OREANDA-NEWS. December 07, 2010. The national air carrier announces the termination of flights from the capital city of Kazakhstan to Petropavlovsk with effect from 8th December due to the deficiency of fire and rescue services at Petropavlovsk airport, reported the press-centre of Air Astana.

According to a safety and quality audit conducted in November 2010, the airport fire fighting and emergency rescue medical services are inadequate in terms of Kazakhstan Regulations (Kazakhstan Regulation/Order Nr. 4 from 07 January 1999 and Appendix-10 to the order СAC RoK dated 26 October 2004 Nr. 203). Previous quality assurance audits by the airline at Petrapavlovsk airport recommended and strongly urged the airport management to address the shortcomings, but the situation has not improved. While the most significant shortcomings detected at Petrapavlovsk airport are inadequate number of firefighters, serviceability of fire fighting equipment and the lack of any medical emergency services at the airport other deficiencies, as noted and reported to the airport and the Regulator, also influenced the decision to terminate flights to Petropavlovsk.

"Flight safety is the priority of our company that is why the airline with the utmost seriousness refers to the preparedness of airports for any emergency situation. We bring our most sincere apologies to customers for the inconvenience, and hope that the top management of the airport will take the necessary measures where upon we will continue our flights from Astana to Petrapavlovsk," commented Peter Foster, the President of Air Astana.

The airline will reconsider resuming service on the route Astana – Petrapavlovsk on March 31st, 2011, if all inconsistencies presently existing at Petrapavlovsk airport will be removed.

Almaty – Petropavlovsk destination was opened in November 24th, 2004. Since its opening the airline carried 72, 241 passengers. Flights were carried on Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays on Fokker-50.

For information considering returning tickets, please contact the agency where you purchased ticket or Air Astana Customer Relations.