Recently, a meeting took place between the Prime Minister of Kyrgyzstan, Adylbek Kasymaliev, and the Deputy Head of the Security Division of the European Commission, Peter Sorensen, who is also the Chair of the EU Aviation Safety Committee.
The main topic of discussion was the exclusion of Kyrgyz airlines from the European Union's Aviation Safety List. Rémi Duflo, the EU Ambassador to the Kyrgyz Republic, also participated in this meeting.
Kasymaliev emphasized the importance of Sorensen's visit for Kyrgyzstan. He stated, "We view cooperation with the European Union as a key direction and highly value the professionalism of European institutions in the field of aviation safety."
The head of the cabinet noted that the situation in the aviation industry has significantly improved due to President Sadyr Japarov's decision to establish the State Agency for Civil Aviation. This decision has allowed for the establishment of a modern system of state regulation, increased oversight, and the implementation of international ICAO standards.
Kasymaliev also presented the results of the reforms: since 2021, passenger traffic has increased from 3.9 million to over 6 million people by 2025. The number of flights has risen from 34,000 to 52,000 (a 53% increase), and the operations of all 11 airports in the country have been restored and modernized.
He added that the implementation of plans to launch long-haul air transportation has already begun: two Airbus A321 aircraft have already been acquired, and by 2030, it is planned to lease another 10 aircraft. Kasymaliev emphasized that the systematic nature of the reforms is confirmed by an international audit, which showed the effective implementation of ICAO standards in Kyrgyzstan at a level of 85.76%.
Peter Sorensen, for his part, expressed satisfaction with the results achieved. He noted significant improvements in legislation and regulatory frameworks, adding that the European side is impressed by the progress made during this period. Sorensen also confirmed active and productive contact with the Director of the Civil Aviation Agency, Daniyar Bostanov, and expressed readiness for further cooperation.
The representative of the European Commission added that this visit is part of an open evaluation process, and a final decision will be made at the meeting of the relevant EU Committee in May 2026.
At the end of the meeting, Adylbek Kasymaliev confirmed that Kyrgyzstan will continue to strengthen the legislative and institutional framework of its aviation sector. "This issue remains a priority for us. I am confident that a positive decision from the EU will open new horizons for the development of our aviation and economy," he summarized.
The record "The Head of the Cabinet of Kyrgyzstan discussed with the representative of the European Commission the exclusion of Kyrgyz aviation from the EU's 'black list'" first appeared on the K-News website.
