Manas Airport: From Virgin Field to Modern Concrete Runway

The skies over Kyrgyzstan are a testament to human endeavor and the relentless pursuit of progress. As we mark Civil Aviation Day, we reflect on the remarkable journey of aviation in our nation, from its nascent stages to the modern infrastructure we see today. The "Manas" Airport, a vital hub for our country, stands as a symbol of this evolution, with its official opening on May 4, 1975, marking a significant milestone.

The history of aviation in Kyrgyzstan is one of overcoming formidable natural obstacles. The high-altitude terrain presented unique challenges, yet the spirit of innovation prevailed. The story of pilot Teodor Suopio, a Finn who flew into Bishkek in 1927 for aerial photography, underscores the early recognition of our region's potential for air travel, long before the establishment of major airports.

Our first airport, a simple unpaved strip near the village of Popenovka, laid the groundwork for what would become a sophisticated network. The appointment of N.K. Batov, a graduate of the Leningrad Institute of Civil Aviation, as the head of this first Kyrgyz airport in 1933 was a crucial step. With a small fleet of U-2 agricultural aircraft, the foundation for domestic air routes was laid.

The inaugural flight on the Frunze-Rybache-Przhevalsk route, timed to coincide with the 16th anniversary of the Great October Socialist Revolution, was more than just a flight; it was a declaration of capability. Pilots Nikolai Ieske and Yevgeny Balaksh flew over the formidable Kungay and Kyrgyz mountain ranges at 3,500 meters, proving that even the most daunting natural barriers could be conquered by air. This daring feat, celebrated in the press of the time, paved the way for numerous other air routes, connecting our mountainous homeland and fostering development.

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The last victory of our aviation is the ridge of Kungay Alatau, which rises 4575 meters above sea level, formidable air pockets, fierce winds "Ulan", "San-Tash". The most difficult air route Frunze - Rybache - Przhevalsk has been conquered by the courage, enthusiasm, and precise calculations of our brave pilots, who flew the plane through Tokmak, Rybache, Sazanovka…