In Kazakhstan, a pensioner was removed from a plane for a joke about a bomb

In Kazakhstan, a pensioner was removed from a plane for a joke about a bomb. The incident occurred on September 3 at Almaty airport, after a passenger on the Almaty–Aktau flight spoke about having a bomb in his luggage.

According to the police, officers of the Transport Police Department of Almaty airport removed the passenger from the flight at the request of FlyArystan airline.

This was prompted by the passenger's remark: "Is there lead or a bomb in this bag?" Following this, transport police and aviation security officers intervened in the situation. They searched the passenger and his luggage.

"No prohibited items or explosive substances were found," the Transport Police Department reported.

It was noted that no evacuation of people was carried out at the airport. The airport continued to operate as usual.

Additionally, a female passenger explained the reason for the flight delay. According to her, an elderly passenger on board the aircraft uttered a word starting with the letter "B" which is assessed as a threat to aviation security.

According to the woman, the conversation was about a heavy bag. The crew noticed this remark by the passenger, after which the captain of the aircraft intervened in the process.

The female passenger emphasized that the flight attendants acted in accordance with instructions and performed their duties.

The passenger was held accountable

According to the police, the man was charged with petty hooliganism. The case files will be sent to court for an appropriate decision. The Transport Police Department urged passengers not to use such words, even as a joke.

"We call on citizens to realize the seriousness of such statements and to refrain from 'jokes' that can lead to criminal liability and negative consequences for the offender themselves and those around them," the department's statement said.

According to Astana airport, Article 273 of the Criminal Code of Kazakhstan provides for strict measures for knowingly sending a false report about terrorism or other security threats, including:

A fine of up to 5,000 times the monthly calculation index; corrective labor;

Imprisonment for up to 5 years.

The threatening statement was made while the plane was at the airport. Passengers were immediately evacuated.