The final decision on removing Kyrgyzstan’s civil aviation from the European Union’s aviation safety blacklist is expected to be made in May 2026. This was announced by Peter Sorensen, Deputy Head of Unit Aviation Safety at the European Commission, during his meeting with Kyrgyzstan’s Prime Minister Adylbek Kasymaliyev in Bishkek on March 25.
The meeting focused on the removal of Kyrgyz airlines from the EU aviation safety blacklist.
According to Sorensen, the current visit is part of the process to assess the state of Kyrgyzstan’s civil aviation industry.
Kasymaliyev noted that the situation in the industry has fundamentally changed thanks to the decision to establish the State Civil Aviation Agency. This has enabled the development of a modern system of government regulation, strengthened oversight, and ensured the implementation of International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards.
Kasymaliyev noted the results of the reforms. Specifically, passenger flow has increased from 3.9 million in 2021 to over 6 million in 2025, the number of flights has increased from 34,000 to 52,000 (a 53% growth), and all 11 airports in the country have been modernized and put into operation.
“Our plans to launch long-haul flights are becoming a reality. Two Airbus A321 aircraft have been purchased, and 10 more aircraft are to be delivered under leasing terms by 2030,” Kasymaliyev said.
Kasymaliyev also noted that audits conducted by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) in 2023-2024 confirmed that Kyrgyzstan’s aviation system complies with international standards. According to the latest audit, the aviation security compliance rate reached 85.76%.
Sorensen welcomed the significant steps taken to improve the aviation regulatory framework, noting that the European side is impressed with the results achieved during this period.
Kasymaliyev expressed confidence that a positive decision by the EU will open up new opportunities for the development of Kyrgyzstan’s civil aviation and the entire economy.
