Kyrgyzstan Awaits EU Decision on Air Safety Blacklist Removal in 2025

Kyrgyzstan is set to be removed from the European Union’s Air Safety List (blacklist) in 2025. Daniyar Bostonov, Director of the State Civil Aviation Agency, confirmed this during a briefing on February 19. He stated that the country is prepared for the removal, though the final decision rests with the European Union (EU). Over the past two years, Kyrgyzstan focused on meeting international safety standards.

Kyrgyzstan’s efforts gained momentum after a visit to the EU Directorate for Mobility and Transport in Brussels. This visit helped form a roadmap for removing the country from the blacklist. Later, the country successfully passed two international audits by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

In 2024, Kyrgyzstan scored 86% in these audits, surpassing the global average. Countries like South Korea and Singapore scored 98% and 96%, respectively, while many others scored between 70-80%.

Bostonov explained that the final step involves an online audit by the European Union, completed in January 2025. On March 9, an EU audit team will arrive in Bishkek for an in-person inspection, the first in 20 years. The audit team will review Kyrgyzstan’s compliance with EU standards using translated documents.

The inspection will last four days, with the possibility of a follow-up visit in summer. In November 2025, the EU Transport Committee will meet, where Kyrgyzstan’s State Civil Aviation Agency will present its progress.

Bostonov expressed confidence that Kyrgyzstan would be removed from the EU Air Safety List soon. He emphasized that the only remaining factor is the EU’s internal process

«We have completed much work and met international standards. We are ready for removal this year,» he said.

The country’s audit results confirm its compliance with global aviation safety standards. Kyrgyzstan now awaits the EU’s final decision. Leaving the blacklist marks an important step in the country’s aviation sector development.