Kyrgyzstan eyes exit from EU aviation blacklist by 2026

Kyrgyzstan’s civil aviation sector is preparing for a decisive audit that could determine whether the country will be removed from the European Union’s air safety blacklist.

“The final audit will take place in December, and a major meeting is expected in Europe in mid-2026, where a decision on this issue will be made,” said General Director of Asman Airlines Zholdoshbek Aydaraliev in a comment to 24.kg.

Aydaraliev expressed optimism about the prospects, noting that such a move would allow Kyrgyz airlines to re-establish direct connections with Europe. “After we are removed from it, we will be able to fly directly to European countries. Until 2006, flights from our airports were operated to Germany — Hamburg,” he said.

According to him, Kyrgyzstan’s aviation industry has been developing steadily in recent months. “Since the beginning of 2025, more than 500,000 passengers and about 11,000 flights have been handled in the republic,” Aydaraliev reported.

He added that Asman Airlines has strengthened its domestic network. “As of today, thanks to the purchase of a third aircraft, we can fully serve all domestic flights. Starting from November, we plan to increase the frequency of some domestic routes. We are also preparing to launch flights on the Bishkek–Almaty–Bishkek, Osh–Almaty–Osh routes, and from some of our larger cities to Tashkent. In winter, we will open a seasonal flight from Almaty to Karakol,” he said.

The airline chief also highlighted the demand for young aviation specialists. “We have fully staffed the crew for all three aircraft. Foreign instructors are also working to train and prepare our graduates for flight operations,” Aydaraliev noted.

He admitted that staffing shortages remain a challenge but said progress is being made. He also underlined that domestic flights are part of a broader state initiative: “Their resumption is part of the government’s long-term strategy. There are hopes for tourism, thanks to which regional routes may eventually become profitable.”

Meanwhile, Chairman of the Board of Airports of Kyrgyzstan JSC Manasbek Samidinov spoke about the ongoing modernisation of Manas International Airport. “It was built in 1974 and has not undergone a major modernisation since. This year, we began a large-scale reconstruction of the terminal complex and the runway. We are expanding the terminal area by 18,000 square metres. As for the runway, we are removing the top layer of asphalt and laying a new one, and will also install third-category lighting systems. This will solve the issue of takeoffs and landings during fog,” he said.

Samidinov also confirmed that negotiations are underway to restore and expand international connections. “Negotiations are underway to resume flights to Belarus and Georgia, and tourist routes to Vietnam and Thailand are being planned,” he said.

“New international airports are opening across the country, and thanks to them, we must also expand our flight geography,” Samidinov concluded.

By Vugar Khalilov