On May 13, President Sadyr Zhaparov took part in the laying of the foundation capsule for the construction of the Jalal-Abad International Airport in the Suzak district. The new transport hub will occupy an area of more than 380 hectares and, as the head of state emphasized, will become one of the key elements in the development of southern Kyrgyzstan.

The project involves the construction of a two-story passenger terminal with an area of 10,000 square meters and a capacity of over 350 passengers per hour. The airport will comply with category 4E, which will allow it to accept large aircraft, including Boeing 737 and Airbus A321.

“The start of construction of the new airport is an indicator of real reforms in the aviation industry,” Zaparov said. He noted that since 2021, passenger traffic in the country has grown by 46%, the number of flights by 31%, and domestic air service has been restored in a number of regions.

The airport infrastructure includes a 3,800-meter runway, two taxiways, and six aircraft parking stands. It is planned to serve both passenger and cargo flights, which opens up additional opportunities for trade and logistics throughout the Fergana Valley.

Zaparov recalled that Kyrgyzstan is continuing its efforts to be removed from the EU's aviation blacklist, actively cooperating with international organizations and developing its own personnel: the Kyrgyz Aviation Institute has been established at the college.

The old airport in Jalal-Abad has been operating since 1938. Today, it cannot cope with the growing traffic: in 2024, it is planned to serve more than 80,000 passengers. The new airport will be built from scratch — not a reconstruction, but a fully-fledged modern air link.