Suggestions of foul play, as competition for control of airports intensifies in Russia and former republics

Published: 7/16/1999

The competition for control of airports within Russia and the former republics may have been illustrated in an incident in Kazakhstan when, during the night of July 9th 1999, the international terminal of Almaty airport burned for almost 8 hours. According to the Nezavisimaya Gazeta, all efforts failed to control the fire, which was exacerbated by strong winds. The two-storey building, including domestic arrival and departure halls, was almost completely destroyed. An adjacent small building, serving key international flights and flights to Astana, was unharmed. When the fire started, only 150 passengers were waiting for flights. These were evacuated without casualties. According to some reports, the fire may have been caused by a short circuit in the restaurant. However, rumours are rife of possible arson. Almaty is one of only two international airports in Central Asia. For several years, it has been the source of friction between rival clans and groups. Until March 1999, it was managed by a consortium, which also owned a number of Kazakh oil and mining enterprises. In late March, the airport was unexpectedly declared bankrupt, with debts estimated by the Transport Ministry at more than $51m. This was surprising, because the airport was considered to have improved its operational management to meet international standards. Moreover, police escorted the consortium management out of the airport offices. Levels of service and standards of equipment subsequently deteriorated. Now, it has been razed to the ground. Preliminary estimates calculate the loss to be $2.4m. For the time being, domestic flights are serviced by the city's air terminal, and the international flights are continuing. But the damaged building is beyond repair.

Article ID: 683