Exit from the EU blacklist and rules for drones: what is changing in the aviation of the Kyrgyz Republic

Юлия Воробьева • 30.12.2025, 11:03 • Society

Exit from the EU blacklist and rules for drones: what is changing in the aviation of the KR

Photo GAGA
Currently, the civil aviation of the Kyrgyz Republic is undergoing significant changes. Important aspects of this reform include exiting the European Union's blacklist and implementing new rules for unmanned aerial vehicles, as well as developing the corresponding infrastructure. We discussed key deadlines, EU requirements, and drone regulations with Daniyar Bostонов, the director of the State Agency for Civil Aviation.
— What deadlines are you setting for lifting restrictions from the EU, and what requirements remain critical today?
— We plan to complete the main procedures by February 2026, as we need to conduct the recertification of airlines and prepare all necessary documents for the European side by February 13.
Currently, the European Union has identified three critically important areas:

— How prepared are we to present all necessary documents by the established deadline? What risks remain?
— In March next year, we expect an EU mission, during which the functioning of the system will be demonstrated: inspections, supervisory decisions, monitoring the elimination of non-compliance, and the work of inspectors.

Overall, we are on the right track. The main risks are related to the need for rapid resolution of comments from individual carriers and the quality preparation of the evidence base.

Daniyar Bostонов

— How many airlines operate in Kyrgyzstan? Which of them have undergone recertification or received directives in 2025?
— There are 15 registered airlines in our country, including passenger and cargo carriers, as well as those performing various aviation works.
In 2025, based on the results of inspections:

31 directives for eliminating violations were issued;
the activities of 11 airlines were temporarily suspended until non-compliance was resolved;
special permits were temporarily revoked from four airlines.
— What violations are most common, and can the results of inspections be reviewed?
— Violations can vary depending on the specifics of each company's operations; there is no universal list of violations.
Summarized results of inspections are discussed at flight safety meetings; however, detailed information is not intended for public disclosure.
— Is the agency a budget organization or self-sustaining?
— The State Agency for Civil Aviation is funded from the state budget.
— What is the history of drone regulation development in our country?
— In 2022, work began on developing a regulatory framework for unmanned aviation. The draft aviation rules were put out for public discussion and adapted based on the proposals from government agencies and drone users.

In 2025, working meetings were held with the participation of drone users and the newly formed association.

Daniyar Bostонов

As a result, proposals regarding registration, permitting procedures, and operator training were taken into account.
Kyrgyzstan is a member of JARUS (Joint Authorities for Rulemaking on Unmanned Systems), which allows for the synchronization of national requirements with international practices.
— When will the new aviation rules for drones come into effect, and what will happen next?
— After completing all necessary procedures and officially publishing APRC-6 (Aviation Rules of the Kyrgyz Republic - 6), they will come into effect, allowing the Agency to begin practical regulation of UAV flights: registration, issuing permits for airspace use, and certifying operators.
— How many drones are currently registered in Kyrgyzstan?
— The GAGA registry officially lists 42 unmanned aerial vehicles, but in practice, their number is significantly higher, as many drones are not officially accounted for.
— What are the classes of unmanned aerial vehicles, and who should register them? Can drones be used on private property or in the mountains?
— The draft rules propose classifying UAVs based on weight and risk level (categories C0-C4).
Drones that meet established criteria are subject to registration. We intend to implement an online system for registration and issuing permits.
For:
Flights in green zones, away from people and infrastructure, will be allowed in a simplified manner. However, additional requirements and restrictions will apply in populated areas and near infrastructure.
— What is the process for training and certifying UAV operators?
— The draft rules include mandatory training for UAV operators, consisting of theoretical and practical parts.

The operator's certificate is issued for a specific period and must be periodically renewed. To facilitate training, including in the regions, we plan to develop online formats.

Daniyar Bostонов

— What areas will be prohibited or restricted for drones?
— Restrictions apply to the following territories:
Compliance monitoring will be carried out by GAGA in conjunction with the relevant state authorities.
— What is the responsibility for violations?
— Administrative measures are provided for violations of UAV operation rules, including refusal or revocation of permits for airspace use. Responsibility for violations of legislation on safety and privacy is determined by current legislation.
— Journalists operating UAVs must also undergo training. What are the timelines for issuing permits?
— Drones can be used in populated areas and in emergencies in coordination with authorized state bodies. We are working on simplifying and digitizing procedures to reduce the time for obtaining permits.

Currently, training is taking place at the Kyrgyz Aviation Institute named after Ishembay Abdrayimov. The cost of theoretical and practical classes is 12,300 soms.

Daniyar Bostонов

— What is the necessity of regulating drones?
— Unmanned aerial vehicles can pose a threat to both aviation safety and the privacy of citizens. Even a single incident with a drone can lead to serious consequences.
An example can be drawn from road traffic: even if someone drives a car within their family circle, they still must undergo training and pass exams, including practical driving.
Regulation is necessary to ensure safety. Initially, basic rules should be established, and then gradually improved based on accumulated experience and international practices. All countries in the world face such challenges.

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