Tens of millions of dollars for the right to fly to Europe. How does Kyrgyzstan plan to get off the EU blacklist?

Manas International Airport, now Airports of Kyrgyzstan, has informed Akchabar that it has terminated its cooperation with Avia Solutions LTD, a company that previously assisted in the development of Kyrgyzstan's aviation industry. This decision, made in early 2024, was caused by the end of financing of joint projects by the International Finance Corporation (IFC). Thus, the airport was unable to cover the costs of Avia Solutions LTD services on its own.

Avia Solutions LTD stated its intention to sign contracts with five air carriers by 2025 to open new flights from Kyrgyzstan to Europe. However, the fate of these projects remains uncertain after the completion of the partnership with Manas Airport. So far, there have been no confirmations on the implementation of the agreements with air carriers.

Meanwhile, on November 27, 2024, during the meeting of Kyrgyz President Sadyr Zhaparov with the president of Airbus Europe Johan Pelissier in Berlin, it became known about negotiations on the purchase of Airbus aircraft for the state airline Asman Airlines. These airplanes should provide direct flights from Bishkek to Europe. At the opening of the Karakol airport December 11, the president emphasized that Kyrgyzstan is closer than ever to getting off the European Union's “black list” of the aviation industry. Previously, no serious steps have been taken in this direction, but today the country is actively working to remove all obstacles.

"Akchabar ” decided to remind why Kyrgyzstan found itself on this list and what needs to be done to get off it. Bektur Dzhumaliev, head of the Legal and Personnel Support Department of the State Civil Aviation Agency, spoke about the key conditions for withdrawal.

Kyrgyzstan was blacklisted by the European Union in 2006 because of its failure to meet safety standards. One of the reasons was the low level of oversight of air carriers and their failure to meet international safety standards. The national regulator also did not ensure proper control over flight safety. In addition, there were problems with certification and control procedures for airlines and aviation personnel. Unlike cases where individual airlines are blacklisted, Kyrgyzstan was blacklisted as a country. This means that even if an airline meets international standards, it cannot operate flights to Europe until the country passes the necessary checks.

How to get off the blacklist?

Extensive reforms are needed to get off the blacklist. The State Civil Aviation Agency must demonstrate effective control and safety of aviation processes. This requires improving certification systems for aviation personnel and training qualified inspectors capable of conducting inspections according to ICAO standards. These measures have already started to be implemented.

Kyrgyzstan must comply with ICAO and EASA international standards. In September 2023, the country successfully passed the ICAO audit under the USOAP program, but there is still a European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) inspection scheduled for 2025.
There is also a need to ensure safety at the airline level. They must comply with technical operating standards and implement strict fleet condition monitoring procedures. However, even with new airplanes and qualified personnel, the country will not be able to get off the “black list” until the national regulator proves its compliance with international standards.

Which airlines have a chance to fly to Europe?

At the moment, all Kyrgyz airlines, including Asman Airlines, AeroNomad Airlines, Avia Traffic Company and Tez Jet, are on the EU blacklist. However, they have a chance to start operating flights to Europe if they pass EASA certification and ensure that their airplanes and staff meet European standards.

These plans require significant investment, which could reach tens of millions of dollars. Funds will be needed to reform the State Civil Aviation Agency, prepare for audits and inspections, introduce modern safety systems and improve the qualifications of the inspection staff.

Active work in this direction gives grounds for optimism. If all conditions are met, Kyrgyzstan will be able to regain the right to fully participate in the international aviation industry, opening new opportunities for its citizens and economy.

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