Dagestan is advancing plans for direct flights from Makhachkala to Tehran and Tbilisi, supported by major upgrades at Uytash International Airport. The airport’s passenger traffic has surged to 2.9 million in 2024, necessitating a new runway and expanded apron to handle international growth.

This initiative responds to the airport's rapid growth, with passenger traffic more than doubling from 1.4 million in 2020 to 2.9 million in 2024. Strengthening aviation links aligns with Dagestan's broader strategic role as a transport hub, underscored by the Makhachkala Sea Commercial Port now handling about 55% of Caspian-region cargo. The proposed flights are expected to boost tourism, trade, and cultural ties, further integrating Dagestan into regional economic corridors as a vital gateway between Russia, the South Caucasus and Central Asia.