Kazakhstan domestic flight diverts due to severe weather

A SCAT Airlines flight travelling from Almaty to Shymkent was forced to divert to an alternate airport after encountering severe weather conditions near its destination, according to the airline.

The domestic flight was redirected to Taraz as thunderstorms, heavy rain, and strong winds affected the Shymkent area, Caliber.Az reports via Kazakh media. 

Passengers reported that the aircraft encountered intense turbulence approximately 15 minutes before its scheduled landing. According to accounts from those on board, the plane flew through a severe thunderstorm accompanied by lightning and powerful wind gusts, causing concern among passengers.

SCAT Airlines said the flight crew decided to divert as a precaution due to thunderstorm activity, heavy rainfall, wind gusts reaching up to 24 metres per second (86 km/h or 53 mph), and the potential for sudden wind shifts near the airport.

After weather conditions improved, the aircraft departed from Taraz and continued to its original destination.

The airline said the flight landed safely in Shymkent, and no injuries were reported.

By Sabina Mammadli