Foreign passengers refuse to leave plane in Aktau: airport explains the situation

Tengrinews.kz – The Aktau airport has shared details about the incident involving Pegasus Airlines flight PS240, which was supposed to land in Aktobe.

What the airport said

According to airport officials, the aircraft was forced to divert to Aktau due to unfavorable weather conditions at its intended destination. The statement notes that the landing proceeded normally at 2:26 PM.

“According to the airline’s local office, hotel accommodation and options for further transportation to Aktobe were offered to the passengers. Sixteen passengers remain on board, refusing to leave the aircraft. The airline’s representative is issuing tickets for the next Aktau–Aktobe flight scheduled for tomorrow. Once the process is completed, the passengers are expected to leave the aircraft,” the statement said.

The airport added that it continues to operate as usual.

What the ministry said

The Ministry of Transport reported that 216 passengers were on board.

“The airline representatives offered passengers the option of flying back to Istanbul and then departing for Aktobe 2–3 days later. This option was rejected by 186 passengers, who decided to make their own way to Aktobe,” the ministry stated.

According to the press service, passengers are currently being provided with accommodation and meals.

“Officers of the transport police, airline representatives, and airport aviation security staff carried out explanatory work. As a result of the discussions, passengers were sent an electronic letter confirming the airline’s obligations to provide accommodation and tickets to Aktobe. At this moment, an agreement has been reached between the airline and the passengers,” the ministry concluded.

Earlier, information appeared online about the unusual situation involving the Pegasus Airlines flight from Istanbul to Aktobe, in which Russian citizens allegedly refused to leave the plane after it landed not in Aktobe but in Aktau.