Kazakhstan's Ministry of Transport has warned passengers that careless remarks on board an aircraft can result in a delayed flight and legal liability, the website infohub.kz reports.
The ministry explained that in everyday life some words may be part of an ordinary conversation or a joke, but on an airplane they take on a completely different meaning.
"In aviation, words such as 'bomb,' 'explosion,' 'terrorist,' 'weapon,' 'hijacking' and other statements may indicate a security threat. Any information about a possible threat is taken seriously, and the crew and aviation security services are obliged to act according to established procedures," the ministry emphasized.
The Ministry of Transport recalled a recent incident on an Almaty–Aktau flight, when one of the passengers uttered the word "bomb." Aviation security officers and transport police were immediately involved, the man was removed from the flight, and the departure was ultimately delayed by almost two hours.
The ministry noted that such a reaction may seem excessive, but for aviation it is not. It stressed that the crew cannot determine by ear whether it was a joke, a slip of the tongue, or real information about a threat.
Therefore, any such statement immediately triggers aviation security procedures: inspection of the aircraft and baggage, involvement of special services, possible evacuation or restriction of access in certain areas of the airport. As a result, it may be necessary to replace the aircraft or crew, reschedule the flight, and re-service passengers — all of which means additional costs for the airline and the airport, the Ministry of Transport explained.
In Kazakhstan, under Article 273 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan, a knowingly false report of an impending act of terrorism is punishable by a fine, or correctional labor, or restriction or deprivation of liberty.
"On an airplane and at an airport, it is prohibited to joke and utter without reason words about: a bomb, explosives, weapons, a pistol, terrorists, a terrorist act, hijacking an aircraft, intent to harm passengers or crew, or the presence of dangerous items in baggage or carry-on luggage. Moreover, it does not matter whether it is said 'as a joke' or seriously. If a phrase potentially indicates a threat, aviation security officers must treat it accordingly," passengers were warned.
The ministry emphasizes that one careless phrase can lead not only to the delay of one's own flight but also create inconvenience for hundreds of passengers, the crew, and airport operations.