Non-refundable airline tickets could be banned in Kazakhstan

Tengrinews.kz — A proposal has been made in Kazakhstan to abolish the practice of selling non-refundable airline tickets on domestic routes. The idea was voiced at a meeting of the Public Chamber under the Mazhilis, where aviation activities and air services in the field of passenger transportation were discussed today.

In the Mazhilis lobby, journalists asked the Civil Aviation Committee of the Ministry of Transport to comment on this issue. The Committee Chair, Saltanat Tompiyeva, noted that non-refundable tickets are in high demand among Kazakh citizens.

“As far as I know, non-refundable tickets are popular with the public. More than 50 percent of buyers choose exactly these tickets. This is similar to the situation with hotels: a non-refundable rate is cheaper. Such tickets are usually purchased by passengers who can plan their trip in advance,” she explained.

According to Tompiyeva, if tickets are purchased two to three months before departure, their price is significantly lower than at the last minute. She also reminded that subsidized air routes provide refundable tickets at a fixed price.

“On such routes, the airline offers a full refund. However, many passengers, knowing that the tickets are refundable, ‘freeze’ the seats. As a result, airlines then announce that there are no seats available,” the Committee Chair added.

Earlier in Kazakhstan, it was proposed to introduce fully refundable air tickets — this provision is included in the new draft law on consumer protection. The Ministry of Transport warned that if passengers are able to return tickets without any financial loss, this will affect the cost of air travel.