Tajikistan has officially adopted an “Open Skies” policy, marking a significant shift in its aviation sector.  The new regulation eliminates parity requirements between domestic and foreign airlines, paving the way for increased flight frequencies and expanded air carrier access to the country.

According to a government resolution signed by President Emomali Rahmon on June 12, 2025, the policy applies to all international airports in Dushanbe, Khujand, Kulob, and Bokhtar.  The changes remove previous restrictions that limited foreign airlines to a number of flights equal to that of Tajik carriers.

Under the new framework, there will be no limitations on flight frequency, aircraft capacity, number of seats, or airfare pricing. The reform aims to stimulate competition, improve service quality, and make air travel more accessible and affordable for passengers.

Tajikistan’s Civil Aviation Agency has been instructed to facilitate swift market entry for all interested airlines and to approve flight schedules promptly.

However, temporary restrictions will remain in place for 18 routes for up to three years, after which the open skies policy will fully apply to those routes as well.

Turkish Airlines is the first international carrier to announce expanded operations under the new policy.  The airline will increase flights between Istanbul and Dushanbe from three to five per week, adding departures on Tuesdays and Saturdays.  The expanded schedule will begin in August, and tickets are already available for purchase.

The open skies initiative is expected to boost the country’s connectivity, tourism, and economic integration with global markets.

Government of the Republic of Tajikistan

Resolution “On the Implementation of the “Open Skies” Policy in the Republic of Tajikistan”

In accordance with Article 13 of the Constitutional Law of the Republic of Tajikistan “On the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan,” the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan hereby resolves:

1. To implement the “Open Skies” policy at Dushanbe International Airport, Khujand International Airport, Kulob International Airport, and Bokhtar International Airport.
2. To establish that:
   1. All rights and obligations related to the “Open Skies” policy, upon the entry into force of this resolution and prior to the conduct of consultations or exchange of diplomatic notes with other contracting parties, taking into account the exceptions described in paragraph 4 of this resolution, shall be established unilaterally and for an indefinite period;
   2. The principle of reciprocity shall be suspended for an indefinite period, resulting in the cessation of any legal or operational provisions restricting market access that stipulate “fair” or “equal opportunities,” capacity balancing, coordination of transportation between designated airlines, and protection of commercial interests or market positions of existing airlines. Such provisions will be removed from bilateral air service agreements during subsequent negotiations with partner countries.
3. The Civil Aviation Agency under the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan, for the purpose of enhancing cooperation and increasing flights, shall, in accordance with established procedures:
   1. Ensure market access concerning third and fourth freedoms of the air to all interested parties through immediate unilateral actions, followed by relevant amendments and additions to existing bilateral air service agreements and memoranda of understanding, and in the future, in concluding international agreements, be guided by the following conditions:
   2. removal of all restrictions on flight frequency and/or the number of seats;
   3. removal of all restrictions on aircraft capacity;
   4. removal of all restrictions on the number of route designations;
   5. removal of all tariff restrictions on international air transport;
   6. removal of all restrictions on the number of air carriers;
   2. Take necessary measures to implement the “Open Skies” policy and monitor its enforcement;
   3. Approve the flight schedules of designated airlines in a timely manner;
   4. Conduct accreditation of representative offices or branches of foreign airlines engaged in air transportation to/from the Republic of Tajikistan;
   5. In cooperation with the relevant ministries and departments, take measures to implement this resolution and, where necessary, submit proposals for amendments and additions to intergovernmental air service agreements.
4. The principles set forth in paragraphs 2 and 3 of this resolution shall not apply to eighteen (18) destinations specified by the Civil Aviation Agency under the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan for a maximum period of three (3) years. Upon expiration of this period, these principles shall enter into full force and be applied uniformly to all destinations without exception.
5. To grant the Civil Aviation Agency under the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan the authority to approve airline applications for fifth freedom traffic rights at the request of any contracting party and its designated carrier without any restrictions regarding destination and origin, frequency, number of seats, or aircraft size.
6. The Antimonopoly Service under the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan, the State Unitary Enterprise “Tojikaeronavigation,” Open Joint Stock Company “Dushanbe International Airport,” Open Joint Stock Company “Khujand International Airport,” Open Joint Stock Company “Kulob International Airport,” and Open Joint Stock Company “Bokhtar International Airport” shall take necessary measures to improve service quality, reduce service costs, and develop airport infrastructure.