On September 2, the third Dash 8 Q400 aircraft for Kyrgyzstan’s state-owned Asman Airlines arrived at Manas International Airport in Bishkek, according to JSC Airports of Kyrgyzstan.
The Dash 8 Q400, manufactured in Canada, is a short-haul turboprop aircraft designed to carry up to 80 passengers over distances of up to 2,000 kilometers. Its specifications make it well-suited for domestic flights in Kyrgyzstan, where mountainous terrain and underdeveloped road infrastructure pose challenges to ground transportation.
Asman Airlines has recently restored domestic air connections between Bishkek and remote regional centers, including Talas, Karakol, Kerben, and Kazarman. The arrival of the third short-haul aircraft will allow the airline to expand its route network and improve accessibility and affordability of air travel for residents across the country.
The first Dash 8 Q400 entered service in September 2024, followed by a second aircraft in November of the same year. The addition of the third aircraft further enhances Asman Airlines’ ability to meet growing demand for domestic travel.
Looking ahead, the airline is considering the acquisition of larger aircraft such as the Airbus A320/A321 and Boeing 737, which would enable the launch of international flights.
Kyrgyzstan is currently experiencing growth in both domestic and international passenger traffic. Speaking at the reopening ceremony of Kazarman Airport in the southern Jalal-Abad Region in August, President Sadyr Japarov noted that since 2021, passenger traffic has increased by 46%, while the number of flights has risen by 31%.
The expansion of Kyrgyzstan’s air fleet is part of a broader national strategy to modernize the country’s aviation infrastructure. Construction of a new terminal complex at Osh International Airport began in February 2025, while Karakol International Airport and Talas Airport have already reopened. Renovation projects are also underway at Issyk-Kul International Airport and Naryn Airport.
