OREANDA-NEWS. On 21 April 2008 was announced, that on the 15 and 16 of April 2008, bad weather in Astana city caused a number of delays of flights departing from Astana to Taraz, Uskemen, Almaty, Atirau, Aktau, Pavlodar, Kostanay, Moscow and Dubai as well as to incoming flights. The snowy storm severely affected visibility at Astana International Airport.

Approximately 17-20 flights were delayed and it was predicted at the quantity of delayed flights would increase if the weather continued to be unstable.

These difficulties were compounded by the fact that the airport was closed in order to perform cleaning work on the runway and ice covering treatment of aircraft.

For example, Astana-Dubai flight KC 207 on Airbus A320 was delayed for some considerable time, as a result, even though boarding on this flight was completed by 20:55 hrs. The flight was scheduled to depart at 21:05 hrs. Announcements about the delay were made to passengers and they were encouraged to wait in the terminal building where they were offered a meal.

An additional flying crew had to be called in as the delays caused the nominated crew’s flying time to be exceeded. Air Astana strictly adheres to the schedule of work and rest requirements of the flying crew as regulated and approved by the Committee of Civil Aviation, effective 21 of December 2007.

Unfortunately, even with the new team, low visibility and strong side winds continued to delay KC207’s flight departure. By 10:00 hrs the situation became a little stable and although the airport remained closed for incoming flights, aircrafts were permitted to depart. Soon after de-icing treatment, flight KC 207 departed at 11:35 hrs.

Gulnara Satbayeva, the manager at Air Astana International Airport of Astana city: “During the affected period, Air Astana agents continuously informed passengers waiting for their flight about the changes in the schedule and the reasons of the delay, in order to promote goodwill and to keep passengers informed. Passengers were also presented with beverages and meals”.

Flights delays are an inconvenience not only to passengers but also to the airline, due to additional financial costs. Air Astana shares and understands the inconvenience such delays cause to its passengers and therefore apologizes for the current situation.