An Air Astana flight traveling from Astana to Shymkent was unable to land at its destination and was diverted to Turkestan, forcing passengers to reach Shymkent by bus, infohub.kz reports.
According to passengers on the flight, the aircraft was scheduled to arrive in Shymkent by midnight. However, the route was changed and the plane landed in Turkestan.
"We were sent to Shymkent by bus, and they were cold, by the way, and we had children with us. We were supposed to be in Shymkent at 23:50, but we arrived here at five in the morning," a female passenger said.
In a statement to the agency, Air Astana's press service explained that weather conditions were the reason for the route change. Visibility at Shymkent airport was insufficient for landing, which was dangerous for passengers and the aircraft crew.
"The aircraft operating flight KC341 Astana — Shymkent was diverted to Turkestan due to freezing fog and visibility below minimum at Shymkent airport. The return flight KC342 Shymkent — Astana was operated from Turkestan. Passengers on this flight were transported by bus to Turkestan," Air Astana said.