Kyrgyzstan, UAE plan direct Sharjah - Issyk‑Kul flight for summer 2026
Kyrgyzstan and the UAE have discussed the prospects for expanding air service and new opportunities for developing the country's tourism potential, Kabar reported.
The issue was discussed at a meeting between Manasbek Samidinov, Chairman of the Board of Kyrgyzstan Airports JSC, and a delegation from the United Arab Emirates.
One of the key topics at the talks was the planned launch of a direct flight from Sharjah to Issyk‑Kul (Tamchy village) for the 2026 summer tourist season. The parties are currently working out the parameters of the future flight program, including the start date and frequency of flights.
The opening of this route is expected to significantly boost tourist flows from the Persian Gulf countries to the shores of Issyk‑Kul Lake, the “pearl of Central Asia.” Kyrgyzstan’s unique natural beauty, mountain resorts, national culture, and outdoor recreation opportunities will become even more accessible to visitors from the UAE and other countries in the region.
In addition, negotiations are underway to establish direct flights between Sharjah and Karakol for the 2026–2027 winter tourism season. This new route is seen as an important step in promoting Kyrgyzstan’s ski tourism internationally and will create further opportunities to attract foreign visitors to the Issyk‑Kul region during the winter months.
Earlier, it was reported that Armenian carrier FlyOne Armenia entered Kazakhstan’s aviation market introducing direct flights en route Yerevan-Almaty-Yerevan.