Lufthansa and two other European airlines explore direct flights to Kyrgyzstan
Three European airlines have shown interest in launching direct flights to Kyrgyzstan. Among them are Germany's Lufthansa and, presumably, the Czech Republic's Smartwings. The carriers are studying passenger traffic and assessing the economic feasibility of the routes. One of them could begin flights before the end of 2026, according to Manasbek Samidinov, Chairman of the Board of OJSC Airports of Kyrgyzstan.
According to him, foreign companies have requested data on potential passenger traffic between Kyrgyzstan and Europe. This information is needed to assess demand and the profitability of new routes.
“One of them is Lufthansa, the second is Smartwings, if I am not mistaken. I don't recall the third one right now. In total, three companies have shown interest, but they are calculating the economics and requesting data from us on potential passenger traffic from Kyrgyzstan to Europe,” Samidinov said.
OJSC Airports of Kyrgyzstan is sharing the necessary information with potential partners.
“We are currently sharing all this information with them. Most likely, one of the companies will launch flights as early as this year,” the head of the company noted.
At the same time, there are no final agreements on launching flights yet. The carriers have yet to assess the commercial prospects of the routes and make decisions.
Samidinov did not specify which airline might be the first to enter the Kyrgyz market, which cities direct routes would connect, or how frequently the flights would operate.
What changed after removal from the EU blacklist
On June 8, 2026, the European Commission decided to remove all air carriers certified in Kyrgyzstan from the EU Air Safety List. This was officially announced on June 9.
Kyrgyzstan had been on the list since 2006. The restrictions applied to domestic carriers and were linked to deficiencies in state oversight of flight safety.
The decision was preceded by civil aviation reforms, legislative improvements, inspector training, and strengthened oversight of compliance with international safety standards.
Economist.kg previously reported in detail on the lifting of restrictions.
Removal from the list lifted the ban on Kyrgyz airlines flying to the European Union. However, launching scheduled routes still requires suitable aircraft, permits, and commercially viable demand.
