The Strategic Role of Warehousing in the Logistics Industry: Implications for Regional Development and the Case of Samarkand International Airport

Warehousing plays a critical role in modern logistics systems, influencing supply-chain efficiency, regional competitiveness, and participation in global value chains. Although Uzbekistan has made significant progress in aviation liberalization and multimodal transport development, Samarkand International Airport lacks dedicated cargo-handling and warehousing infrastructure. This study examines how this infrastructural gap affects logistics performance and regional economic development. The research applies a qualitative case-study methodology supported by benchmarking analysis of comparable regional airports in India, China, and Kazakhstan. Secondary data were collected from IATA, the World Bank Logistics Performance Index (LPI), CAREC reports, and national statistics for the period 2022–2024. The analysis reveals that Uzbekistan’s cargo volumes are increasing nationally, yet Samarkand remains disconnected from air-cargo flows due to the absence of warehousing, coldchain facilities, and bonded cargo infrastructure. Findings show that without such facilities, exporters in Samarkand incur higher logistics costs, face longer lead times, and depend heavily on Tashkent Airport for international shipments. Comparative benchmarking demonstrates that regional airports with integrated logistics centres experience 30–400% cargo growth and significant improvements in regional trade. The study contributes to the literature on air-cargo infrastructure in landlocked developing countries by identifying warehousing as a key missing link in regional supply-chain development. The paper recommends the development of a modular cargo terminal, bonded warehouse, cold-chain system, and PPP-based logistics centre at Samarkand Airport to support national transport policy and enhance regional competitiveness.

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