infrastructure service delivery and experience to all its stakeholders, especially, the passengers. Development of an international passenger terminal at Kabul Airport through the Design-Build-Finance-Operate-Transfer (DBFOT) mode under the PPP framework is one of the several projects that the Authority wishes to implement. The Authority has earmarked an area of 55,700 m² within its security perimeter for development of the project. The project site is in good condition and ACAA is in the process of making the land ready for development. The estimated project cost is USD 268 million. The scope of the private sector would include design, financing and construction of the terminal, operate and manage it for a period of about thirty years and at the end of which, transferring the terminal back to the Authority. The Authority invites ‘Global Expressions of Interest’ (EoI) from eligible private-sector investors/ developers/ operators, individually or as part of a consortium, having experience in financing, construction, operation and management of projects of similar nature. Interested parties should submit/send their EoI for the proposed project, as per the formats set out in the EoI document in sealed cover to Mr Amanzeb Ansari, Chief of Staff, Afghanistan Civil Aviation Authority, Kabul international Airport, Ansari Wat, Kabul, Afghanistan. #1131.24

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