Air Astana’s Ulaanbaatar flight launch halted by regulator

Tuesday, 20 May, 2016 0

Air Astana’s planned launch of flights to Ulaanbaatar have been abruptly cancelled after permission was revoked by the Civil Aviation Authority of Mongolia (CAAM).

The service was due to begin on June 2, 2016.

In a statement Air Astana said the Air Services Agreement between the Kazakhstan and the Mongolia was signed in 1992 with a Memorandum of Understanding detailing the number of flights to be operated between the two countries inked in 2014.

CAAM granted permission to start flights in March 2016, the airline said, and then suddenly withdrew approval in April ‘without any valid grounds.’

The Air Services Agreement explicitly details grounds for denial of service, but none of these apply to Air Astana.

The Mongolian regulator has not reversed this decision despite efforts by Kazakhstan government officials and Air Astana itself, and Kazakhstan says Mongolia is in breach of intergovernmental air services protocol and plans to take up the matter with the ICAO Council.

Air Astana ‘deeply regrets the inconvenience caused to its passengers for reasons beyond its best efforts and control,’ and is contacting all affected passengers with confirmed bookings, it said.

below social share icons

TravelMole Editorial Team

Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.

Discover Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach, also known as the Charlotte Harbor Gulf Island Coast. This natural wonderland is nestled in the...

Take your clients’ vacation to the next level at Universal Orlando Resort™. With three amazing theme parks – Universal Studios...

We understand the importance of personal touch We do things a bit differently at Eventsquid. We know that we could...

MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM) is an S&P 500® global entertainment company with national and international locations featuring best-in-class hotels...

Welcome to Qatar Airways Qatar Airways is proud to be one of the youngest global airlines to serve all...

From the beginning, ATI’s philosophy has been “innovation, not duplication.“ Developing specialized technology solutions to connect over 30,000 accommodation, attracti...

Our Mission Ecommerce has transformative powers, and we believe everyone should be able to take part. But outdated solutions and...

City Cruises is a leading operator of sightseeing, dining and charter services operating in London, York and Poole. We offer...

Palladium Hotel Group is a renowned Spanish hotel chain that first emerged towards the end of the 1960s. Currently present...

NSW, Australia Welcome to New South Wales – a place to feel free, feel alive, feel new. As the official...

Since its launch in 1999, TravelMole.com has become, one of the largest global online travel industry communities. It is comprised...

Arival advances the business of creating amazing in-destination experiences. We provide events, insights, and community for creators and sellers of...

Home to America’s Best Beaches, a vibrant arts community and amazing outdoor experiences, St. Pete/Clearwater is a sunny destination that...

Hilton is a leading global hospitality company with a portfolio of 22 world-class brands comprising nearly 7,300 properties and more than 1.1 million rooms, in...

Greater Fort Lauderdale’s assortment of adventures awaits you. Whether you want to relax on the beach as the sound of...

Located in the Mediterranean and connecting Asia and European continents that are separated by the famous Bosphorus, Türkiye is a...

This is Jersey. An island shaped by the sea where some of the most astonishing tides in the world circle...

The Oregon Tourism Commission, dba Travel Oregon, works to enhance visitors’ experiences by providing information, resources and trip planning tools...