(9 January 2026 | Source: KazTAG)
In Kazakhstan, a prosecutor's investigation has begun into Air Astana and its low-cost subsidiary FlyArystan, following high-profile allegations of possible violations in the issuing of airline tickets.
The catalyst was publications on social media and in the media, which claim that discounted fares may have been used for the benefit of top management and their associates.
WHAT THE PROSECUTOR'S OFFICE SAID
As reported by the Main Transport Prosecutor's Office to journalists at KazTAG, information was published on social media about a criminal case concerning embezzlement and money laundering at Air Astana and FlyArystan. In connection with this, a demand has been sent to the Civil Aviation Committee to conduct an inspection of the airlines' activities.
The prosecutor's office clarified that the inspection is being carried out to assess the claims set out in the public materials. No further details have been disclosed at this stage.
BRIEF CONTEXT
Earlier, a figure in the criminal case at Air Astana and FlyArystan, Renat Abulkhanov, publicly stated his position, claiming that the issuing of airline tickets at discounted fares for relatives of top management and other individuals was carried out on the instructions of management of the airlines.
In support of his claims, his legal team published screenshots of correspondence, the authenticity of which has not been officially confirmed. The airline declined to comment, citing the ongoing investigation.
COMPANY RESPONSE
Air Astana stated that it would refrain from commenting until the investigation is complete. No public statements from FlyArystan had been received at the time of publication.