Wedoany.com Report-May 24, Kyrgyzstan has begun construction of a new international airport in Jalal-Abad, its third-largest city, as reported by The Times of Central Asia. The 380-hectare facility will feature a two-story, 10,000-square-meter terminal and a 3,800-meter runway, distinct from the existing Jalal-Abad Airport, a domestic airport operational since 1938 and expanded in 1972.

Manus Airport, Kyrgyzstan’s main airport in the capital, Bishkek

The new airport aims to enhance Kyrgyzstan’s aviation infrastructure, supporting increased passenger and cargo traffic. This development complements ongoing efforts to modernize the country’s aviation sector, including reforms to meet international safety standards. Since 2006, Kyrgyzstan’s airlines have been restricted from operating in the European Union due to safety concerns. To address this, the country engaged a consultant to overhaul its aviation industry and sent a delegation to Brussels in May 2025 to advocate for reinstatement.

President Sadyr Japarov stated: “Since 2021, Kyrgyzstan has increased passenger traffic by 46% and the number of flights by 31%. New aircraft have been acquired, and previously idle regional airports have resumed operations.” These improvements reflect Kyrgyzstan’s commitment to expanding its aviation capacity to meet domestic and regional travel demands.

In 2023, Asman Airlines was established to serve domestic routes, further strengthening the country’s aviation network. Additionally, construction of a new terminal at Osh International Airport began in February 2025, signaling a broader push to upgrade Kyrgyzstan’s airport facilities.

The Jalal-Abad airport project is expected to boost local economic growth by improving connectivity, facilitating tourism, and supporting the movement of goods for export and import markets. By investing in modern infrastructure, Kyrgyzstan aims to enhance its role as a regional aviation hub, fostering sustainable economic development and meeting growing consumption needs for air travel services.

This initiative underscores Kyrgyzstan’s focus on revitalizing its aviation sector, ensuring safer and more efficient operations while creating opportunities for local communities through improved access to global markets.