An Air Astana flight from Almaty to London carrying 138 passengers was diverted to Frankfurt after London Heathrow Airport was closed, forcing the airline to cancel the onward flight.

Flight KC663 was rerouted to Frankfurt, where passengers are being assisted by Air Astana representatives and ground staff, according to Qazinform.

The airline said Heathrow would remain closed through the night and that the flight’s departure to London has been preliminarily rescheduled for 09:25 UTC the following morning.

The disruption has created additional difficulties for passengers at Frankfurt Airport. Sixty-seven of 138 passengers do not hold valid Schengen visas, meaning they must remain within the airport’s transit zone until they can continue their journey.

Air Astana said passengers have been provided with meal vouchers, while staff are working to arrange hotel accommodation for those permitted to leave the airport. Food, drinks and other necessary assistance are also being provided during the delay.

The airline emphasized that passenger and crew safety and comfort remain its highest priority as it works to manage the disruption and resume the journey to London.