Kyrgyzstan is taking active steps to get off the “blacklist” of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the European Union. At the same time, Moldova, in an effort to bring its aviation standards in line with EU norms, is considering banning flights for a number of countries, including Kyrgyzstan. This is due to Moldova's intention to join the EU by 2030, Esp.md reported.

The Moldovan Ministry of Infrastructure and Regional Development has published a draft according to which airlines from more than 20 countries, including Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Armenia and Afghanistan, could be banned from operating in the country. The project has been submitted for public discussion, which will last until January 9, 2025. 

The list includes all air carriers certified by the authorities responsible for regulatory oversight in Kyrgyzstan. According to the Moldovan agency, there are 16 such companies in the republic, including those engaged in cargo transportation and even the state-owned Air Kyrgyzstan, which has been declared bankrupt.

Meanwhile, Kyrgyzstan is making notable efforts to rebuild its reputation in the aviation industry. The country successfully passed an ICAO audit in 2023, and a key inspection by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) is expected in 2025. At the same time, negotiations are underway to purchase new aircraft for the state-owned Asman Airlines, which should provide direct flights to Europe.

President Sadyr Zhaparov, during a meeting with the head of Airbus Europe Johan Pelissier last year in Berlin, emphasized that Kyrgyzstan is close to leaving the blacklist for the first time in many years. The path to this requires extensive reforms and investments, including strengthening flight safety oversight and compliance with international standards.

Moldova emphasizes in its draft that the ban could be lifted for airlines using aircraft on “wet lease” from carriers that meet EU standards.