Flight delayed due to weather: are you entitled to a refund?

Tengrinews.kz – Flight delays caused by bad weather are common in Kazakhstan, often leaving passengers wondering if they can expect compensation from airlines. Tengrinews asked the country’s major carriers how such cases are handled.

SCAT Airlines

The carrier stressed that cancellations and delays due to weather are strictly safety-related.

“The airline cannot influence weather conditions and is obliged to fully comply with aviation safety requirements. In cases of unfavorable weather, flights may be rescheduled or canceled. If a delay is less than five hours, refunds or exchanges are processed in line with the fare rules set at the time of purchase,” SCAT said.

Air Astana

The airline explained that current regulations do not provide compensation to passengers when flights are delayed or canceled due to weather.

“As a rule, services such as accommodation, transfers, or meals are also not provided. However, in some cases, the airline may decide to make exceptions and offer additional support. The length of waiting on board depends on the forecast and conditions. If the delay is prolonged, passengers are usually disembarked to wait inside the terminal,” the company noted.

FlyArystan

The low-cost carrier emphasized that many delays stem from factors outside the airline’s control, including:

• adverse weather conditions;
• natural disasters;
• bird strikes;
• airport operational issues;
• other unforeseen circumstances.

In such cases, FlyArystan provides:

• refreshments if the delay exceeds 2 hours;
• hot meals after 4 hours;
• one free rebooking to the next available flight if the delay exceeds 5 hours.

Passengers must contact airline representatives at the airport to claim these services.

Notifications about delays are sent via WhatsApp, SMS, and email, based on the contact details provided when booking. The airline urges travelers to provide accurate information and regularly check their flight status.