European experts highly appreciated the progress in reforming civil aviation
The meeting of the Prime Minister Adylbek Kasymaliev with Peter Sorensen, Chairman of the European Union Aviation Safety Committee and Deputy Head of the Security Division of the European Commission, focused on the issue of removing Kyrgyz airlines from the EU's 'black list'.
Kasymaliev emphasized that after the establishment of the State Agency for Civil Aviation, initiated by President Sadyr Japarov, the situation in the country's aviation sector has significantly improved. These reforms contributed to the formation of a modern regulatory system, enhanced control, and the implementation of ICAO international standards.
In recent years, the number of passengers increased from 3.9 million in 2021 to over 6 million in 2025, while the volume of flights grew by 53% — from 34,000 to 52,000. All 11 airports in the country have been restored and modernized, and two Airbus A321 aircraft were purchased, with plans to lease another ten by 2030. According to the ICAO international audit, Kyrgyzstan achieved 85.76% in implementing safety standards.
Peter Sorensen noted the positive changes and expressed satisfaction with the cooperation with the Director of the Civil Aviation Agency, Daniyar Bostanov. He added that the final decision on the removal of Kyrgyz airlines from the EU's 'black list' will be made at the Committee meeting in May 2026.
Kasymaliev also noted that further strengthening of legislation and the institutional framework in aviation remains an important priority, opening new opportunities for the development of both the industry itself and the economy of the Kyrgyz Republic.
