The Civil Aviation Agency has concluded two days of negotiations at the European Commission's Directorate-General for Mobility and Transport (DG MOVE). EU experts highly praised the reforms carried out in air traffic control and regulatory oversight of the industry and confirmed that the republic's aviation sector is ready to be removed from the blacklist.

Kyrgyzstan has fully implemented the programme to improve flight safety and eliminate identified violations, introduced new control procedures with training and certification of inspectors, strengthened its material and technical base, brought legislation and subordinate acts into line with European standards for the certification of air carriers and aircraft, and significantly increased the Agency's budget, improved working conditions and systematically organised staff training.

During the meeting, the Kyrgyz side provided the commissioners with a complete set of technical reports and documents confirming the Aviation Agency's ability to ensure safe direct air services with EU countries.

‘Our reforms are based on rigorous analysis and best international practices. Today, we can say with confidence that Kyrgyz aviation meets international standards and that formal barriers to flights to Europe will be lifted,’ said GAA head Daniyar Bostanov.

European experts emphasised the constructive nature of the dialogue and expressed confidence in further cooperation. A final decision on lifting the restrictions is expected following the May meeting of the European Commission committee.