Manas International Airport has completed a major reconstruction that lasted a year and a half. The head of Airports of Kyrgyzstan OJSC, Manasbek Samidinov, discussed the project in an interview with independent journalist Elaman Karymshakov.
More than $130 million — around 11.5 billion soms — was invested in the upgrade, entirely from the airport's own funds. Capacity more than doubled, rising from 1,700 to 4,000 passengers per hour. Daily aircraft handling capacity increased from 50 to 120 aircraft. A CAT III landing system was installed, enabling arrivals even in heavy fog conditions.
The terminal area was expanded by 20,000 square meters. A multi-level parking facility for 600 vehicles was built, bringing total parking capacity to 1,600 cars. The terminal was fitted with equipment meeting global standards — elevators, escalators, and automated check-in and baggage-handling systems. A dedicated hall for official delegations and heads of state was created, designed specifically for hosting summits. Samidinov described the decision to cut out intermediary companies as a matter of principle: equipment was procured directly from manufacturers, eliminating opportunities for corruption schemes.
On 29 August, Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov made an unscheduled visit to the airport to personally check its readiness following the completion of the reconstruction. According to the presidential press service, the head of state inspected the airport grounds and the halls designated to receive citizens and foreign delegations. The president reviewed the airport complex's readiness to welcome high-profile guests soon arriving in Kyrgyzstan for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit, the VI World Nomad Games, and other official visits. Japarov instructed responsible officials to ensure full readiness of the airport and its surrounding area.
The completion of Manas's reconstruction thus coincides with the country's preparations to host delegations for a major international summit, giving the airport's modernization both commercial and diplomatic significance.