(9 January 2026 | Source: Telegram channel Nege.Aqsha)
The defendant in a criminal case concerning a major shortfall at Air Astana Renat Abulkhanov has publicly set out his position, claiming that he was following the airline management's orders. According to him, requests for issuing airline tickets at reduced fares were made for the relatives of top managers and other individuals.
WHAT ABULKHANOV SAID
Abulkhanov's statement was published on the social network Threads and shared by the Telegram channel Nege.Aqsha. In it, he claims that attempts are being made to falsely accuse him of instructing the issuance of discounted tickets, rebooking without penalties, and overbooking for criminal purposes.
According to Abulkhanov, the investigation failed to consider that such requests came to him from the airline's top management. He also states that during the court proceedings, a witness confirmed the issuance of tickets at cheap fares for the wife of the President of Air Astana, as well as members of her family.
CORRESPONDENCE PUBLISHED BY THE DEFENCE
In support of his claims, Abulkhanov's lawyers published screenshots of correspondence which contain requests for assistance with airline tickets for officials, law enforcement representatives, and private individuals. The messages also discuss opening cheap fares at specific times so that certain people could purchase tickets.
The authenticity of the correspondence has not been officially confirmed. Its procedural status within the case files is not clarified in open sources.
WHAT WAS PREVIOUSLY KNOWN ABOUT THE CASE
Journalist Mikhail Kozachkov reported on the detention of the first defendants in the criminal case in December 2024. According to his information, an audit revealed a shortfall of over 1 billion tenge at Air Astana, after which the carrier's representatives contacted law enforcement.
Kozachkov wrote that as part of the investigation, three FlyArystan employees were arrested, including Renat Abulkhanov, who held the position of director of the route network planning and revenue management department.
ADDITIONAL CONTEXT
In October 2025, Mikhail Kozachkov also reported that one of the suspects in the case had publicly presented himself as a private investor and promoted a venture fund. According to the investigation, the defendants may have invested funds in various businesses, displaying a high level of income to avoid questions about its origin.
THE AIRLINE'S POSITION
Journalists approached Air Astana for comment, but the company stated that it is refraining from comment until the investigation is concluded.
WHY THIS CASE CAUSED A STIR
The publication of Abulkhanov's statement attracted attention due to allegations about the possible misuse of official position by the airline's management. If the stated facts are confirmed, the question of responsibility could extend beyond rank-and-file employees.
The final legal assessment of the case's circumstances must be made by the court. At the time of publication, no verdict has been reached in the case.