Air Astana aircraft circles airport, returns to Vietnam on way to Kazakhstan

An Air Astana aircraft operating a flight from Vietnam to Kazakhstan was forced to return to its departure airport on the morning of December 26 due to a technical malfunction, according to reports circulating on social media and confirmed by the airline.

As reported by Kazakh media, information first appeared online indicating that the aircraft had taken off from Vietnam but was unable to continue its journey. A post published on the Telegram channel Kozachkov offside said the Airbus circled Phu Quoc airport for an extended period after takeoff before landing.

“Our compatriots have been waiting at the airport for more than two hours. They were preliminarily informed that they would depart for Kazakhstan at night,” the post stated.

Air Astana later confirmed the incident, explaining that the aircraft operating Flight KC 162 on the Phu Quoc–Almaty route returned to the departure airport due to a technical issue involving “a malfunction of all lavatories.”

“The aircraft took off at 10:04 and landed safely at 14:14 local time. Repair work is currently underway. The flight has been postponed until 04:00 local time on December 27. Hot meals and beverages have been provided. The airline is addressing passenger transfer and hotel accommodation. Air Astana apologises for the flight delay,” the airline said in a statement.

By Tamilla Hasanova