Aircraft interference in Kazakhstan could mean a decade behind bars

Criminal liability for interfering with aircraft control, including deliberately pointing laser devices or unmanned aerial vehicles at aircraft, will come into force in Kazakhstan on September 14, 2025, according to the press service of the Ministry of Transport of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Report informs.

"This decision is aimed at preventing accidents that could endanger the lives and health of passengers and crew members. Violators in Kazakhstan will now be subject to criminal liability, including imprisonment," the ministry said in a statement.

The Ministry of Transport notes that interfering with aircraft control by pointing laser devices or UAVs at aircraft will be punishable by a fine or correctional labor, or community service for up to 200 hours, or arrest for up to 50 days.

For the same actions, which through negligence resulted in causing serious or moderate harm to a person's health or causing major damage, a fine or correctional labor in the same amount, or community service for up to 1,000 hours, or restriction of freedom for up to four years, or imprisonment for the same term is provided.

These acts, which through negligence resulted in the death of one person, are punishable by imprisonment for a term of three to eight years, the death of two or more persons - by imprisonment for a term of 6 to 10 years.