Centrum Air Kazan–Tashkent Flight Delayed 27 Hours: Why Were 214 Passengers Stranded?

A flight operated by Centrum Air on the Kazan–Tashkent route was delayed by more than 27 hours, leaving over 200 travelers stranded. The incident began on December 21 at Kazan International Airport in Russia. The Uzbekistani carrier attributed the significant delay to a technical malfunction on the aircraft.

The 27-Hour Passenger Stranding

The flight was originally scheduled to depart at 9:30 a.m. local time on December 21. According to a statement from the airline, a technical fault was found in the aircraft’s wheel. This issue led to the initial postponement of the flight.

Throughout the day, the departure time was changed multiple times. Passengers reported receiving inconsistent information from the airline's representatives. The flight was eventually rescheduled for the following day, December 22, after the technical repair proved difficult and mandatory crew rest requirements came into effect.

Technical and Regulatory Hurdles

Centrum Air stated that replacing the aircraft wheel was a time-consuming process. The airline specifically cited aviation sanctions impact on Russia as a factor complicating the repair. The sanctions restrict the supply of certified spare parts and maintenance services for Western-made aircraft, such as the Airbus A320 family, which the airline operates on this route. The difficulty in securing parts can force airlines to use complex, indirect import routes or resort to other measures, raising safety concerns across the industry.

Even after the technical issue was addressed, the rescheduled flight faced further delays. The flight scheduled for 7:30 a.m. on December 22 did not depart on time. The 214 passengers were boarded at 9:20 a.m. but then waited on the aircraft for over three additional hours. This final delay was reportedly due to Russian authorities not granting clearance for the flight.

In total, the 27-hour passenger stranding meant travelers were at the airport from 9:00 a.m. on December 21 until 12:30 p.m. on December 22. The aircraft eventually departed later that afternoon, according to available commercial aviation news reports.

Airline Response and Compensation

Centrum Air provided updates via its official Telegram channel. The company acknowledged the situation at Kazan International Airport and stated measures were taken to support the affected passengers. The airline confirmed that water and hot meals were provided to the stranded travelers. Requests were also submitted to accommodate all 214 passengers in local hotels, though many reportedly declined the offer.

As a form of airline passenger compensation, Centrum Air offered a package to those affected by the significant delay. This package included:

• A promo code providing a 25 percent discount on future flights.
• Free seat selection for the next booking.
• An additional baggage allowance.

This incident highlights the operational challenges faced by carriers flying into Russia. The long delay underscores the complex logistics of maintenance and repair when Western supply chains are restricted. Airlines must balance passenger experience with stringent international crew rest requirements and regulatory approvals, especially in challenging operational environments.