Kyrgyzstan Removed from EU Aviation Blacklist After Safety Reforms

Brussels has officially removed Kyrgyzstan from the European Union's aviation blacklist, a move that signifies a major step forward for the Central Asian nation's air transport sector. The announcement was made on June 9 by Anna-Kaisa Itkonen, a representative of the European Commission, during a briefing in Brussels.

"Following this update, all air carriers certified in Kyrgyzstan are excluded from the list," Itkonen stated, referring to the 48th update of the list of airlines facing flight bans or restrictions within the EU due to non-compliance with international safety standards. This decision is the culmination of extensive, multi-year efforts by Kyrgyzstan to reform its civil aviation system and elevate its flight safety standards.

The "Airports of Kyrgyzstan" OJSC reported that the exclusion from the blacklist means Kyrgyz airlines are no longer subject to the long-standing pan-European restrictions. This development is expected to unlock significant opportunities for expanding air connectivity with European countries, attracting foreign investment into the aviation industry, and fostering broader international cooperation.

Kyrgyzstan had been placed on the EU's aviation blacklist in 2006. In recent years, the Kyrgyz authorities have undertaken substantial work to align their national aviation security system with the stringent requirements set forth by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). The removal from the blacklist is a testament to these dedicated reform efforts.

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Following this update, all air carriers certified in Kyrgyzstan are excluded from the list.