Emergency and security personnel at the site of the plane crash near Almaty, Kazakhstan, on Friday, December 27, 2019. Pavel Mikheyev / Reuters
Emergency and security personnel at the site of the plane crash near Almaty, Kazakhstan, on Friday, December 27, 2019. Pavel Mikheyev / Reuters

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Passengers who lost their lives in Almaty plane crash deserve justice

Our readers have their say on the Kazakhstan tragedy, gender equality, and the trick to saving money and getting fit

Letters to the Editor

December 28, 2019

With regard to your report Kazakhstan plane crash: 12 killed as Bek Air flight comes down after take-off (December 27): this aircraft should not have been allowed to fly.

The company should be held accountable for the lives lost.

Elvis Nzengung N, Limbe, Cameroon

This is an example of blame culture, instead of a just culture that ICAO follows. The president is quoted as saying “those responsible” will be severely punished in accordance with the law.” Just investigate in an unbiased manner and find the cause and fix it if it was an error.

David W Blandford, Al Ain

I am so sorry to hear this. My thoughts and prayers are with all those who are grieving.

Carolyn Hoss, Consett, UK

Gender equality should be a reality, not a mythical, textbook concept

With regard to Tahira Yaqoob's op-ed From 'Lean In' to #MeToo: this was the decade that redefined how we talk about women (December 26): the piece on the darts player cum British hairdresser Fallon Sherrock was meaningful and thought-provoking. As the article nicely articulated, despite women's domination in all areas, including sports, gender equality still evades us. The writer skillfully demonstrated that not only is this reality sad but also painful. Good one.

K Ragavan, Bengaluru

Thanks to the UAE: humanitarian aid sent makes a difference

With regard to Nick Webster's report UAE distributed Dh28 billion in global aid last year, new figures reveal (December 26): thank you to the UAE government for caring for humanity. Thank you for the generosity.

Mohd Ibrahim, Hargeisa, Somaliland

A straightforward approach to saving money and getting healthy

With reference to the piece by Zach Holz How overhauling my diet helped me save 'a tonne' of money (December 27): getting off delivery apps had the opposite effect on my finances. I spend much more on healthy food than I spent on Popeyes and Pizza Hut. I am, however, much healthier than I was.

Beverly Newell, Abu Dhabi

Tourists and residents will love it if food and culture could be merged

With regard to Janice Rodrigues's piece New Oman platform connects tourists with local families over home-cooked meals (December 27): come on UAE, get going on this one. Visitors (and expats) want genuine cultural experiences with real people. Love this.

Annie Madden, Abu Dhabi

Know before you go
  • Jebel Akhdar is a two-hour drive from Muscat airport or a six-hour drive from Dubai. It’s impossible to visit by car unless you have a 4x4. Phone ahead to the hotel to arrange a transfer.
  • If you’re driving, make sure your insurance covers Oman.
  • By air: Budget airlines Air Arabia, Flydubai and SalamAir offer direct routes to Muscat from the UAE.
  • Tourists from the Emirates (UAE nationals not included) must apply for an Omani visa online before arrival at evisa.rop.gov.om. The process typically takes several days.
  • Flash floods are probable due to the terrain and a lack of drainage. Always check the weather before venturing into any canyons or other remote areas and identify a plan of escape that includes high ground, shelter and parking where your car won’t be overtaken by sudden downpours.