Kazakhstan to end to non-refundable airline tickets

Tengrinews.kz - Mazhilis Deputy Bakytzhan Bazarbek expressed outrage that it is impossible to get refunds for some airline tickets in Kazakhstan. It has been decided to cancel such practices in Kazakhstan.
During a Mazhilis session, the deputy reported that he recently faced issues with non-refundable airline tickets from Air Astana and Fly Arystan.

"Their practices are causing dissatisfaction among the population. Airline tickets are becoming more expensive, flights are being changed, which is related to various factors, including listing. In my opinion, the main problem is the outdated legal framework based on the 1929 Warsaw Convention. Perhaps we should switch to the 1999 Montreal Convention? Additionally, property liability for airline management and airport authorities should be considered," the deputy exclaimed.

Deputy Bazarbek asked Minister of Trade and Integration Arman Shakkaliyev whether it is possible to hold airline executives financially liable.

"This is indeed a relevant issue. Non-refundable airline tickets were legislatively provided for, but this issue has been addressed. As for financial liability, we have the opportunity to consider it in the committee. As part of the new draft law, we also plan to eliminate the 100% non-refundable policy for tickets," said the Minister.

Meanwhile, Vice-Minister of Transport Satzhan Ablaliyev explained that the ministry is currently working within the framework of the Montreal Convention.

"Yes, in 2015 we ratified the Montreal Convention, which includes mechanisms for addressing issues related to air transportation, delays, and flight cancellations. Now we are developing amendments that will be introduced in the Majilis and provide for liability not only for airlines, but also for airports for flight delays and failure to provide assistance”, the Deputy Minister concluded.

Earlier, a passenger was detained after “bad joke“ causes flight delay from Almaty to Uralsk.