Air Astana comments on incident with Zuurakan Kadenova

Air Astana commented to 24.kg news agency on the incident at Incheon Airport (Seoul, Republic of Korea) with the participation of ex-deputy Minister of Labor and Social Development Zuurakan Kadenova.

According to the company, flight attendants of Seoul-Almaty flight during preparation of the aircraft for departure noticed that the passenger of the business class Zuurakan Kadenova «did not react to questions, and her physical condition did not allow her to fly.» For the safety of the flight, and also because of the risk of deterioration of the passenger’s health, a decision to refuse her transportation was made.

«Since Ms. Kadenova refused to leave the plane, the crew was forced to let off all passengers and conduct the second inspection. As a result of the incident, the flight was delayed for 1 hour 47 minutes. Zuurakan Kadenova flew the next day by KC 960. The airline is conducting an internal investigation to find out the details of the incident,» the company said.

Eyewitnesses, who were on board on that day, assure that the woman behaved inadequately and a smell of alcohol came from her.

Zuurakan Kadenova previously stated that she flew to South Korea, taking a work leave. She does not intend to appeal her dismissal in court. «This is a political decision. Even at the airport in Seoul, when I read the news, I was ready to resign,» she said.

The head of the profile ministry, Taalaigul Isakunova, has not yet reacted to the scandal with her subordinate.