In brief
Investigations into the Azerbaijan Airlines crash raise allegations of external interference, as the airline suspends flights to multiple Russian cities.
Azerbaijan Airlines has released preliminary findings attributing the December 25 plane crash in Kazakhstan to "physical and technical external interference." The tragic incident resulted in the deaths of 38 individuals when its Embraer aircraft failed to reach Aktau airport, crashing and igniting just 3 kilometers from the runway. The aircraft had initially aimed for Grozny airport but was diverted amid reports of an explosion.The head of Russia's civil aviation authority informed that conditions in Grozny were precarious due to attacks by Ukrainian drones, resulting in a closed-skies directive over the area. He indicated that this protocol was set to ensure immediate clearance of all aircraft from Grozny, especially under adverse weather conditions. Despite these claims, Azerbaijan Airlines shied away from explicitly blaming Russia, possibly to maintain diplomatic relations.Azerbaijani aviation experts speculate that fragments from Russian air-defense missiles could have struck the plane, damaging its hydraulic systems. A survivor flight attendant recounted how "external strikes" caused chaos in the cabin, leading to injuries and panic among passengers.In reaction to the crash, Azerbaijan Airlines has halted services to seven Russian cities, particularly focusing on safety concerns, while previously suspending flights to Grozny and Makhachkala. Simultaneously, Israel's El Al has ceased operations to Moscow due to airspace developments. Ukrainian officials are calling for accountability from Russia, while the Kremlin has remained silent on the allegations against its air defense systems.As investigations unfold, vigils have been held in Azerbaijan to honor the deceased pilots credited for averting a more catastrophic outcome. Kazakhstan’s authorities are cooperating on the investigation, but have not disclosed specific details, prompting Azerbaijan to seek an international inquiry rather than one led by the Commonwealth of Independent States.Kazakhstan Aviation accidents and incidents Azerbaijan Russia
