Hefty fine or jail: These words can’t be said at the airport
According to the airport’s press service, even jokingly saying words like “bomb,” “terrorist attack,” or “shooting” can lead to criminal charges.
"According to the airport police unit, 20 such incidents were recorded in the capital's airport in just the first six months of 2025. In one case, a passenger was sentenced to three years in prison," the statement said.
The press service emphasized that under Article 273 of Kazakhstan’s Criminal Code, knowingly making a false report about a terrorist act or other security threat carries serious penalties:
A fine of up to 5,000 monthly calculation indices (about 20 million tenge)
Compulsory community service
Imprisonment for up to five years
“Even a comment made in jest can have serious consequences: the passenger is immediately removed from the flight, subjected to additional screening, departure may be delayed, and the individual is handed over to airport police, where a formal investigation is launched,” airport representatives added.
They stressed that any mention of a potential threat activates the entire airport response system.
“Aviation security is our absolute priority. Any reference to a threat triggers a strict response protocol. This is not just a formality — it’s a set of real actions aimed at protecting passengers and staff,” the press service stated.
The airport urged travelers to remain vigilant, polite, and responsible in what they say — especially during the busy holiday season, when travel volumes are high and enforcement is stricter than usual.
Despite ongoing warnings from aviation and transport authorities, incidents involving reckless remarks or “jokes” about threats continue to make headlines. Some have resulted not just in fines but in actual prison sentences.
In one recent case, a 30-year-old passenger at Astana Airport responded “yes” when asked the routine check-in question about carrying prohibited items. He later claimed it was a joke — but security took his comment seriously. A threat protocol was initiated, and although evacuation wasn’t required, the man was charged with petty hooliganism and held accountable.