Kyrgyzstan needs direct flights to Europe, Asia and North America — Eduard Kubatov

Modernising airport infrastructure and developing direct air links could boost Kyrgyzstan’s appeal to tourists and its competitiveness amongst Central Asian countries. This was stated by Eduard Kubatov, Director of the State Agency for Tourism Development.

According to him, modern airports are an important part of the country’s infrastructure and effectively shape the first impression of foreign tourists.

“Airports are the country’s calling card and demonstrate the extent and level of its development,” noted Kubatov.

He emphasised that efforts should not be limited to upgrading infrastructure. In his view, Kyrgyzstan needs to continue developing its airports whilst simultaneously expanding the range of direct international flights.

Kubatov noted that Kyrgyzstan’s removal from the European Union’s aviation restrictions list has expanded the country’s opportunities to open new routes. In particular, he cited direct flights to Milan, Frankfurt, Budapest and London as promising.

In addition to European destinations, Kyrgyzstan, according to the head of the State Agency for Tourism Development, needs direct flights to North America, Japan, South Korea and countries in South-East Asia.

“If we can tap into Southeast Asia and Europe, we will have enormous potential for the development of the tourism industry and, more broadly, for raising our country’s profile,” said Kubatov.