Rise in aviation incidents in Kazakhstan: what’s happening

Tengrinews.kz - Reports of aviation incidents in Kazakhstan have increased, with three notable cases in August 2025 alone, including emergency returns to departure airports. Tengrinews contacted the Civil Aviation Committee of Kazakhstan (CAC) and the Department for Investigation of Transport Accidents and Incidents to understand the situation.
According to the CAC, Kazakhstan’s flight safety level stands at 82 percent, as assessed by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). The committee emphasized that technical oversight and supervision are conducted regularly.

“Technical control and supervision of operators are carried out by an authorized civil aviation organization in accordance with an annually approved oversight program, which includes inspections of aircraft technical condition, compliance with maintenance programs, and the qualifications of flight and technical personnel,” the committee said.

Incidents are investigated according to the approved annual program, with administrative measures applied when violations are identified.
The Department for Investigation of Transport Accidents reported that by September 2025, 22 aviation incidents were registered, fewer than during the same period in 2024.

“An incident is any event, other than an accident, related to the operation of an aircraft that affects or could affect operational safety. The current situation with aviation incidents remains within normal industry levels,” the department noted.

The three incidents in August involved Air Astana aircraft: two Airbus A321s (EI-KDB) and one Boeing 767-300 (EI-KEC). “According to Clause 99 of the rules, these events are classified as incidents and are subject to investigation by the aircraft operator. The operator will submit final reports to the department following the investigation,” the department added.
Separately, the Aero AT-3 R100 accident on August 17, which resulted in two fatalities, is under investigation.

“A commission has been established by the department to investigate this aviation accident,” officials said, noting that details of ongoing investigations are not disclosed until completion.

Regarding passenger safety and airline oversight, the CAC explained that during inspections, specialists check compliance with Kazakhstan’s aviation maintenance regulations. Airlines conduct maintenance according to CAC-approved programs, based on manufacturer regulations and expected operating conditions.
Under Article 86 of the Airspace Use Law, carriers must provide meals, drinks, and accommodation in case of delays or flight status changes. Failure to comply can result in administrative penalties under Article 567, Part 1, of the Administrative Offenses Code.
Meanwhile, social media users continue to share stories of unsettling flights and emergency returns, with many Kazakh passengers paying closer attention to airline safety records and fleet conditions before booking.