During a meeting between the Prime Minister of the Kyrgyz Republic, Adylbek Kasymaliev, and Peter Sorensen, who is the Deputy Head of the EU Aviation Safety Committee, the key issue was the discussion of the possibility of removing Kyrgyz airlines from the European Union's 'black list'.
Kasymaliev emphasized that the establishment of the State Agency for Civil Aviation, initiated by President Sadyr Japarov, has led to significant changes in the country's aviation sector. These reforms have helped to establish a modern regulatory system, enhance oversight, and implement international standards set by ICAO.
In recent years, the number of passengers has increased from 3.9 million in 2021 to over 6 million in 2025, and the number of flights has risen by 53%, reaching a total of 52,000. All 11 airports in Kyrgyzstan have been restored and modernized, and two Airbus A321 aircraft have been acquired, with plans to lease another 10 aircraft by 2030. As a result of an international audit by ICAO, Kyrgyzstan demonstrated a safety standards implementation level of 85.76%.
Sorensen noted the positive results of the reforms and highly praised the cooperation with the Director of the Civil Aviation Agency, Daniyar Bostanov. He also stated that the final decision on the removal of Kyrgyz airlines from the 'black list' will be made at the Committee meeting in May 2026.
Kasymaliev emphasized the importance of strengthening the legislation and institutional structure of aviation, which will create new opportunities for the development of both the industry itself and the country's economy.
