The European Commission removed all flight restrictions for Kazakhstani carriers to European Union (EU) countries, Kazakhstan's Ministry of Transport reports. This decision was reached during the Committee on Flight Safety meeting of the European Commission, with participation from aviation authorities of 27 countries. Kazakhstan's delegation presented updates on measures implemented to address prior deficiencies.
The European Commission evaluated these measures and noted improvements in Kazakhstan's certification, control, and supervision systems for flight operations, as well as in the training and licensing of aviation personnel. The statement highlighted that based on the committee's decision, Kazakhstan and its carriers made progress in ensuring flight safety, leading to the lifting of all previous restrictions.
Kazakh airlines were first blacklisted by the European Union in 2009 due to a low implementation rate of International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards, recorded at 47%. This led the European Commission to ban all Kazakh airlines, except Air Astana, from flying to European countries. Air Astana faced limitations in expanding its flight routes and aircraft fleet.
Restrictions on Kazakh airlines were initially lifted in 2018. At that time, Kazakhstan's Minister of Investment and Development, Zhenis Kasymbek, reported that experts acknowledged progress in-flight safety.
The 2019 Bek Air plane crash prompted the European Commission to reassess Kazakhstan's aviation safety oversight capabilities. By 2023, Kazakhstan's compliance with ICAO flight safety standards had improved to 82%, contributing to the recent decision to lift all restrictions.
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