On the evening of March 14, 2024, Almaty Airport suspended operations due to a snowstorm with strong winds. Several hours later, flights were announced to resume at the air hub. However, on March 15, hundreds of passengers still awaited their planes.
According to the airport's website, 17 departures and 33 arrivals were delayed. Eyewitnesses shared videos of the crowded airport, with many passengers sitting on the floor.
The airport's press service provided a statement, mentioning that the entire shift was reinforced, and all special equipment was utilized for full operation.
"Almaty International Airport reports that due to severe weather conditions, flight delays occurred. After stabilizing the situation, the airport resumed aircraft servicing with de-icing equipment on a first-come, first-served basis. All special equipment and an augmented shift were involved in the operation," stated the airport's press service.
As de-icing procedures for previously delayed flights were prioritized, arriving aircraft had to wait for parking spaces to clear.
"All passenger boarding bridges were utilized. Reports of insufficient boarding bridges are inaccurate," clarified the airport's press service.
A similar situation was witnessed at the airport on February 16, 2024, also due to inclement weather.
