Moscow–Astana flight takes detour as blizzard batters city

A flight from Moscow to Astana was forced to divert to an alternate airport on December 15 after severe weather struck the Kazakh capital.

The press service of Astana Airport informed that between 13:30 and 14:10 local time, a cyclone passed over the airport area, sharply reducing visibility to around 200 metres, Caliber.Az reports per Kazakh media.

“The weather disruption affected two flights during this period. The situation is now stabilising, and airport services are operating normally,” the statement said.

Passengers have been advised to check the latest flight information with airlines or via the airport’s online display boards.

According to the airport, the Moscow–Astana flight was diverted to a reserve airport in Omsk, while the Astana–Almaty flight was delayed, awaiting improved weather conditions.

Meteorologists have forecast snow and blizzard conditions in Astana over the coming days.

By Aghakazim Guliyev