Kazakhstan's airline Air Astana announced the cancellation of all flights to the Middle East on February 28, following the closure of Iranian airspace amid escalating regional tensions. The restrictions were imposed after recent strikes by the United States and Israel targeting Iranian cities, including Tehran.
Several outbound flights from Almaty and Astana were affected, with some rerouted or diverted. For instance, flight KC899 from Almaty to Dubai was diverted to Delhi, and a FlyArystan flight from Aktau to Dubai was diverted to an alternate airport. The airline confirmed that all Middle Eastern flights scheduled for that day were canceled and is actively monitoring the situation to assist affected passengers with rebooking and refunds.
The closure of Iranian airspace has prompted airlines to reroute or suspend flights to mitigate security risks. Kazakhstan's Foreign Ministry issued travel advisories, urging citizens to avoid Iran and reassess travel plans to other Middle Eastern countries. Citizens currently in Iran were advised to leave if possible and follow security protocols. The ministry assured that Kazakh diplomatic missions in Iran continue to operate and provide assistance, including hotlines and consular support.
Air Astana emphasized that safety remains their top priority, and they are working to manage passenger evacuations and rebookings as needed. Travelers are advised to check their flight status regularly, with the airline offering free rebooking and refunds through March 6 for tickets purchased through official channels.
