Almaty airport warns passengers of disruptions
Tengrinews.kz - Almaty International Airport has warned passengers about possible disruptions due to heavy snowfall.
The airport announced that restrictions have been imposed on flight services as weather conditions deteriorate. The intense snowfall is making it difficult for ground services to operate.
"Restrictions have been introduced on de-icing services due to the intensity of the snowfall. All airport services are operating in an enhanced mode, taking all necessary measures to minimize delays and restore normal operations. We ask passengers to check the current status of their flights on the official websites of the airport and airlines before departure. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation," the airport's corporate communications department stated.
De-icing is the process of removing ice and snow from aircraft surfaces. The airport explained that while de-icing is necessary in freezing temperatures, heavy snowfall reduces the effectiveness of the anti-icing fluid. In such conditions, de-icing is prohibited, and aircraft are not allowed to take off.
Passengers are advised to stay updated and travel safely.
Earlier, Kazhydromet reported that on January 21-22, Kazakhstan would be affected by a northwestern cyclone, bringing snow, blizzards, rain, and strong winds of up to 30 meters per second or more, particularly in the east and south. A cold anticyclone is expected to follow, causing a sharp drop in temperatures—down to -25°C to -35°C in the north and -15°C to -25°C in the south.