Manas International Airport (UCFM/FRU) in Bishkek officially resumed all flight operations on the morning of July 8, 2026, following a temporary closure caused by a technical emergency on the runway. Aviation technical teams worked throughout the night to remove a damaged aircraft and complete safety protocols, including the elimination of kerosene spills on the concrete surface. While the main air hub of Kyrgyzstan is now open, travelers continue to face residual delays for several international services.
Details of the TezJet Aircraft Emergency
The disruption began on the afternoon of July 7, 2026, at approximately 16:10 local time. A McDonnell Douglas MD-83 aircraft, operated by the domestic carrier TezJet (flight K9-117), experienced a serious landing gear failure while accelerating for takeoff to Osh. The aircraft, carrying 181 passengers and 6 crew members, tilted onto its left wing and came to a stop on the 4,204-meter runway.
- Evacuation: All occupants were evacuated via emergency slides.
- Injuries: No fatalities were reported; several individuals received medical treatment for minor scrapes and bruises.
- Infrastructure: Technical crews focused on clearing fuel residues and inspecting the structural integrity of the runway.
Impact on International Flights and Delays
The airport administration initially planned to reopen by late evening on July 7, but the closure was later extended until 06:00 on July 8 to ensure complete safety compliance. This extension caused significant knock-on effects for regional schedules, particularly for routes connecting Bishkek with Russia. According to the latest online timetable, several arrivals and departures remain delayed, including flights from:
- Moscow (Sheremetyevo and Domodedovo)
- Novosibirsk
- Krasnoyarsk
- Kazan
Travelers are advised to monitor the official Manas International Airport website or contact their respective airlines for real-time updates on flight statuses.
The State Civil Aviation Agency of Kyrgyzstan has launched a formal investigation to determine the exact cause of the landing gear collapse. Manas International Airport, located 25 kilometers from the capital, serves as a critical link in Central Asia, and authorities are prioritizing the restoration of the full flight schedule while the damaged McDonnell Douglas remains under technical review.