Kyrgyzstan’s airlines have been removed from the EU Air Safety List, clearing the way for direct flights to Europe once the decision is formalized. The move gives Asman Airlines, the state-owned carrier based at Manas International Airport in Bishkek, the prospect of launching services to EU destinations.
Asman plans to operate the market with two leased Airbus A320neo aircraft. The EU action removes the safety-list barrier that had kept Kyrgyz carriers out of the bloc, and the aviation authority decision still needs to be formalized by regulation before it takes full effect.
The change marks the first time in about 20 years that Kyrgyz airlines have been cleared to access EU skies. It also follows the removal of Kazakh carriers from EU restrictions in May 2024, pointing to a wider regional easing of aviation constraints. No launch date or specific European destinations have been confirmed yet.